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Multi-axis Rapid Prototyping. Neil Sewell Dr. Martin Jenkins & Dr. Richard Everson. Overview. What is RP, why use it, who uses it? Previous work Current work and Future work Lab demonstration. Rapid Prototyping – 3 types. Type 1 - DTM Laser sinterstation. Rapid Prototyping.
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Multi-axis Rapid Prototyping Neil Sewell Dr. Martin Jenkins & Dr. Richard Everson
Overview • What is RP, why use it, who uses it? • Previous work • Current work and Future work • Lab demonstration
Rapid Prototyping – 3 types • Type 1 - DTM Laser sinterstation
Rapid Prototyping • Type 2 - 3D Systems’ Stereolithography
Rapid Prototyping • Type 3 - 3D Printers
RP – Why use it? • Injection moulds are expensive to produce • One-off test pieces can be used in real world • Great for real world ergonomic testing
RP – Who uses it? • Virtually all major device manufacturers • Designers & Prototypers • One-off producers
Previous work... • SARP is Single Axis Rapid Prototyping
SARP – Single Axis RP • SARP is quick, cheap and easy. • Allows building of quite complex models • Is fast and efficient • But… • Will not allow for large overhangs • Is not to the same resolution
Examples of SARP • Cubes • Spheres • Arches • Logos
Current work... • MARP is Multi Axis Rapid Prototyping • Still uses VMC, Hot glue nozzle and glue • Different, more complex software • Add-on 4th and 5th Axis units to rotate models
MARP – Multi Axis RP • Models with overhangs could be built • Building direction is continuously changed • Models created would of better quality • The process would be quicker
How to MARP – Step 1 • Perform analysis of object - create a usable data structure.
How to MARP – Step 2 • Select start location & direction
How to MARP - Step 3 • Start the edge following process
How to MARP – Step 4 • Create machine instructions • Use glue path to locate x,y,z position • Use facet data to provide rotation values • Use collision detection methods! (Lab demonstration at end of presentation)
Latest Work • Uses many rules • Edge vector creation & analysis • Unnecessary edge deletion & detection • Improvement & Optimisation techniques • Current problems include • Holes in model • Sticky tight corners • Finishing problems
Conclusion • MARP work is going well - But is difficult • Software • Multiple data lists • Edge following • Uses Downhill Simplex Method • Started testing Simulated Annealing
Conclusion • Realism with MARP - What can it build? • Difficult shapes • Disjoint shapes • Really complex shapes?
Thank you for listening… • Questions • Visit to lab for Multi-Axis demonstration