Development of Functional Rapid Prototyping for the Production of Near Shape Castings and Its Applications for Concurrent Engineering in the Metal Casting Industry

The purpose of this research was to determine the increased role that rapid prototyping has taken in the metal casting industry for the production of near-net shape castings as well as reducing the new product lead time essential in concurrent engineering cycles. Additionally, research will (1) assess associated costs for product development, (2) determine time percentages procured for each level of development and manufacture and determine the stages where Rapid Prototyping can effectively aid in time reduction and engineering changes, (3) and the trends that the cast metals industry is trying to achieve through use of this technology