Rapid prototyping

In rapid prototyping, sample parts are produced directly from CAD data without the need for a special mould. This process allows fast and efficient production of prototypes and is particularly widespread in the field of plastics. Several processes exist, which are used depending on the material and the intended application:

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): This process is suitable for the production of prototypes from thermoplastic plastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polylactides (PLA). The material is applied in thin layers in order to build up the desired object layer by layer.
2. Laminated Object Modeling (LOM): In this process, layers of plastic or paper are joined together by cutting and laminating. Each layer is contour-cut according to the CAD data and then glued, creating the three-dimensional object.
3. Multi Jet Modeling (MJM): Waxy plastics are used here. This process works in a similar way to an inkjet printer, in which fine droplets of the material are applied and then cured by UV light or heat in order to form the desired object.
4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): In SLS, powdered thermoplastics such as polycarbonate, polyamide or polyvinyl chloride are fused layer by layer by means of a laser. The laser sinters the powder specifically at the points that are to form the object according to the CAD data, creating a highly precise and stable prototype.
5. Stereolithography (STL or SLA): This technique uses liquid duromers or elastomers as the starting material. A UV laser cures the liquid resin layer by layer in order to form the object. Stereolithography offers high detail accuracy and smooth surfaces, making it particularly suitable for fine and complex structures.

Through the various rapid prototyping processes, prototypes can be manufactured quickly and efficiently depending on the requirements of the project and the desired material properties.