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Rapid prototyping (RP) provides an easily understood visual reference that aids in communicating ideas between engineers. RP can also be used to create production-intent hardware suitable for development testing.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in-house rapid prototyping capabilities include direct computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining and a fused deposition modeler (FDM) machine that builds models in ABS plastic. Because parts are created in segments and glued together, almost any size can be built. A selective laser sintering (SLS) machine is also available to model in different materials at higher speeds.
Why Use Rapid Prototyping?Rapid prototyping technologies can also be used to speed up the time to create production tooling, machining, and assembly fixtures, as well as quality inspection jigs and fixtures. Also, the direct translation of data from the solid model environment to the final part eliminates the risk of misinterpretation of 2-D drawings.
Properly used, rapid prototypes can substantially improve total time to market and product development costs, and SwRI engineers have the experience to make it happen.
For more information about rapid prototyping and tooling, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Mark Tussing at mtussing@swri.org or (210) 522-2628.
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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 28, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
