Evolution and application of rapid prototyping technologies

Abstract

Turbulent changes from environment, caused by rapid development of computer technologies and demands of market have led to rapid development of new technologies. Time and access of forming of new product has considerably been changed in relates to conventional manufacturing. Significant accomplishments in diverse spheres of computer and manufacturing technologies, have led to to changes in process of rapid development of products. Observing evolution stages of product development we can see that the changes in product design needed long time period. Evolution in any of branches high quality more. There are several rapid prototyping techniques available on market, such as: stereo lithography – SL, laminated object manufacturing – LOM, selective laser sintering – SLS, fused deposition modeling – FDM, solid ground curing – SGC, three dimensional printing – 3DP, etc. Purpose of this paper is to represent the rapid product technologies and separately 3D printers as one of the most recent techniques of rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping technique using 3D printers is represented by high speed, creating multi color parts, various materials, and relatively good quality of finished part. Therefore this technique is used for rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing. The meaning of rapid prototyping is related to the significant time saving at the new product development. Basic advantages of rapid prototyping are regarded to visualization and possibility of further product testing. Therefore, this paper presents of technologies evolution in rapid product development and application of rapid production technologies.