Rapid prototyping is the method of constructing physical objects using solid freeform fabrication. The use of rapid prototyping techniques had its start during the 1980's where it was used to build product models. Its current applications have been put into use in a wider range of objectives.
The technique can even be used in order to manufacture quality useable parts in small numbers. Rapid prototyping has even found some applications in the art scene where sculptors use the technology to create intricate shapes that become art pieces.
An improved digital rapid prototyping system makes use of computers in order to create highly accurate design pieces. A digital rapid prototyping system makes use of virtual designs usually created with the help of computer aided design or animation modeling software programs.
The system then transforms the design into virtual cross sections which a special machine uses to recreate the exact design cross sections in physical space until a physical model is finished. The highly technical process enables virtual designs to take physical shape in very exact and accurate manner.
In rapid prototyping, there are usually two basic approaches to design systems being used. The approach chosen can either be formative or summative. The formative approach is being used for situations wherein the prototype is first built based on the current stage of the design. It is then tested on a control group with the results being used to integrate into the next stage of development in order to further enhance and improve on the usefulness of the current design.
The summative approach on the other hand takes a different course in developing product design. A single test exercise is performed at the end of the overall design enhancing process. At most times the approach is a two step stage. Following the summative approach can sometimes make it too costly to make design changes as the end stage nears.
But this approach is less time consuming and can be more cost effective initially if the projected design is seen to require little refinements when a prototype is done. But in the long run, using the formative approach will definitely be more beneficial. The main reason for this is because when a system is tested as a whole only once at the end of the design period, it may be very difficult to pin point the various flaws that may exist within the design.
The computer has come a long way from its infancy at the end of the Second World War. These machines once occupied large rooms are now little boxes that have wires allowing pictures to come out of the monitor enabling people to use it in the office or at home.
But there are also other innovations that have taken place. Operating systems have improved making computers to run faster. The maximum memory a few years ago could only be counted in kilobytes and now is in Gigabytes making the hard drive store a lot of information.
Innovations such as this could never have happened without application processor prototyping. As the hardware was improved, so did the software, which allows users to receive rapid signals specific in the form of updates that can be downloaded instead of buying a new CD.
A good example is probably Microsoft that has introduced various programs in more than a decade. Windows 95 for example gave rise to 2000 and eventually XP, which is the mainstay of the business.
Some who bought the program can get updates in the form of special packs that can be downloaded with no extra cost to the person who got this from a computer store or online.
How is this achieved? This is done by breaking the problem down into small parts and then working the way up until this becomes operational. The old one may work but glitches that have been discovered have to be ironed out so that this will not be encountered again by the customer.
But operating systems are not the only ones that need application prototyping. Designers who are making programs to fight against Spam, viruses and spyware are doing this constantly especially when new threats emerge everyday.
The individual can buy the program and then receive updates through rapid signal technology so that the computer ready is ready to face new threats.
The system itself is not perfect. It has to be evaluated every time by getting the feedback from customers as well as thinking a step ahead because rival competitors will always try to introduce something similar that could be better than the one currently being used.
This means thinking out of the box sometimes instead of always relying on convention. After all, some of best programs developed were discovered by accident or by chance so that the person will be able to maximize the use of the computer.
