Rapid Prototyping of 3D Composite Structures Using Layer by Layer Method

Current methods for rapid prototyping of composite products, applied by a computer during manufacturing, allow for materializing even the most complex 3D objects created in a CAD application in a very short time and without any subsequent processing. After determining the validity of a designed prototype, it can be physically implemented using standard methods or tools for plastic injection molding. This paper presents application of commercial CAD programming packages in modelling 3D objects for rapid implementation of composite prototypes using layer by layer method. This specific method in which the shape of the product is obtained by adding, instead of separation or deformation of materials, offers a number of advantages over other similar methods. Among the most notable ones are producing parts directly from a file, reduced process and operation planning time, process implementation without the use of tools, reduced production cost, increased product quality, improved design, faster audit and product review. This method is commonly used in the process of 3D printing, which, according to certain indicators, be current job in the next 20 years.