Development of the Freeform Master I - a desktop RP machine based on a new sheet lamination process

정전기 방식을 이용한 박판 적층형 쾌속조형기술에 관한 연구

A novel process is newly developed for building RP(Rapid Prototyping) parts using a sheet lamination technique. The build process of existing sheet lamination type RP machines consists of the following steps : feeding, lamination and cutting. In this process, the laminated part of an object is often scratched by a cutter or damaged by a laser beam due to the cutting operation preceded by lamination, In addition, decubing of the unused portion from the laminated block is difficult. In the new process, cutting operation is performed before lamination. The cutting operation takes place while a paper sheet is firmly attached on the plate using electrostatic force. Then liquid glue is applied to the calculated region of the given contour for lamination. The process aims to manufacture a $2k RP machine, what we call the Freeform Mater I, that can use A4 or latter-size used papers. A prototype machine that demonstrates the design concept is built and further research issues are discussed.