2008-07-07 08:30:30 - Prototyping History and the process of Rapid Prototyping is discussed along with a long explanation of the history of rapid prototyping.

Hobart, Washington USA (PRInside) July 07, 2008

Prototyping History is a new webpage that was just added to the new Prototyping Website that has just been released. This new webpage has all of the information you need to know of Prototyping History and the main information you need to know on Prototyping. You can visit this Rapid Prototyping History webpage at:

www.prototypezone.com/misc-prototyping/

Here is an excerpt from the new Prototyping Disadvantages webpage:

'History of Rapid Prototyping:

Sixties: The first rapid prototyping techniques became accessible in the later eighties and they were used for production of prototype and model parts. The history of rapid prototyping can be traced to the late sixties, when an engineering professor, Herbert Voelcker, questioned himself about the possibilities of doing interesting things with the computer controlled and automatic machine tools. These machine tools had just started to appear on the factory floors then. Voelcker was trying to find a way in which the automated machine tools could be programmed by using the output of a design program of a computer.

Seventies: Voelcker developed the basic tools of mathematics that clearly describe the three dimensional aspects and resulted in the earliest theories of algorithmic and mathematical theories for solid modeling. These theories form the basis of modern computer programs that are used for designing almost all things mechanical, ranging from the smallest toy car to the tallest skyscraper. Volecker's theories changed the designing methods in the seventies, but, the old methods for designing were still very much in use. The old method involved either a machinist or machine tool controlled by a computer. The metal hunk was cut away and the needed part remained as per requirements.

Eighties: However, in 1987, Carl Deckard, a researcher form the University of Texas, came up with a good revolutionary idea. He pioneered the layer based manufacturing, wherein he thought of building up the model layer by layer. He printed 3D models by utilizing laser light for fusing metal powder in solid prototypes, single layer at a time. Deckard developed this idea into a technique called 'Selective Laser Sintering'.'

The new Rapid Prototyping History page is free information to members and non-members and can be found at: www.prototypezone.com/. However, users of Prototype Zone who decide to be members can join for free and receive two free E-Books on Rapid Prototyping for a limited time offer. Prototype Zone will be adding new information all the time on Rapid Prototyping so check back often in the forum and blog for the latest information at: www.prototypezone.com/prototype-forum
About Prototype Zone: Prototype Zone is the leading information source and community website for all things about Prototyping and Rapid Prototyping. Visit the website to join for free and receive two free ebooks on Rapid Prototyping for a limited time offer.