Examples of what Rapid Prototyping (RP) can make

• presentation models
• engine parts
• cellular phones
• jewelry
• food service
• turbine blades
• toys
• hip joints
• architectural and other scale models
• skeletal replicas
• molds and patterns
• and all kinds of electronic devices, computer and business machine parts, medical devices, consumer products, novelties . . .

Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping (RP) makes three-dimensional objects directly from Computer Aided Design (CAD) models. RP turns concepts into hold-in-your-hand examples in just hours or days instead of weeks or months. Results: drastic reductions in concept-to-launch cycle time.

Other benefits Marketing and bidding Clients, customers, and potential investors can see and handle the real thing instead of just a sketch or description. Design Engineers can see flaws earlier, when changes are least expensive. They can verify changes, confirm form, fit, and function, and check producibility. They can also perform flow testing and ergonomic studies. With quicker feedback from vendors and concurrent engineering, up front target costing is easier.

Supply
Suppliers can respond to RP prototypes with more accurate quotes on production costs than is possible with two-dimensional versions.

Production
RP can be cost effective for low volume production and used:

• to make patterns for casting, forming, and molding,
• as a visualization model for tool and die development,
• to design and verify packaging
• to study assembly, supports, locators.

RP's Drawback?
Only one: your own personal RP system can cost from $100,000 to $500,000, not including the costs of supplies and operators. We can help. As a unit of the University of Kentucky within the College of Engineering, we have powerful research support and access to the newest technology. Our mission is to bring advanced research and engineering expertise to manufacturers at minimal cost.

Stereolithography
  SLA 3500 - 13.8" x 13.8" x 15.7"
    Material: SOMOS 11120
    Material: NanoTool
  SLA 250 - 10" x 10" x 10"
    Material: SOMOS 8110

Vacuum Casting
  MCP 003 Vacuum Casting Machine
    20" x 20" x 20"max mold size
  MCP 004PLC Vacuum Casting Machine
    35" x 24" x 25"max mold size
  Polyurethane- Shore 40A - Shore 85D
  FDA Approved Material

• Silicone rubber mold fabrication employing the MCP vacuum casting system MCP003(20 x 20 x 20in), MCP004PLC(35.25 x 24 x 25.5in)
• Casting from silicone rubber molds utilizing polyurethane resins tailored to the physical properties of the production injection molded part.

Conventional and
Non Conventional Machining
   CNC Mill and Lathe

   Conventional Machine Shop

Vacuum Forming
  Formech 450
    Max: 17"x17"x9"

Injection Molding
  Cincinnati Milacron ACT100B

Other Services

• Computer aided design (Pro/ENGINEER®, Solid Works®, Rhinoceros®, and CATIA)
• Reverse engineering (Microscribe® G2X, NextEngine Laser Scanner)