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 The prototyping process
begins with the conversion of our customer's three-dimensional CAD drawing
into a file that is exclusively used for the rapid prototyping procedure.
The part is virtually positioned in order to obtain optimal quality,
accuracy, and fine detail preservation. Special software prepares the file
for a prototype build by converting the design into thin cross-sections that
map out the solid regions of the part.The output file guides an ultraviolet laser
beam and scans a specified cross section on the
surface of the liquid photopolymer resin. A
platform attached to an elevator assembly is used
as the foundation for the prototypes and
incrementally indexes the platform into a vat of
resin. Once the liquid photopolymer resin is
exposed to the laser, it solidifies into an
epoxy-like plastic material. The process is
continued layer by layer; cross section after
cross section until the part is complete.
Once the building procedure is complete, the
prototype part is removed and processed through a
solvent rinsing system to remove residual and
uncured resin. The part is then "cured" by placing
it in an ultraviolet post curing apparatus. After
finalizing the curing process, the part is ready
for hand finishing, sanding, beadblasting and
painting - dependent on the intended use of
prototype as specified by our customer. These
models can be utilized for design verification or
tooling aids, analyzed for fit, form and function,
or exhibited for promotional purposes by our
customers.
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Motorola Product Testing Services offers rapid prototyping services to global manufacturers
needing professionally refined prototype parts. We utilize stereolithography (SLA) technology,
a state-of-the-art rapid prototyping process that uses a laser to scan and solidify photosensitive
liquid polymer, to build an accurate model of the manufacturer's design. By using this tooling aid,
the fine detail enables designers to evaluate a physical model of their three-dimensional CAD design.
By teaming with Motorola Product Testing Services early in the design cycle, our customers receive cost-effective
prototype models that can be analyzed to verify design issues, thereby reducing their products' overall time to market.