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Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

D. B Short, A. Sirinterlikci, P. Badger and B. Artieri

This study aims to investigate the potential impacts of rapid prototyping systems on the health and safety of operators and the environment, a growing concern given its…

2213

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential impacts of rapid prototyping systems on the health and safety of operators and the environment, a growing concern given its wide-spread use in industry and academia.

Design/methodology/approach

Materials, processing and equipment features were used to identify potential health and safety risks and hazards, as well as environmental effects.

Findings

The study concludes with a “best practices” guide for rapid prototyping laboratories and service bureaus.

Originality/value

A thorough literature search revealed that Stephen M. Deak, the Rapid Prototyping Department Manager at Hasbro Inc., is the pioneer of the safety and health concerns in the rapid prototyping area. He is the only person to publish papers in this field in addition to these authors’ recent publications. His papers focused on the rapid prototyping laboratory safety guidelines and safe work practices in the rapid prototyping area.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Charles Hull, Michael Feygin, Yehudah Baron, Roy Sanders, Emanuel Sachs, Allan Lightman and Terry Wohlers

Recent developments in rapid prototyping provide evidence of the maturing of some areas of application. New applications continue to surface and new systems/processes are being…

2751

Abstract

Recent developments in rapid prototyping provide evidence of the maturing of some areas of application. New applications continue to surface and new systems/processes are being introduced on a regular basis. The Fifth International Conference on Rapid Prototyping (Dayton, Ohio, 1994) provided an opportunity to bring together leaders in the commercial development and application of RP technology and to hear their perspectives on the current capabilities and future directions. A “Manufacturers round table” provided the forum for the audience to submit questions. Relates participants’ responses.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Preston G. Smith

Rapid prototypes will gain acceptance in business only to the extent that they provide bottom‐line business value. Thus, this paper guides engineers wishing to “sell” rapid

18115

Abstract

Rapid prototypes will gain acceptance in business only to the extent that they provide bottom‐line business value. Thus, this paper guides engineers wishing to “sell” rapid prototyping in helping them to operate from a business perspective. Presuming that the relative value of rapid prototypes is in their speed, I show how to identify, quantify and exploit timesaving opportunities by using rapid prototypes to greatly shorten product development cycles. The article first illustrates how to calculate the cost of delay for a development project so that we have a means of measuring the business value of the time saved. Then I show where to look for leveraged time‐savings that will yield greater benefit than just the time saved directly in building the prototype faster. By addressing associated process and cultural change issues, the paper guides the rapid prototyper in setting up an environment in which the identified business advantage will actually be realized after the new system is installed.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2000

Bahattin Koc, Yawei Ma and Yuan‐Shin Lee

Presents a method of Max‐Fit biarc curve fitting technique to improve the accuracy of STL files and to reduce the file size for rapid prototyping. STL file has been widely…

1363

Abstract

Presents a method of Max‐Fit biarc curve fitting technique to improve the accuracy of STL files and to reduce the file size for rapid prototyping. STL file has been widely accepted as a de facto standard file format for the rapid prototyping industry. However, STL format is an approximated representation of a true solid/surface model, and a huge amount of STL data is needed to provide sufficient accuracy for rapid prototyping. Presents a Max‐Fit biarc curve fitting technique to reconstruct STL slicing data for rapid prototyping. The Max‐Fit algorithm progresses through the STL slicing intersection points to find the most efficient biarc curve fitting, while improving the accuracy. Our results show that the proposed biarc curve‐fitting technique can significantly improve the accuracy of poorly generated STL files by smoothing the intersection points for rapid prototyping. Therefore, less strict requirements (i.e. loose triangle tolerances) can be used while generating the STL files.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2015

S. Sikder, A. Barari and H.A. Kishawy

This paper aims to propose a global adaptive direct slicing technique of Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS)-based sculptured surface for rapid prototyping where the NURBS…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a global adaptive direct slicing technique of Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS)-based sculptured surface for rapid prototyping where the NURBS representation is directly extracted from the computer-aided design (CAD) model. The imported NURBS surface is directly sliced to avoid inaccuracies due to tessellation methods used in common practice. The major objective is to globally optimize texture error function based on the available range of layer thicknesses of the utilized rapid prototyping machine. The total texture error is computed with the defined error function to verify slicing efficiency of this global adaptive slicing algorithm and to find the optimum number of slices. A variety of experiments are conducted to study the accuracy of the developed procedure, and the results are compared with previously developed algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a new adaptive algorithm which globally optimizes a texture error function produced by staircase effect for a user-defined number of layers. The adaptive slicing algorithm dynamically calculates optimized slicing thicknesses based on the rapid prototyping machine’s specifications to minimize the texture error function. This paper also compares the results of implementing the developed methodology with the results of previously developed algorithms and presents cost-effective optimum slicing layer thicknesses.

Findings

A new methodology for global adaptive direct slicing algorithm of CAD models, based on a texture error function for the final product and the possible layer thicknesses in rapid prototyping, has been developed and implemented. Comparing the results of implementation with the common practice for several case studies shows that the proposed approach has greater slicing efficiency. Typically, by utilizing this approach, the number of prototyping layers can be reduced by 20-50 per cent compared to the slicing with other algorithms, while maintaining or improving the accuracy of the final manufactured surfaces. Therefore, the developed slicing method provides a better solution to trade-off between the rapid prototyping time and the rapid prototyping accuracy. For the many advantages of global direct slicing, it can be seen as the future solution to the slicing process in rapid prototyping systems.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach in direct global adaptive slicing of the additive manufacturing parts. The novel definition of an error function which comprehensively addresses the resulting manufactured surface quality of the entire product allows presenting an objective function to solve and to find the optimum selection of all the layer thicknesses during the slicing process.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2016

Siohong Tih, Kok-Kee Wong, Gary S. Lynn and Richard R. Reilly

Rapid prototyping can potentially accelerate the entire process of new product development (NPD), enabling a high level of customer involvement and hence new product success…

2200

Abstract

Purpose

Rapid prototyping can potentially accelerate the entire process of new product development (NPD), enabling a high level of customer involvement and hence new product success (NPS). This study aims to examine the relationship between prototyping and NPS, and the moderating effect of customer involvement, as well as the influence of speed of information dissemination on customer involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using the survey method through structured questionnaires. The key participants were management and team leaders from technology-based companies.

Findings

The results indicate that prototyping positively correlates with NPS, particularly when customer involvement is high. The speed of information dissemination, both from customers and on competitive products, has a positive impact on customer involvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited by the undefined development stage of the prototype when offered for customer feedback. Future studies could focus on how customer involvement at each stage of prototype development affects NPS through a moderating effect.

Practical implications

The study confirms that investing in prototyping equipment for NPD increases the probability of NPS. Information capturing customers’ views and on competitive products in the market should be shared among the NPD teams. This could encourage better sharing of opinions and perceptions with customers about whether new products meet their wishes and expectations.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that customer involvement moderates the relationship between prototyping and NPS. The degree of customer involvement depended on the speed of response of the customers themselves and on how well competitive product information was disseminated within the NPD team.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1996

Syed H. Masood

Explains that fused deposition modelling is a rapid prototyping technology by which physical objects are created directly from a CAD model using layer by layer deposition of…

3489

Abstract

Explains that fused deposition modelling is a rapid prototyping technology by which physical objects are created directly from a CAD model using layer by layer deposition of extruded material. The technology offers the potential of producing parts accurately in a wide range of materials safely and quickly. In using this technology, the designer is often confronted with a host of conflicting options including achieving desired accuracy, optimizing building time and cost and fulfilling functionality requirements. Presents a methodology for resolving these problems through the development of an intelligent rapid prototyping syste integrating distributed blackboard technologies with different knowledge based systems and feature based design technologies.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1989

Kaj Grønbæk

Discusses experiences on the development and use of horizontal andvertical prototypes. Explains the difference. Resolves that horizontalprototypes can be developed with ′little…

Abstract

Discusses experiences on the development and use of horizontal and vertical prototypes. Explains the difference. Resolves that horizontal prototypes can be developed with ′little effort′, but end users are reluctant to become involved in the development process. Contrastingly resolves that vertical prototypes appear to stimulate constructive response. Reasons that developers should be aware of the tacit knowledge which plays an important part in users′ work practices and should be involved early in the development process. Proposes three techniques to meet the requirements – participation, simulation and evaluation.

Details

Office Technology and People, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0167-5710

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2011

Qian Bo, Zhang Lichao, Shi Yusheng and Liu Guocheng

In stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping, the support can constrain the model deformation and avoid a lot of problems such as collapse, shift, and imbalance of the model. The support…

Abstract

Purpose

In stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping, the support can constrain the model deformation and avoid a lot of problems such as collapse, shift, and imbalance of the model. The support automatic generation algorithm has become the key research of rapid prototyping technics software; however, presently the efficiency of support automatic generation algorithm is low, and its algorithm is complex. Thus, it is of great importance in improving the overall efficiency of rapid prototyping technics software through enhancing the support generation efficiency. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this, this paper proposes a discrete‐marking support algorithm for treatment of processing on manufactured part model of all triangle‐based discrete‐marking on the support plane, which realizes the three‐dimensional computation of intersection for each line associated with the triangle automatically, and avoid invalid computation between all the support lines and other triangles.

Findings

The algorithm efficiency has reached O(n). Meanwhile, the technics support generation speed has been improved. Furthermore, the new mesh discrete‐marking and automatic support generation algorithm has been successfully applied to the sterolithography apparatus and selective laser melting of HRPS series.

Practical implications

Practical application indicates that the new support generation algorithm based on discrete‐marking considerably improves the support technics efficiency and stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping efficiency of the technics software.

Originality/value

The research presents a Noval support fast generation algorithm based on discrete‐marking in stereolithgraphy rapid prototyping.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2004

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology, the physical modeling of a design using digitally driven additive processes is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on…

Abstract

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology, the physical modeling of a design using digitally driven additive processes is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on manufacturing industry and the way products are modeled, prototyped, tooled and even manufactured.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

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