Prototyping modeling mold rapid

A prototype is a 3-D model suitable for use in the preliminary testing and evaluation of a product (also used for modeling a die, mold and other tool). It provides a means to evaluate the product s performances before going into production. The ideal situation is for the prototype to be the actual product made in production. However machining stock material and using rapid prototype techniques can make prototypes (Chapter 4, BOOK SHELVES). 

Methods are used to produce the more costly rapid prototypes include those that produce models within a few hours. They include photopolymerization, laser tooling, and their modifications. The laser sintering process uses powdered TP rather than chemically reactive liquid photopolymer used in stereolithography. Models are usually made from certain types of plastics. Also used in the different processes are metals (steel, hard alloys, copper-based alloys, and powdered metals). With powder metal molds, they can be used as inserts in a mold ready to produce prototype products. These systems enable having precise control over the process and constructing products with complex geometries. 

Samples from existing moldings made with the actual materials or from rapid prototyping parts can be produced quickly and at comparatively low cost. As these examples show, partially functional concept models can be used to answer a very wide range of questions in the early phases of MID development ... 

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