Model MakersModel Makers

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

History of MMHistory of MM

(MM) was developed (MM) was developed by Sanders by Sanders Prototype INC. in the Prototype INC. in the early 1990’searly 1990’s

Wanted to Wanted to revolutionize the RP revolutionize the RP industry in accuracyindustry in accuracy

Original Model Maker Original Model Maker MaterialsMaterials

Build MaterialBuild Material

− −Wax based thermoplasticsWax based thermoplastics Support MaterialSupport Material

− −Wax based material with very Wax based material with very lowlow

melting pointsmelting points

Modern Materials for MMModern Materials for MM

Metallic compoundsMetallic compounds Thermoplastic compoundsThermoplastic compounds

MM ProcessMM Process

MM system builds up layers of MM system builds up layers of materials using the method of materials using the method of melting and fusingmelting and fusing

Uses a solid modeler , inkjet print Uses a solid modeler , inkjet print heads , and high precision milling heads , and high precision milling techniquestechniques

Types/price of MM’s in 96Types/price of MM’s in 96

http://www.sdsc.edu/tmf/Research/lowcost.html

Sanders MM ProcessSanders MM Process

Click here for a Sanders ModelMaker.

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

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

MM usesMM uses

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

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

MM productsMM products

Examples from start to finish using Examples from start to finish using SolidscapeSolidscape

Click here for examples from rpwax.com's rapid prototype models.

Click here for RP machines for jewelry models used for direct casting.

IndustriesIndustries MedicalMedical JewelryJewelry ToysToys TeachingTeaching

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

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

AdvantagesAdvantages

High precisionHigh precision Easy to useEasy to use Non toxicNon toxic EfficientEfficient Good surface finishGood surface finish

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Longer build timeLonger build time Only makes small partsOnly makes small parts Longer set up timeLonger set up time Limited variety of support Limited variety of support

materialsmaterials

ReferencesReferences

www.sandersdesign.comwww.sandersdesign.com www.waxbuilder.com/www.waxbuilder.com/

SandersWaxModelsSandersWaxModels www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/engineering_awww.staffs.ac.uk/schools/engineering_a

nd_technologynd_technology Rapid prototyping technology textRapid prototyping technology text http://www.efunda.com/processes/rapidhttp://www.efunda.com/processes/rapid

_prototyping/inkjet.cfm#SMM_prototyping/inkjet.cfm#SMM http://rpwax.com/pages/rp%20modelhttp://rpwax.com/pages/rp%20model

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