Rapid Prototyping

Ben Knezvic

Knezvics lecture was a very informative talk about rapid prototyping.

“Rapid Prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using

additive manufacturing technology” (wikipedia) 6 Dec 2010

Many different types of Rapid Prototyping exist today and there are many different high tech machines and software systems that are used in the process. Rapid Proto typing is an invaluable method used in jewellrey design, architecture and graphic design. Using Cad and the data interface STL which is standard in industry, 3D designs can be produced into physical objects. Products can then be tested for their functionality before being produced for the mass market. However Rapid Prototyping is also used to produce objects for niche markets and the fine arts.

Knezvic also informed us about the many different products that rapid prototyping produces, fit and function models, master patterns, investment casting, wind funneling and clear modeling. Due to the advances in material development, bio materials, production time and larger machinery rapid prototyping is now becoming a much more economical process as prototypes are faster to produce.

In the final part of the lecture Knezvic began to talk about Laser cutting . Laser cutting is a fine clean way to cut paper and laser cutters can read data from photoshop unlike other rapid prototyping machines which can only process vectors. Laser cutting is quick and can be used to cut highly intricate patterns, it is similar to operating a 2D printer. The method can be used to cut a wide variety of materials acrylics, paper, leather, silk, and denim. It is used frequently by sign makers and it is also used to make stencils.

Knezvics lecture was full of practical information. I feel I now have the necessary information should I wish to produce a rapid prototype in Central Saint Martins.