What is Rapid Prototyping | What is the rapid prototyping meaning in additive manufacturing

What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid Prototyping is a method of manufacture the physical 3-D product in layers from CAD data files.

Steps in rapid prototyping:-

Steps-1) Create 3-D Cad Model

Steps-2) Convert the CAD file to STL file

Steps-3) Slicing of STL file

Steps-4) Built part in layer by layer

Steps-5) Post-Processing ( Cleaning, Finishing )

Different types of rapid prototyping process:-

1. As per use of powder material:-

• a) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• b) Laser powder forming
• c) 3-D Printing

2. As per use of liquid material:-

• a) Stereolithography
• b) Polyjet Modeling

3. As per use of solid material:-

• a) Fused Deposition Modeling
• b) Laminated Objet Manufacturing

Benefits of rapid prototyping:-

• 1) Reduces loss of material.
• 2) Different shapes part can be made.

Disadvantages of rapid prototyping:-

1. For the Precise product, Costly rapid prototyping machines are required.
2. Skilled labours are requires to operate the Rapid Prototyping system.