Traditional processing technology is gradually replaced by new intelligent processing technology. Innovative intelligent processing technology not only saves time, but also plays a role in cost control. Especially in the early days of mold, rapid prototyping technology is gradually being widely used.
Rapid prototyping (RP) technology is an advanced manufacturing technology developed in the 1990s. It is a key generic technology serving the development of new products for manufacturing enterprises. It plays a positive role in promoting enterprise product innovation, shortening the development cycle of new products, and improving product competitiveness. Since the technology came out, it has been widely used in the manufacturing industry of developed countries, and a new technology field has emerged.
RP technology is integrated and developed on the basis of modern CAD/CAM technology, laser technology, computer numerical control technology, precision servo drive technology and new material technology. Different types of rapid prototyping systems have different forming principles and system characteristics due to different forming materials. However, the basic principle is the same, that is, "layered manufacturing, layered stacking", similar to the mathematical integration process. Visually speaking, the rapid prototyping system is like a "stereo printer".
It can directly accept the product design (CAD) data without preparing any molds, tools and fixtures, and rapidly manufacture samples, molds or models of new products. Therefore, the promotion and application of RP technology can greatly shorten the development cycle of new products, reduce the development cost and improve the development quality. From the traditional "removal method" to today's "growth method", from model-based manufacturing to modeless manufacturing, this is the revolutionary significance of RP technology for manufacturing industry.