Creating a Prototype

© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Computer Integrated Manufacturing

What Is a Prototype?• Prototype

– A full-scale working model used to test and improve a design concept by making actual observations and necessary adjustments

Prototyping by Hand• Prototypes can be produced by hand or

machine• Hand-made prototypes come in many

forms

Prototyping Example of Tool Holder

Hand-Made Prototype

Prototype Created Using a Rapid Prototype

Machine

Rapid PrototypedPart BecameFinal Product

Rapid Prototyping (RP)• Computer-controlled additive fabrication.• Family of fabrication methods to make

engineering prototypes in minimum possible time based on a CAD model of the item

Image courtesy of MSOE RPC

• 3D Part File • Prototype

3D Model to a Prototype

• The software slices a 3D model into thin sections– Similar to a CT scan of

the brain• The software creates

one slice at a time, like stacking a deck of playing cards

Rapid Prototyping

3D Printing• Rapid prototyping process that builds a

part by ejecting adhesive bonding material onto successive layers of powders.

• Note that this term is often used to describe all rapid prototyping processes.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)• Rapid prototyping process in which a

filament of wax or polymer is extruded onto the existing part surface from a workhead to complete each new layer.

Fused Deposition Modeling Video

Stereolithography (SLA)• A rapid prototyping process that fabricates

a part layer-wise by hardening a photopolymer with a guided laser beam.

Stereolithography Video

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)• A rapid prototyping process that used a

moving laser beam to sinter heat-fusible powders one layer at a time.

Selective Laser Sintering Video

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)• Rapid prototyping process in which sheet

stock is cut and bonded into a stack.

Other Rapid Prototyping Processes• Additional metal RP technologies

ReferencesCustompart.net. (2009). Additive fabrication. Retrieved

from http://www.custompartnet.com/wu/additive-fabrication

Groover M. P. (2012). Introduction to manufacturing processes. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

iStock (2013). Brain cat scan. Retrieved from http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-14280667-brain-cat-scan.php

iStock (2013). Ct scanner. Retrieved from http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-10301555-adaptive-cat-scanner.php?st=7e09c4e

Milwaukee School of Engineering. (2007). Rapid prototyping center. Retrieved from http://www.rpc.msoe.edu/index.php