Providing guidelines for rapid prototyping models
The further along in the development cycle design errors are discovered, the greater the delay in introducing a product to market. This results in increased manufacturing costs as well as loss of sales and a potential loss of market share. Rapid prototypes that have similar properties and materials as those of the production parts can support actual functional and performance testing in the early design phase. Such new technologies as rapid prototyping provide the opportunity to assess the viability of the product before a decision is taken to move to full-scale production. To enhance their competitiveness by meeting market's demands with shorter and more flexible product cycles, foundry industries are constantly searching for new benefits from rapid prototyping models. A European network with 20 experienced partners in the foundry industry has been created to promote the use of standard procedures for the use of these tools. For this purpose a number of key issues, including time-compressed engineering requirements and environmental considerations were taken into account. As part of their efforts towards their objectives, project partners compiled a best practice procedure. This is a document that describes all the parameters that must be taken into account when working with rapid prototyping models. A number of different aspects such as the required burning cycles of each prototype material, handling operations, surface improvement and waste management among others have been contemplated in order to address issues that usually occur. To provide interested parties with better insight into the potential applications of the guidelines, technical requirements and methodologies presented in the foundry industry, numerous case studies are included in the document. Researchers are keen to develop collaborative links with rapid prototyping bureaus and precision foundry industries in an effort to exchange information on the burning methods and handling of the rapid prototyping models. The inputs that they could provide would complement the data upon which this initiative has been based.
