Mid-Atlantic Training &
Technology Education News
Serving the Technology Education Market since 1987
Mid-Atlantic Training, 143 William Street, South River NJ 08882
Telephone: 800-776-8093 732-613-8093, FAX# 732-254-3153
Low-Cost Rapid Prototyping System
RapidPRO allows the user to create solid objects designed using any CAD system capable
of saving files in .STL format, a common standard in the 3D CAD world. Pro/DESKTOP,
one of the CAD systems used in conjunction
with the DfEE supported “CAD/CAM in Schools
initiative is one such system. (Note: the educational version of ArtCAM, obtainable
via the same initiative, does not have the ability to save files in .STL format).
RapidPRO imports a solid model and, using a special “wizard”, takes just a few clicks to “slice” the model. The slices are then cut out of sticky-backed paper in conjunction with a vinyl cutter (for instance a Roland CAMM-1), nesting as many slices as possible on a sheet to minimize paper usage. To further minimize material costs, the model can be scaled and the required number of sheets is displayed at any chosen scale.
The vinyl cutter also cuts registration holes and numbers each slice. The slices
are retained in whole sheets and positioned accurately on assembly pegs in an ordered
manner, the backing paper being removed between each slice. 
The assembly process
is surprisingly fast and accurate. A craft knife is required to facilitate “weeding”
of paper that is not used in the final model, for instance the circles that form
internal holes. When finally assembled, the models are surprisingly strong and, as
the name of the product suggests, can include geometry elements that are impossible
to machine, like internal shaped holes for instance. The assembled models can be
further sprayed and sanded to form a smooth finish if that is necessary. The models
are strong enough to be used as moulds for vacuum forming and low-pressure
injection
moldings.The software will be delivered with a number of injection moulded plastic
pegs. Additional pegs can be supplied enabling a class of students to be furnished
with a pegs very economically. The model assembly process 
lends itself well to a
homework project for instance. Boxford can optionally supply a pack of materials
at extra cost. The product is available to schools, colleges, universities and industrial
users world-wide.
While the main application of the system is intended to be Rapid Prototyping, those
users without CNC machines but with a vinyl cutter can use it in conjunction with
the software as a Rapid Manufacturing center to recreate all their solid models from
paper. In these circumstances, RapidPRO provides a meaningful reason for joining
the CADCAM Initiative and taking advantage of the
free pro/DESKTOP software.
Here is a demonstration of the type of work that can be performed with RapidPRO, these models were created in a classroom environment, courtesy of The University of Utah, Mechanical Engineering Department.
Call for a demonstration 800-776-8093.