Rapid Prototyping

Assignment-2

Name–Shubham Bulunge
Roll no- 2235 Batch- b2

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of a physical
part, model or assembly using 3D computer aided
design. The creation of the part, model or assembly is
usually completed using additive manufacturing, or
more commonly known as 3D printing

Where the design closely matches the proposed

finished product it is said to be a high fidelity
prototype, as opposed to a low fidelity prototype,
where there is a marked difference between the
prototype and the final product.
 1. Stereolithography (SLA) or Vat Photopolymerization
This fast and affordable technique was the first
successful method of commercial 3D printing. It uses
a bath of photosensitive liquid which is solidified
layer-by-layer using a computer-controlled ultra
violet (UV) light.

working principle

The basic principle of Stereolithography is the

selective curing of a photopolymer (a resin) using a
UV laser. A thin layer of liquid resin (generally
50100 microns deep) is prepared in the machine’s
building space. The Laser draws a pattern on that
layer curing only the shape desired in the first layer
of the model. When a layer is completed, a new layer
of liquid resin is created will follow (by moving the
part up or the bottom of the building space down)
and the process continues.
There are two types of SLA technology machines,
one prints the model upwards (‘bottom-up’), and the
other prints the model downwards (‘top-down’).
Furthermore, the UV light source can be either a
laser or projector (i.e. DLP). With a DLP (Digital
Light Processing) system the whole model layer
pattern can be projected simultaneously instead of
drawing the pattern with the single point of a laser.
This means DLP 3D printers are both faster and
often cheaper in cost, but have resolution
limitations so are usually limited to smaller build
spaces. Since the part is surrounded by liquid resin
in both technologies, both require support
structures for overhanging geometry to prevent
those sections from moving out of position from the
rest of the model.
Materials
In general, SLA uses UV curable resins. Those
are normally on epoxy- or acrylic-base, more rarely
on a vinyl-base. All resins are liquid, and solidify
when exposed to UV. While there were only a few,
mostly low-performance resins in the beginning,
there are plenty of high-performance materials
available today, with a wide range of characteristics.

• Advantages

Fast implementation of prototypes in early

stages of product development
Single-stage production process produces
smooth surfaces even without finishing
 Low material consumption: non-hardened
synthetic resin can be reused
Production of both flexible and rigid 3D objects
Cost-effective production
Customized coloring
Multi-part assemblies are possible
• Limitations

Depending on the material, components may be

brittle
Support structures can limit design
freedom
Components are only UV-resistant to a limited
extent

Applications

Fit/form, proof of concept prototypes and

engineering verifications.
Investment Casting Patterns.
Rapid Tooling, Jigs & Fixtures.
Designer models, snap-fit assemblies.
Scale & exhibition models.
Optics, transparent covers.
Molds & casting patterns.

Production of novel mass customization

consumer products
Replacement part production, supply chain
robustness
Long-lasting, durable jigs and fixtures (e.g clips
and clamps) and tooling
Custom automotive or motorcycle parts, marine
equipment, military ‘resupply on demand’
.