Build Time Estimations for Large Scale Modelling

Abstract

Achieving speedy results in model making is very much desired if not a necessity in ahnost any manufacturing industry. There is no doubt that rapid prototyping contributes to this process. It is generally considered that when compared to conventional machining techniques like nlilling, the current rapid prototyping systems appear to be much faster. This is certainly true for complex,slnall objects. I-Iowever, this is not alwaysa,pplicable to simple, large and bulky parts. There are a number of projects and systems concentrating on the fabrication of large models. Work is being carried out at the University ofHong Kong, using milling. along with slicing technology. This.report compares some ofthe rapid prototyping systems witl1milling. Milling is an established technology and recent developments in materials and nlachines used in Inilling nlake it a good alternative to rapid prototyping when itcomes to largesyale nl0delling.