[Systems Engineering Teachers' Mailing List] RE: [Design and Technology] Rapidprototyping and SolidWorks

[pcranswick at aitkencollege.edu.au]

Hi Peter.

The vase is an example of A Zcorp 3D printer:
This 3D printer uses a plaster based material (Talc). It works just
like  on an inkjet printer, however this machine lays down powder
and
jet binder, essentially gluing each layer together. Once these parts
have ‘printed’ the parts can be infiltrated to improve mechanical
strength. This process makes rapid prototyping affordable as small
models can cost between $10 and $20.  A latex material can also be
used for infiltrating the model. These models are only intended for
design development only.  

For more permanant parts you could use an Objet Eden 3D printer:
This uses a photopolymer (liquid epoxy resin) material to build
components. The machines jet a resin onto a build platform layer by
layer about .25mm. After each layer, a high power UV light changes
the state of the resin from a liquid to solid, building up a rigid
physical model or component. This is accurate and can be very
complex. However this is a particularly expensive process. Small
models usually cost over $100:00... bugger.

Other than that go for CNC or milling technology.

Hope this helps?

Philip


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