Rapid Prototyping Journal · 2001 · 170 citations · 0 references
EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringManufacturing ProcessesManufacturing SystemsProduction EngineeringDesign For ManufacturingManufacturing Cost AnalysisManufacturing Process PlanningProduct DevelopmentPrototype DevelopmentRapid PrototypingDirect Cost AnalysisManufacturingProduction Cost AnalysisPrototype Cost AssessmentRapid Manufacturing
Rapid prototyping (RP) technologies are being applied to produce end‑use products, with recent examples illustrating this shift. The study performed a cost analysis of RP production by De Montfort University and Delphi Automotive Systems, examining material properties, quality control, and product suitability. Cost analysis results and expert opinions from an Internet conference suggest a promising future for rapid manufacturing.
Introduces the concept of using technologies collectively known as rapid prototyping (RP) for the manufacture of end‐use products rather than prototypes, and presents recent examples. Gives details of a cost analysis performed by De Montfort University and Delphi Automotive Systems (France). Discusses the findings from the cost analysis along with opinions generated from an Internet based conference held from November 2000 to January 2001. The combination of findings from the cost analysis with expert opinions generated by the Internet conference have helped to identify the potential future for rapid manufacturing. In particular covers the issues of material properties, quality control and identification of suitable products.