Computer application of rapid machining techniques for the creation of rapid prototyping

Abstract

Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Turkey, 19-21 July, 2010.

Rapid machining is a new technique recently made possible by the advances in control system technology. It is a technique that has been overlooked by many industries as means of producing rapid prototypes. The rapid prototyping systems work with different techniques using waxes paper and metal powder. The fused deposition modelling (FDM) system using wax was developed in this work. The FDM machine builds the part by extruding semi-molten wax through a heated nozzle in a prescribed pattern onto a platform. The present paper describes the basic system design, and the method of wax deposition. The extrusion jet is mounted on a X-Y-Z table which is controlled by a computer system. Automated control of the plunger mechanism and the platform position allow for accurate parts to be produced. Single layers of wax are built up one on top of the other to produce the final part shapes. The characteristics of wax were also analysed in order to optimise the model production process. These included wax phase change temperature.