Rapid Freeze Prototyping (RFP) is a rapid prototyping method that uses water freezing into ice to make three-dimensional parts. Each layer of a geometry is deposited and allowed to freeze before the next layer is added. Using a support material in RFP is a relatively new addition to the process. Validating the successful use of a support material in conjunction with the main build material of water is presented in this paper. The support material selected for use is a eutectic sugar solution. The selection criteria, properties, and characteristics of the support material are discussed. Of particular interest is the diffusion between the support and main build material, which must be minimized to an acceptable level for producing good quality, reproducible, complex parts.
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