RP processes and materials research

1
RP Process Material Evaluation
RESEARCH
Testing

• THE RPC CAN DO TESTING OTHERS CANNOT AND
  PUBLISHES FINDINGS
• with Consortium support the Rapid Prototyping
  Center is in a unique position to conduct studies
  that others would have difficulty justifying.
  MSOE has been involved in RP process testing and
  evaluation since 1991. From the beginning, we
  have evaluated and published multiple papers on
  RP related topics. Examples include
•  
• SAND CASTING APPLICATIONS of STEREOLITHOGRAPHY
• The main objective of this ongoing study is to
  monitor several SLA-based sand casting patterns
  for deterioration in a production environment
  (1000-10,000? range)
• Currently, more than 4000 cycles and counting
• Results were presented at the SLA Users Group
  2001
• RP PATTERNS FOR INVESTMENT CASTING
• This study focused on how the quality of
  investment castings is affected by three
  parameters including (1) RP pattern wall
  thickness, (2) RP material and/or build style,
  and (3) refractory coating thickness. Shell
  integrity, percent ash, and casting surface
  finish were measured to evaluate the effects of
  the three parameters.
• Results were presented at the 1996 International
  RP Conference and the 1996 SME RPM Conference.
• SLS POWDER LIFE STUDY
• The main objective of this study was to determine
  when powder is no longer usable.
• The SLS powder life study proved a tremendous
  success since we averaged 215 hours per 4 drums
  before the study and now average 315 hours.
• Findings were presented at the 2001 Solid
  Freeform Fabrication Symposium

RP processes and materials research
Secondary Processes of RP research
Studies Presented to the Consortium and Industry
For further information, please contact
Milwaukee School of Engineering Rapid Prototyping
Center 1025 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI
53202 414-277-7416 414-277-7470 fax E-Mail
Gervasi_at_msoe.edu