Prototyping Process and the process of Prototyping is discussed
along with various explanations on different Prototyping Techniques
Rapid Prototyping can be defined as the process of
constructing physical objects automatically by making use of ?solid freeform
fabrication’. The initial techniques regarding prototyping came into being in
late 1980s. They were then used for producing prototype parts and models. In
today’s world, they are being used for much wider applications. For instance-
manufacture of quality parts. This technology is used by certain sculptors for
producing complex shapes in order to display them in ?fine arts exhibitions’.
Origin: Rapid prototyping has taken virtual
designs through ?animation modeling software’ or ?computer aided design (CAD)’.
Thereafter, transformation into virtual, thin, horizontal cross-sections takes
place. Each cross-section then gets created in the physical space. This process
goes on till the model gets completed. It is better known as WYSIWYG process.
Let’s understand this process in detail.
WYSIWYG: WYSIWYG as the abbreviation for ?What
You See Is What You Get’. It is used in ?computing’ for describing a system
wherein content looks similar to final product at the time of editing. It is
generally used in word processors. However, this use is in the form of HTML
(Web) authoring. The popularization of this phrase was carried out by the
comedian ?Flip Wilson’. His character ?Geraldine’ used to say this very often
to give an excuse against her idiosyncratic behavior.
This expression came to be applied later to computer-based
applications as practicality in technology arrived. At times, it is
phonetically spelt as ?Wizzywig’ or ?Wizywig’. It has also been used as a brand
name for a ?lighting design tool’ utilized in theatre industry to pre-visualize
the shows and 3D CAD.
The process further : The additional
fabrication causes the machine to read data from CAD drawing. After that,
consecutive layers of powder, sheet material, or liquid are laid down.
Likewise, a model gets built-up from a chain of cross-sections. Such layers,
corresponding to CAD model’s virtual cross section, are then fused
automatically or joined together for creating the ultimate shape. The basic
advantage of additive fabrication goes to state that any geometric feature or
shape can be created through this.
The CAD software and machines are interfaced by the
?standard data interface’ in the ?STL file format’. The function of STL file is
approximating the shape of an assembly or a part by making use of triangular
facets. Surfaces of higher quality are produced by smaller facets.
The word ?rapid’ can be used relatively. The
construction of models using present-day methods could take time ranging from a
few hours to a few days. This depends on the technique used, along with the
complexity and size of the model. The additive systems take less time. They can
produce models within some hours. Some techniques such as ?solid freedom
fabrication’ make use of two materials for construction of parts. The 1st
material is known as ?part material’ and the 2nd one as ?support
material’. The removal of support material takes place by heat. It might also
be dissolved with water or any other solvent. When it comes to manufacture of
plastic products, that too in large quantities , injection molding proves to be a
cheaper alternative.
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Tags: comedian, computer aided design, cross section, cross sections, design tool, flip wilson, geraldine, lighting design, modeling software, physical space, practicality, prototyping techniques, rapid prototyping, sculptors, solid freeform fabrication, spelt, virtual designs, web authoring, wizzywig, word processors
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