Rapid Prototyping in Mechanical Engineering Projects

Rapid Prototyping in Mechanical Engineering Projects ==================================================================================== Are you interested in the universe of Rapid Prototype Tooling? Currently, the use of rapid prototyping of parts is very frequent in industries such as the automotive industry or aeronautics. With what purpose? Looking to generate an exact three dimensional replica of complex pieces using 3D CAD application. In this article we review different techniques for the manufacture of prototypes with special emphasis on the advantages and limits of 3D printing.

The practice of rapid prototyping is key in improving project management times and, therefore, leads to greater competitiveness among industrial companies. It also allows a better study of the potential market and physically verifies both the behavior and the functionality of each piece, before there even being preliminary molds.

Traditional techniques for rapid prototyping of mechanical components and parts Stereo lithography

Process through which a photo curable resin solidifies in the liquid state by the action of an ultraviolet laser. This solidification is carried out by layers until the piece is completed and among its advantages, it stands out primarily as an economical and fast method that provides a physical and functional vision of the design.

Selective laser sintering It is a procedure very similar to the previous one; its main difference lies in the type of material used; while stereo lithography uses a liquid material, it uses a powder.

Among its advantages are the possibility of making resistance and durability tests; and the possibility of handling different materials and very resistant parts.

Manufacturing by cutting and rolling This technique is based on the creation of rapid prototypes through the successive superposition and gluing of sheets of paper cut by laser. Stresses that the raw material is very economical, and larger part size, greater savings; it has a precision of 0.1 mm (height of the layer); and it is not transformed in the process, so we obtain a stable piece without the need for a post-curing process.

The deposition by melted wire It is operated by extruding a small amount of a thermoplastic-polyester-through a tiny nozzle, forming each section and in turn the three-dimensional object.

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