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Rapid
prototyping
systems emerged in 1987 with the introduction of
stereolithography technology, a process that
solidifies layers of ultraviolet light-sensitive
liquid polymer using laser technology. In
subsequent years, other rapid prototyping
technologies were introduced, such as: Fused
Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering
and Laminated Object Manufacturing. The
industry’s very first 3D rapid prototyping
system based on inkjet technology was introduced
by Objet in April 2000.
Rapid
Prototyping, also known as 3D
printing, is an additive manufacturing
technology. The process begins with taking a
virtual design from modeling or computer aided
design (CAD) software. The 3D printing machine
reads the data from the CAD drawing and lays
down successive layers of liquid, powder, or
sheet material - building up the physical model
from a series of cross sections. These layers,
which correspond to the virtual cross section
from the CAD model, are automatically joined
together to create the final shape.
Rapid Prototyping uses a standard data
interface, implemented as the STL file format,
to connect between the CAD software and the 3D
prototyping machine. The STL file approximates
the shape of a part or assembly using triangular
facets.
Typically, Rapid Prototyping systems can produce
3D models within a few hours. Yet, this can vary
widely, depending on the type of machine being
used and the size and number of models being
produced.
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