Title: Size reduction decomposition for Rapid Prototyping large objects

Authors: W.K. Chiu, K.M. Yu

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: In this paper, a size reduction decomposition methodology for making large prototypes in Rapid Prototyping (RP) process is proposed. In the proposed methodology, the series of decomposition processes begin with overhanging features, then features which induce poor surface quality on a prototype. The aim of the methodology is not only for splitting a model into a number of smaller components, but also for reducing the amount of support structures required and improving the prototype surface quality. As a result, a large prototype can be produced by assembling all its components which are fabricated separately from RP process.

Keywords: RP; rapid prototyping; large prototypes; size reduction; decomposition; component size; surface quality; component assembly.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2009.026190

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.18 No.2, pp.121 - 148

Published online: 28 May 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article