Rapid prototyping has the following important characteristics:
1. It can manufacture any complex three-dimensional geometric entity. Due to the principle of discrete / stacking forming, it simplifies a very complex three-dimensional manufacturing process into the superposition of two-dimensional processes, and can realize the machining of parts with arbitrary complex shape. In addition, RP technology is especially suitable for parts that are difficult or even impossible to be manufactured by traditional methods such as complex cavity and complex surface.
2. Rapidity. The design and machining information of a new part can be obtained by modifying or reorganizing a CAD model. Parts can be manufactured in a few hours to dozens of hours, which has the outstanding characteristics of rapid manufacturing.
3. High flexibility. The complex manufacturing process can be completed without any special fixture or tool, and the tooling, prototype or parts can be manufactured quickly.
4. Rapid prototyping technology has achieved two advanced goals pursued by mechanical engineering for many years, namely, the integration of material extraction (gas, liquid and solid) process and manufacturing process, and the integration of design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM).
5. Combined with reverse engineering, CAD technology, network technology and virtual reality, it has become a powerful tool for rapid product development.
Therefore, rapid prototyping technology plays a more and more important role in the manufacturing field, and will have an important impact on the manufacturing industry.
