Packaging and Rapid Prototyping

The Packaging and Rapid Prototyping group designs and fabricates special purpose packaging for a wide range of electronic and electro-mechanical devices. Primary technical areas include enclosure design, materials selection, and process development. To support this work, the group uses the latest in rapid prototyping and polymer technology. For example, two rapid prototyping machines provide the ability to produce components in plastic or metal. Depending on the application, these machines can produce functional plastic prototypes, patterns for subsequent casting operations, or tools for injection molding.

The group also maintains a well-equipped laboratory complex with facilities for casting, molding, joining, and shaping plastic and metal materials.

Jim Burkes, Program Manager

Technical strengths include:

• Reverse Engineering
   
• Concept Development
   
• Systems Integration

SLS Engine Manifold

Rapid prototyping facilities include a StrataSys Fused Deposition Modeling system (top) and a DTM Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system (left). The StrataSys unit is used to produce parts for form and fit evaluation as well as casing cores. The DTM unit is used to produce functional prototypes, casing cores, and tooling inserts.

To learn more about rapid prototyping capabilities at SwRI, visit rapidprototyping.swri.org.
 

Electromechanical and Optical Systems Department Applied Physics
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April 08, 2008