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The Rapid Advantage

Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) is the way of the future for new product development. Despite the advent of 3D computer modeling and virtual reality, physical prototypes are still essential for product development.

Companies that have already embraced RP&M have significantly reduced the cost and time of product development. This has enabled them to reach the market faster and continually update designs to stay ahead of the competition.

Many people have heard of the Stereolithography process developed by 3D Systems. However there are a number of other rapid prototyping systems available with a greater range of build materials. Some of the currently available systems are: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM), and 3D-Printing.

FDM can build models directly from ABS plastic, and can even use a medical grade of ABS. SLS can use polymer coated metal powders to build parts, resulting in a metal / polymer matrix. The polymer can be burnt out, allowing the matrix to be infiltrated with copper to form a fully dense part. LOM builds parts from
paper or plastic sheets of material and has been used with ceramic sheets to make ceramic parts.

There are also a few methods available to build very large objects quickly and accurately. One of these methods was developed by e3k's General Manager and Vice President, Ray Hope. His method was used to create the life size dolphin shown.