| With today's advancements in technology, CNC rapid | | | | product is usually yellow to white in color and can |
| prototyping can be done faster than ever. CNC | | | | finished with a variety of different finishes. |
| machines can create three dimensional prototypes | | | | Selective laser sintering (SLS) is similar to SLA |
| within days compared to the former technology of | | | | (stereolithography) but instead of resin a powdered is |
| the past. With the software programs that run these | | | | infused or sintered by a laser. The powder is spread |
| machines, any design or specifications from one of | | | | onto a table that is heated and the laser provides |
| your drawings can be created to the specifications | | | | even more heat to help build the shape of the |
| that are required. | | | | desired end product. Once again, this is a layering |
| CNC rapid prototyping solutions include: | | | | process. Nylon among other things can be used in this |
| stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering | | | | process. The end product can be finished off with a |
| (SLS), RTV tooling, hybrid tooling, injection molding, | | | | variety of colors and finishes. |
| and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Between | | | | Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) also uses a |
| these options, basically any part, mold, etc can be | | | | layering process to build the final product. Metallic |
| developed. Top quality engineers can help to make a | | | | powder is used in this process which is then spread |
| dream a reality with the CNC rapid prototyping | | | | over a plate and sintered by a laser beam to the |
| process. | | | | specifications that the software file specifies. |
| However, the need for speed can become a loss in | | | | As you can see, CNC rapid prototyping really |
| other categories. The need to develop parts in a | | | | incorporates some high technology and this type of |
| short period of time comes as a trade off. Producing | | | | technology can be beneficial to many different |
| with speed causes less layers of resin on certain | | | | industries in today's society. Not just anyone can |
| parts; therefore, the detail of these parts will be less. | | | | operate these machines. It takes high skilled and well |
| The trade off for speed is in the detailing. You just | | | | trained individuals, usually with an engineering |
| have to decide which one you would rather prefer. | | | | background to produce these products through the |
| Through the sintering process, parts can be created | | | | use of these machines. |
| that are able to be directly used as they come out | | | | Computer numerical controlled technology and robotic |
| of the machine. No longer will customers have to build | | | | technology combined with high tech software |
| the parts, now all they have to do is to build | | | | programs can pretty much create anything that |
| assemblies. This can save a lot of time and money | | | | anyone can dream of. If you have any questions |
| for many companies who utilize this type of | | | | about CNC rapid prototyping, ask any dealer who |
| technology. | | | | deals in these types of machines. They will be able to |
| Stereolithography uses a laser (UV) to cure resins. | | | | answer any questions that you may have. |
| The laser builds the product by layers. The end | | | | |