Effective Utilization of Rapid Prototyping Technology

摘要

Technology of Rapid Prototyping (RP) presents the technique that leads to quick manufacturing of real model using the scaling with support of three-dimensional software solution running in computer environment (CAD). First RP technique, Stereolithography, was developed by 3D Systems of Valencia, CA, USA. The company was founded in 1986, and since then, a number of different RP techniques have become available. Article deals with basic characteristics and problems in area of technology of Rapid Prototyping with focus to Fused Deposition Modeling. It brings in the project of experimental gearbox design and its manufacturing with application of Rapid Prototyping technology. The work was realized by students and employees of Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies in Presov, Slovakia. Model with four gears was realized together with its gear changing mechanism. Production of gearbox was connected with problems arising from size of individual parts and included also the realization of final gearbox assembly.