Selection of Rapid Prototyping Techniques Using Reasoning and Ranking

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a method in which the part is created by a layer-additive process. Using specialised software, a 3-D CAD model is cut into very thin layers or cross-sections. Then, depending on the specific method used, the RP machine constructs the part layer by layer until a solid replica of the CAD model is generated. With respect to RP there is a need to select the most appropriate RP technique according to a specific application. This task is hard to achieve because of the number of available RP techniques and material/process combinations capable of creating prototypes directly from CAD models. This paper presents a method for choosing the most suitable RP technique for a given application. Here, using the proposed approach this task is simplified by dividing the selection problem into two related subproblems, which are ‘determining feasibility’ through ‘reasoning’ and ‘ordering the options’ through ‘ranking’ in order to choose the most appropriate RP technique for a given application in a quick and inexpensive way without compromising the end-user requirements.