1 Introduction -- 1.1 Historical Perspectives -- 1.2 Rapid Prototyping — An Integral Part of Time Compression Engineering -- 1.3 RP Information Workflow -- 1.4 Summary -- References -- 2 Rapid Prototyping Processes -- 2.1 Classification of Rapid Prototyping Processes -- 2.2 Processes Involving a Liquid -- 2.3 Processes Involving Discrete Particles -- 2.4 Processes Involving Solid Sheets -- 2.5 Summary -- References -- 3 Technical Characteristics and Technological Capabilities of Rapid Prototyping Systems -- 3.1 Stereolithography Apparatus (3D Systems) -- 3.2 Solid Ground Curing Systems (Cubital Ltd) -- 3.3 Fused Deposition Modelling Systems (Stratasys, Inc.) -- 3.4 Selective Laser Sintering Systems (DTM Corp. and EOS GmbH) -- 3.5 Laminated Object Manufacturing Systems (Helisys, Inc.) -- 3.6 Paper Lamination Technology (Kira Corp) -- 3.7 Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENSTM) Systems (Optomec Design Co.) -- 3.8 Summary -- References -- 4 Technical Characteristics and Technological Capabilities of Concept Modellers -- 4.1 3D Systems ThermoJet™ Printer -- 4.2 Sanders ModelMaker II (Inkjet Modelling Technology) -- 4.3 Z-Corporation Z402 3D Printer (Three Dimensional Printing) -- 4.4 Stratasys Genisys Xs 3D Printer -- 4.5 JP System 5 -- 4.6 Objet Quadra System -- 4.7 Summary -- References -- 5 Applications of Rapid Prototyping Technology -- 5.1 Functional Models -- 5.2 Pattern for Investment and Vacuum Casting -- 5.3 Medical Models -- 5.4 Art Models -- 5.5 Engineering Analysis Models -- 5.6 Summary -- References -- 6 Indirect Methods for Rapid Tool Production -- 6.1 Role of Indirect Methods in Tool Production -- 6.2 Metal Deposition Tools -- 6.3 RTV Tools -- 6.4 Epoxy Tools -- 6.5 Ceramic Tools -- 6.6 Cast Metal Tools -- 6.7 Investment Casting -- 6.8 Fusible Metallic Core -- 6.9 Sand Casting -- 6.10 Keltool™ Process -- 6.11 Summary -- References -- 7 Direct Methods for Rapid Tool Production -- 7.1 Classification of Direct Rapid Tool Methods -- 7.2 Direct ACES™ Injection Moulds (AIM™) -- 7.3 Laminated Object Manufactured (LOM) Tools -- 7.4 DTM RapidTool™ Process -- 7.5 SandForm™ -- 7.6 EOS DirectTool™ Process -- 7.7 Direct Metal Tooling using 3DP™ -- 7.8 Topographic Shape Formation (TSF) -- 7.9 Summary -- References -- 8 Applications of Rapid Tooling Technology -- 8.1 Insert Design -- 8.2 Insert Finishing -- 8.3 Rapid Tooling Inserts Wear Resistance -- 8.4 Case Studies -- 8.5 Summary -- References -- 9 Rapid Prototyping Process Optimisation -- 9.1 Factors Influencing Accuracy -- 9.2 Selection of Part Build Orientation -- 9.3 Summary -- References -- Author Index.

Rapid Manufacturing is a term that embraces rapid prototyping and rapid tooling. Rapid prototyping is an exciting new technology for quickly creating physical models and functional prototypes directly from CAD models. Rapid tooling generally concerns the production of tooling using parts manufactured by rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping and rapid tooling are means for compressing the time-to-market of products and, as such are competitiveness enhancing technologies. The book describes the characteristics and capabilities of the main known rapid prototyping processes. It covers in detail commercially available processes, such as: - Stereolithography (SLA); - Selective Laser Sintering (SLS); - Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM); - Solid Ground Curing (SGC); - Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) and provides information on several other processes still under development. The book discusses various direct and indirect methods of producing soft tooling, firm tooling (or bridge tooling) and hard tooling based on rapid prototyping. The discussion is wide- ranging and not found in other books published to-date. Also special to the book is material on process optimisation. This was derived from work at the authors'Centre and is not available in other texts. The book places a strong emphasis on practical applications, devoting special chapters to both the applications of rapid prototyping and rapid tooling. The book contains an abundance of photographs and diagrams, some in colour, to illustrate clearly the principles of the machines and processes involved. The book does not require any special background. It should be of interest to manufacturing, industrial, production, mechanical and materials engineers wishing to up date themselves on some of the most important developments in modern manufacture. (The authors are from the Manufacturing Engineering Centre, which conducts leading-edge research into advanced manufacturing as well as providing a commercial rapid prototyping and tooling service to several hundred industrial customers).