|
Rapid
Prototyping Processes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rapid
Prototyping -- 3D Printing (3DP)
3D Printing, a patented
MIT process, refers to the process of
using an ink-jet print head to lay down
a liquid adhesive on a layer of powder,
binding the powder particles together.
First, a thin distribution
of powder is spread over the surface
of a powder bed. From a computer model
of the desired part, a slicing algorithm
computes information for the layer.
Using a technology similar to ink-jet
printing, a binder material joins particles
where the object is to be formed.
A piston then lowers
so that the next powder layer can be
spread and selectively joined. This
layer-by-layer process repeats until
the part is completed. Following a heat
treatment, the loose powder is removed,
leaving the fabricated part.
Some of the applications
of this process include --
 |
| Part made by Z Corp's 3D Printing
Process |
