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 Prototyped Part Became Final 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 FilePrototype 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

References Custompart.net. (2009). Additive fabrication. Retrieved from fabrication Groover M. P. (2012). Introduction to manufacturing processes. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. iStock (2013). Brain cat scan. Retrieved from brain-cat-scan.php iStock (2013). Ct scanner. Retrieved from adaptive-cat-scanner.php?st=7e09c4e Milwaukee School of Engineering. (2007). Rapid prototyping center. Retrieved from