What Are 7 Types of Rapid Prototyping?

There are new additive manufacturing techniques being developed all the time. Some are best for consumer applications and others for industrial environments, but not all of them are suited for rapid prototyping.  

 

Let’s take a look at the top 7 methods for rapid prototyping so that you can decide what might be best for your next project.

 

3D Printing（3D）

3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. This is achieved using an additive process. Additive process is done by laying down successive layers of material until a final product is created. 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using fewer materials. Below are some experimental RP methodologies that are used nowadays.

 

Fused Deposition Modelling（FDM）

Fused Deposition Modelling is a process used to construct the product directly from 3D CAD data. This process involves binding thermoplastic material layer by layer.

 

The FDM  technology heats and melts the filamentous hot melt material, and the three-dimensional nozzle is selectively coated on the table according to the sectional profile information under the control of the computer, and rapidly cooled to form a section.

 

 

Laminated Object Manufacturing（LOM）

Thin laminates such as paper, plastic sheet or metal foil are laid out to build a platform. A computer controlled cutting device traces out the patterns and crops off excess materials.

 

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

A high-powered laser beam melts and fuses powdered material that is spread on a layer. Furthermore, the powdered material is measured in accurate amounts and spread by a rotating roller table.

 

 

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography is based on a selective polymerisation of a photosensitive resin. Basically, a thin layer of liquid plastic (polymer) is exposed on a perforated platform.

 

Stereolithography is the first rapid prototyping technique. Apart from that, it is the most widely used method today. It is also an inexpensive procedure since it uses light-sensitive liquid polymer. The method has the advantages of high forming speed, high degree of automation, can be formed into any complicated shape, and has high dimensional precision, and is mainly applied to complex and high-precision rapid forming of fine workpieces.

 

 

UV Molding Technology（UV）

UV molding technology and SLA stereolithography technology are similar. UV molding uses UV light to illuminate liquid photosensitive resin, layer by layer from bottom to top. No noise is generated among the rapid prototyping technology. UlV molding technology has the highest precision among similar technologies, and is usually used in industries such as jewelry and mobile phone casings with high precision requirements.

 

 

Digital Light Processing（DLP）

Another variation on the polymerization of a curable resin, this process is very similar to SLA printing.  It cures the resin with a more conventional light source, but it also requires support structures and post-build curing.

 

The process is generally faster and a more shallow reservoir of photoresin can be used which also saves on cost.  Like with SLA, the finished part has excellent dimensional tolerances and surface finish.