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Rapid Prototyping In The Production Of Ceramic Ware.
Research by Royal Doulton have shown that despite the high cost of stereo lithography devices in the design and manufacture of dinnerware there are separate areas where their use can be very effective, for example, manufacturing crockery for use on board aircrafts. These studies are carried by graphic designer of the company Richard Delaney in preparation for his dissertation on design. In particular, he compared the cost of developing a new design teapot using traditional methods of manufacturing physical models and using devices of rapid prototyping.
Conceptual design of a new kettle was carried out in a special package of firm Royal Doulton. For obtaining 3D models, suitable for transmission on the device of rapid prototyping, data from this package were transmitted to the system PowerSHAPE, which had much higher precision geometric constructions needed for manufacture of both prototypes and production tooling. In addition, PowerSHAPE can get a fully closed STL file required for successful work of SLA.
In addition, in PowerSHAPE it has been completely rebuilt the model handle, because the design package was unable to ensure its constant thickness.
STL file obtained in PowerSHAPE was transferred to the bureau of rapid prototyping Rover Group, where SLA model was made. This model consisted of four parts: the main body of the kettle, cap for special technological holes in the bottom of the kettle (which accounts for leave for sink of photopolymer), spout, lid.
The obtained model had a reasonably good appearance for use in presentations. Usually, presentation models are painted in white color and covered with varnish to get a “porcelain” look, but in this project it was decided not to do this so that you can clearly explain to all concerned the substance of stereo lithography technology.
The main advantage of rapid prototyping technology – is the speed of getting a physical model. In this example, the model of average complexity was obtained in three times faster than using traditional methods. Even more significant gain in time can be obtained on complex models with embossed decorations. The technology of rapid prototyping can also greatly accelerate the process of amending in the design of the product.
For product of type of selected for the study teapot with rapid prototyping it is possible to simulate not only the outside surface, but inside one. It allows getting a prototype, fully emulating the finished product, in which you can pour water and see how it will be convenient to use this teapot, pouring water into a cup, check the ergonomics and balance of the product. The model obtained by the traditional way has no such opportunities.
Despite all these advantages. I think that about 30% higher cost SLA prototypes can be justified only in certain projects, where time is crucial factor. One of such areas for Royal Doulton is the production of thin ceramic tableware for airlines. The firm is the world’s largest producer of such utensils, among its customers such airlines: British Airways, All Nippon, Air Canada and more than 70 others. The new design dishes in this market are usually associated with a complete restyling of interior liner and must be made in a short time. Customers tend to take a decision on the choice of design only seen the proposed model on a computer screen, then you must immediately submit a physical model for final approval and launch into production. Therefore, in such projects increased cost of SLA models are paied off quickly.
Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are invited to go to a rapid prototyping methodology site.
And don’t forget that we live in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that modern online technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might need. Make use of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep track of new publications on the subject subscribe to the RSS on this blog.
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