| Rapid prototyping (RP) uses 3D printing technologies to create prototypes faster and at significantly lower cost than traditional methods. Prototypes are created directly from CAD data, which can be regularly revised based on real-world testing and feedback. |
| Rapid prototyping (RP) provides several benefits over traditional prototyping techniques. The iterative design process allows you to test, evaluate and refine designs quickly at low cost. Reduced scrap and rework results from more rapid revision turnaround and the lack of product-specific tooling requirements. RP models can be used for testing, such as placing an airfoil shape into a wind tunnel or to create male models for tooling, such as silicone rubber molds and investment casts.
In manufacturing, rapid prototyping is used to create a three-dimensional model of a part or product. In addition to providing 3-D visualization for digitally rendered items, rapid prototyping can be used to test the efficiency of a part or product design before it is manufactured in larger quantities. Testing may have more to do with the shape or size of a design, rather than its strength or durability, because the prototype may not be made of the same material as the final product. Today, prototypes are often created with additive layer manufacturing technology, also known as 3-D printing. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) may also be used to create aluminum, stainless steel or titanium prototypes. This process uses laser beams to melt and fuse metal powders into solid parts.
In network design, rapid prototyping can be used to map the architecture for a new network. A rapid prototype tool called Mininet, for example, allows the user to quickly create, interact with, customize and share a software-defined network (SDN) prototype on a single computer which simulates a network topology that uses Openflow switches.
Key vendors: 3D Systems, FATHOM, Siemens, Star Prototype |
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