Model Makers

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Model Makers
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• Model Maker (MM) is a commercial rapid
  prototyping (RP) system using tiny jets to
  deposit materials onto a platform to build
  physical models. Also, a cutter is employed to
  plane off the deposited surface in order to
  maintain smaller layer thickness and hence, model
  accuracy.

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History of MM

• (MM) was developed by Sanders Prototype INC. in
  the early 1990s
• Wanted to revolutionize the RP industry in
  accuracy

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Original Model Maker Materials

• Build Material
• -Wax based thermoplastics
• Support Material
• -Wax based material with very low
• melting points

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Modern Materials for MM

• Metallic compounds
• Thermoplastic compounds

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MM Process

• MM system builds up layers of materials using the
  method of melting and fusing
• Uses a solid modeler , inkjet print heads , and
  high precision milling techniques

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Types/price of MMs in 96
http//www.sdsc.edu/tmf/Research/lowcost.html
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Sanders MM Process
Click here for a Sanders ModelMaker.
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MM Materials

• Below is a 4-inch model made by the Extrude Hone
  "ProMetal process.  Made of stainless steel
  powder which is infiltrated with bronze to braze
  it together, it should be quite long lasting.

Click here for examples of George Hart's
mathematical rapid prototype creations.
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MM uses

• In the link is an SLS model, about 3 inches in
  diameter, made on a DTM 2500Plus machine

Click here for more of George Hart's creations
and web page.
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MM products

• Examples from start to finish using Solidscape

Click here for examples from rpwax.com's rapid
prototype models.
Click here for RP machines for jewelry models
used for direct casting.
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Industries

• Medical
• Jewelry
• Toys
• Teaching

Click here for examples of RP processes in the
MEDICAL industry from waxbuilders.com.
Click here for examples of RP processes in the
JEWELRY industry from waxbuilders.com.
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Advantages

• High precision
• Easy to use
• Non toxic
• Efficient
• Good surface finish

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Disadvantages

• Longer build time
• Only makes small parts
• Longer set up time
• Limited variety of support materials

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References

• www.sandersdesign.com
• www.waxbuilder.com/SandersWaxModels
• www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/engineering_and_technolog
  y
• Rapid prototyping technology text
• http//www.efunda.com/processes/rapid_prototyping/
  inkjet.cfmSMM
• http//rpwax.com/pages/rp20model20info202.html