Rapid Prototyping
- Questions Already Submitted and Answers
Q5. I would be grateful if you could comment
on the following question: In your opinion what are the main
benefits and disadvantages to rapid
prototyping?
A5. It is necessary to examine this question
in the context of business strategy and strategic objectives.
One company's perception of a disadvantage in the context of
one particular strategy, might be seen by another company in
a different way in the context of another strategy. Overall rapid
prototyping technologies should also be examined in the light
of other technologies and what they might offer in terms of benefits.
In the end it's a matter of resources, priorities and business
content and making a list of benefits and disadvantages independent
of these factors is not necessarily helpful.
Q4. I was hoping it would be possible
to gain some information on how to implement rapid prototyping,
within an organisation. I was looking to gain information on
bench marking and the criteria required to implement rapid prototyping
successfully.
A4. A big question covering many issues.
It is hard to condense an answer into a few words. The best starting
point is to understand the application potential of these technologies
and to sort out the strategy first. Then pick the applications
to match the strategy. These applications may be additional to
any specific problems that you are trying to resolve. Our management
report is designed to help people take the first steps in this
area. I suggest that you obtain a copy. It will also prepare
you to speak with consultants, rapid prototyping vendors and
rapid prototyping bureaux.
Q3. Our specific requirement is to digitise
(or otherwise) an existing clay model to be scaled up and rapid
prototyped to provide a pattern for carbon moulding. Please advise.
A3. This sort of question is difficult
to answer - one needs to know a lot more specific detail before
making any comments. I suggest that you contact a number of rapid
prototyping bureaux. They are likely to have the necessary technology
or know where to sub contract work, and will have a better understanding
of the fit between specific rapid prototyping processes and carbon
moulding. Choosing a specific rapid prototyping technology requires
specific technical expertise and knowledge of the processes.
Our focus is more on the strategy, identifying the potential
applications, cost and benefits, technology implementation and
change management. These are the types of matters covered in
our rapid prototyping report.
Q2. I have to carry out a cost/benefit
analysis, but I am not sure how to effectively structure this.
Could you please provide guidance.
A2. To establish the benefits and costs
one first has to understand the application potential. Only when
one knows the possible applications can one determine the costs.
These costs can be quite varied. There are obvious ones such
as the rapid prototyping machine itself, any ancillary equipment
required for post processing models, but also the cost of a host
of hidden extras. These stem from two sources. The first source
of hidden cost stems largely from: the need to possibly modify
existing computer-aided design systems; additional secondary
technologies required to transform models into tooling and components;
further equipment required to reduce and eliminate health and
safety risks; and so on. The second source of hidden costs stems
from organisational and human resource issues. These amount to
more than just the obvious training costs associated with learning
how to operate the new equipment. The main additional cost is
that associated with organisational changes which are likely
to be needed for several reasons. These are the sort of issues
addressed in the management report. There is a chapter on the
potential costs as well as a chapter that deals with the preparation
of a business case.
Q1. I am interested in obtaining physical
properties and aging data on materials used in rapid prototyping...
particularly stereolithography, laser sintering, and fused deposition
processes. Also, can prefabricated components be incorporated
in any or all of these processes? Example: Metal or composite
spokes placed in the
stereolithography bath and hub and wheel generated around the
spokes.
A1. This question is of a very technical
nature and our focus in on strategy and
implementation. We suggest as a starting point that you visit
the following web site:
http://www.sme.org.rpa
You might be able to find answers
to your questions or a hint on where to find someone that can
provide an answer. You could also contact rapid prototyping process
vendors. |