Rapid Prototyping
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Technology Map Detailed Contents July 2001
Recent Developments
- Stratasys Launches Prodigy and Maxum
- Z Corp. Presents the First Commercial Color RP System
- Quickparts.Com Launches RP Industry's First Business-to-Business Web Site
- 3D Systems Delivers Largest-Ever RP Contract
- Stereolithography Finds Dental Applications
- Novel RP Technique Produces Models from Ice
- EOS Strengthens Its Position
- Researchers Develop New RP Materials
- SDI Launches New Rapid-Tooling System
Updates
Importance of the Technology
The Technology in Brief
- Advantages of RP
- Disadvantages of RP
- Technology Choices in the RP Process
- RP Systems and Development
- Concept Modelers
- Computer Software
- Materials
Commercial Development Parameters
- General Constraints
- Demand Factors
- Synergistic Technologies
- Competing Technologies
- Required Resources
- Regulatory Factors
Areas to Monitor
- 3-D CAD
- Virtual Prototyping
- RP-Machine Choices
- Concept Modelers
- Direct RP of Ceramics
- Direct RP of Metals
- Functionally Graded Materials
- Rapid Tooling
- Accuracy
- Micromachining
- The Internet and Internet-Based Software
- Service Bureaus
- Industrial Designers
- Medical Applications
- Rapid Manufacturing
- Personal Factory
Implications
- Time-to-Market Pressures to Move to RP
- RP to Assist Creativity and Innovation
- RP and the Design Envelope
- Acquisition of RP Capabilities
- Continuous Upgrades Necessary to Meet Future RP Needs
- RP and Potential Mass Customization
Market Development
- Europe
- Japan
Applications
- Automobiles
- Aerospace
- Medical Devices and Implants
- Electrical and Electronics
- Recreation Equipment and Toys
- Casting and Molding
- Rapid Tooling
- EDM Tooling
- Reverse Engineering and Design Verification
- 3-D Imaging
- RP of CT and MRI Data
- Modeling of Industrial Processes
- Micromachining
- Architecture
- Rapid Manufacturing