Keywords
Citation
Cooper, K.G. (2001), "Rapid Prototyping Technology: Selection and Application", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 358-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.21.4.358.1
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Rapid Prototyping Technology presents manufacturing technologies that use computer‐driven data to build parts in an additive fashion, by growing slices of a material from the bottom to the top of the part.
The book comprises 23 chapters divided into four units, and three appendices. Chapter 1 defines rapid prototyping and its origins and goes on to discuss where rapid prototyping fits into a typical manufacturing design process. The following six chapters combine to form Unit I, the first part of the book that addresses concept modelers. Also know as office modelers, these are a class of small, inexpensive and quiet rapid prototyping system to be used as a three‐dimensional printer in a design office environment. Chapters included discuss the JP‐System 5, ballistic particle manufacturing, the model maker series, multijet modelling, 3D printing (Z402 system), and the Genisys Desktop Modeler.
Unit II, functional modelers, contains seven chapters that present rapid prototyping systems that build larger, more accurate and more durable parts than the office modeler systems. These are usually larger and more expensive systems that are more suitable for the shop floor or laboratory. The systems presented include fused desposition modeling, laminated object manufacturing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, laser engineered net shaping, the pro‐metal system, and other functional rapid prototyping processes.
Secondary rapid prototyping applications are addressed in Unit III and include five chapters discussing castings processes, rapid tooling, reverse engineering and two case studies, respectively. Chapters 20 to 23 (Unit IV), analyse international rapid prototyping systems available in Israel, Japan, Europe and China.
Three appendices are also included and contain a rapid prototyping system cross‐reference chart, a discussion of the direction of the rapid prototyping industry, and a list of recommended rapid prototyping publications.
Overall, Rapid Prototyping Technology is a superbly written reference text which is both informative and pleasurable to read. The different rapid prototyping systems available worldwide are presented in a coherent manner that makes this book suitable for students, managers and professional engineers.