3D Printing - Process Capabilities and Applications

Rapid prototyping (RP) enables users to create physical prototypes early in the design cycle so that flaws can be detected and corrected before they mushroom into costly expenditure. Furthermore, these systems allow functional performance to be optimized through an iterative process of prototyping, testing and analysis. This paper reflects the experiences gained in the use of 3D-printing technology (Z 402) RP-System. Several process chains based on the implementation of this technology as a rapid pattern making or rapid prototyping method are presented and discussed on case studies related to metal or plastic processing applications. Authors: D. M. Dimitrov, N. DeBeer, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.