Rapid manufacturing processes differ from one another. There are various forms or methods through which rapid manufacturing processes could be carried out. Selecting the most ideal rapid manufacturing process or technique to use could be quite challenging. After all, you could have a different set of goals from the next person or manufacturer. This means that both you and the person next to you might not require the use of the very same type or technique of rapid manufacturing. On that note, how could you learn more concerning selecting an ideal rapid manufacturing machine technique?
The ideal rapid manufacturing machine should fit in almost flawlessly with your schedule. What does this mean? It means that, if you already have plans, you should pick a rapid manufacturing technique that suits your plans. What sort of plans should be considered in determining the technique of rapid manufacturing?
But before we proceed you might wonder what exactly rapid manufacturing entails? If you are already aware to a certain extent of what rapid manufacturing involves, the issue of the types of rapid manufacturing could be a first for you. Just to be on the safe side, we will give a brief introduction to the concept of rapid manufacturing as well as the more common and used types.
Rapid Manufacturing- Introduction
It could also be referred to as 3D printing. Rapid manufacturing however is way beyond the typical or initial idea for 3D printing. The Finesse and geometrical accuracy that modern rapid manufacturing processes offer to make sure that all prototypes end up as high fidelity versions. Rapid manufacturing is a subset of the manufacturing process.
The manufacturing process could be said to be subdivided into three branches. The rapid manufacturing process is part of the additive fabrication branch. There are various types of rapid manufacturing processes. They include:
- Vat Photopolymerization (AKA Stereolithography or SLA)
- Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) which is also known as Material Jetting.
Finding the Ideal Rapid Manufacturing Machine
The various types of rapid manufacturing processes all have their selling points. They have their strong suits as well as their weaknesses or disadvantages. Choosing the ideal rapid manufacturing machine or process could be made a lot easier. It is all a game of comparison. You make a comparison between the various standard advantages that the rapid manufacturing machine or techniques have over each other. You equally compare their disadvantages.
The use of computer programs to simulate the results the Chosen technique would likely give. With the use of these computer programs, there is less need for trial and error. Unexpected results are also greatly reduced.
The general cost of rapid manufacturing (especially its “ink”) can be on the high side. Hence you should also do well to consider your finances. This particular point should have already been tackled at the time you were making advantages and disadvantages comparisons. But it is important enough to have emphasis laid on it.
Other considerations are:
- The average speed of production and
- Quality of finished products
Conclusion
There are some rapid manufacturing processes which admittedly might be better than others in certain aspects. But what you need is the ideal rapid manufacturing process for you. This article can help you find it.
