Use of rapid prototyping methods for production

摘要

Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling (RP/RT) can reduce time-to-market by creating physical parts and tooling from computer files. These can be used for verification of designs, tests and marketing, and also as final products or tools for short run production. Education is critical, because effective use of RP/RT technology requires preparation and training of all parties, including designers, engineers, manufacturing technologists, and business people. This paper reviews advances in RP/RT along with research, education, and a case study conducted at Minnesota State University, Mankato.