subject: Rapid Prototyping Applications in the 21st Century [print this page] Rapid prototyping applications or 3D printing applications create a solid physical structure of a product instead of a 2D layout. The prototypes can be used in different ways. The machine is fed an image by special graphics applications and the printer will show the image. In addition, the printer will use a fine powder such as cornstarch, plaster or resin to create a 3D model that built layer by layer through cross-sections. Stereolithography is one of the most common rapid prototyping methods. It makes use of a computer controlled UV laser to solidify a photo curable liquid resin to create 3D models from CAD designs.
Rapid Prototyping Applications in the 21st Century
