JTEC/WTEC Panel Report on

Rapid Prototyping in Europe and Japan

VOLUME I. ANALYTICAL CHAPTERS

March 1997

Friedrich B. Prinz (Panel Chair)
Clinton L. Atwood
Richard F. Aubin
Joseph J. Beaman
Robert L. Brown
Paul S. Fussell
Allan J. Lightman
Emanuel Sachs
Lee E. Weiss
Michael J. Wozny

VOLUME II. SITE REPORTS

September 1996

[all the above panelists, with additional contributions by:]
Bruce M. Kramer
Kesh Narayanan

In Memory of Richard F. Aubin

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Volume I. Analytical Chapters

Download: Complete report in PDF format vol.1
Complete report in PDF format vol.2
WTEC Staff and Other Contributors
Disclaimer
Foreword
List of Figures
List of Tables

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

Friedrich B. Prinz

• Scope of the Study
• Methodology
• Panel Members
• Approach
• Sites Visited
• Report Outline
• Significance of Rapid Prototyping
• References

2. Processes Overview

Lee E. Weiss

• Background
• SFF Process
• Role of Machining in RP
• Conclusions

3. Historical Perspective

Joseph J. Beaman

• Technology
• Commercial Development
• References

4. Needs, Goals, and Objectives

Robert L. Brown

• Rapid Prototyping
• 3D CAD Solid Modeling
• Rapid Prototyping Equipment
• Materials
• Plastic Injection-Molded Prototypes
• Education
• Government Support
• References

5.Materials -- Overview, Plastics, and Resins

Paul S. Fussell

• State of RP Materials Development
• Plastics
• Resins
• Thermoplastic Systems
• Other Systems
• Role of Japanese Market Demand
• Observed Research Directions
• Government and Strategic Efforts
• Trends for Future Work
• References

6. Materials -- Metals

Joseph J. Beaman

• Introduction
• Indirect Methods
• Direct Methods
• European Metals R&D
• Japanese Metals R&D
• Conclusion
• References

7. Materials -- Ceramics

Allan J. Lightman

• Introduction
• Applications Programs
• Conclusions
• References

8. CAD and Interfaces

Michael J. Wozny

• Introduction
• Systems Overview
• Making the Transition to 3D Solids
• Making 3D Solids Creation Easier
• Interface Formats
• Model Preparation
• System Simulation
• Conclusions
• References

9. Rapid Prototyping Machine Design

Emanuel Sachs

• Introduction
• Motivation for Machine Design
• Classification Scheme
• Group 1: Laser/Mirror
• Group 2: Laser
• Group 3: All Axes Mechanical
• Group 4: Thermal Processing
• General Observations on Machine Design

10. Metal Casting Applications

Clinton L. Atwood

• Overview of the Investment Casting Process
• Metal Casting Applications in the United States
• Metal Casting Applications in Europe (Germany and France)
• Metal Casting Applications in Japan
• References

11. Tooling Applications

Richard F. Aubin

• Introduction
• Rapid Prototyping Tooling Applications in Europe
• Rapid Prototyping Tooling Applications in Japan
• Summary
• References

12. Medical Applications

Allan J. Lightman

• Introduction
• Applications
• R&D Programs
• Other RP Applications to Medicine
• Conclusions
• References

APPENDICES

A. Professional Experience of Panel Members

B. Professional Experience of Other Team Members

C. Partial Listing of Web Addresses for Sites Visited

D. Glossary

Volume II. Site Reports

PART I. EUROPEAN SITES

• Bayerisches Laserzentrum (BLZ)
• Cubital
• Daimler Benz
• EOS (Electro Optical Systems)
• Fockele und Schwarze
• Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Materials Research (IFAM)
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA)
• Fraunhofer Institute For Production Technology (IPT)
• Institute for Polymer Testing and Polymer Science (IKP), University of Stuttgart
• Katholieke (Catholic) University of Leuven, Materialise N.V.
• Laser 3D

PART II. JAPANESE SITES

• CMET and Asahi Denka
• D-MEC
• Denken Engineering Company
• Hino Motors
• IMS Promotion Center
• INCS
• Japan Aviation Electronics (JAE)
• Kira Corporation
• Kyoden Company
• Meiko Company
• MITI
• Nakamura Pattern Making Company
• Olympus Optical Company
• Omron
• Osaka Sangyo University
• Shonan Design Company
• Teijin Seiki Company
• Tokuda Industries Company
• Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology
• Tokyo University, Professor Kimura
• Tokyo University, Prof. Nakagawa, with Prof. Kishinami of Hokkaido University
• Toyota Motor Corporation

Special thanks to Terry Wohlers for reviewing the draft report

Copyright 1997 by Loyola College in Maryland

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