SOLID FREEFORM FABRICATION TECHNOLOGIES: RAPID PROTOTYPING-RAPID MANUFACTURING

摘要

Solid freeform fabrication utilizes computer control to produce free standing objects without the need for a mold, mandrel or tooling. The major use of solid freeform fabrication is in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. This primer provides a brief overview and comparison of the primary approaches that have been developed for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, with emphasis on laser and powder-based technologies. Current and potential applications of solid freeform fabrication are reviewed.