Rapid prototyping (RP) has revolutionized how prototypes are made and small batch manufacturing is carried out. With rapid prototyping, the strategies used to produce a part change a number of important considerations and limitations previously faced by tool designers and engineers. Now in its third edition, this textbook is still the definitive text on RP. It covers the key RP processes, the available models and specifications, and their principles, materials, advantages and disadvantages. Examples of application areas in design, planning, manufacturing, biomedical engineering, art and architecture are also given. The book includes several related problems so that the reader can test his or her understanding of the topics. New to this edition, the included CD-ROM presents animated illustrations of the working principles of today's key RP processes.

Rapid Prototyping (RP) has revolutionized the landscape of how prototypes and products are made and small batch manufacturing carried out. This book gives a comprehensive coverage of RP and rapid tooling processes, data formats and applications. A CD-ROM, included in the book, presents RP and its principles in an interactive way to augment the learning experience.Special features:

This text provides an introduction to the fundamental theories and applications of rapid prototyping and traces its development in the arena of advanced manufacturing technologies.

This introduction to the fundamental theories and applications of rapid prototyping traces the development of rapid prototyping in the area of advanced manufacturing technologies and explains the fundamentals behind each of the rapid prototyping techniques.

This introduction to the fundamental theories and applications of rapid prototyping traces the development of rapid prototyping in the area of advanced manufacturing technologies and explains the fundamentals behind each of the rapid prototyping techniques.