The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the classification and coding system developed for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry.
The similarities among RP part geometries and processes are identified and related for the development of rapid prototyping coding system (RPCS).
RPCS forms a base for developing “prototyping philosophy” to take advantage of parts similarities in determination of optimal build orientation and optimization of part building cost.
Most of the examples are limited to parts built by fused deposition modelling process. But, the concept is applicable to any existing RP process.
RPCS implementation is suitable in industries where variety of RP parts are in use.
This is the first attempt towards development of a formal coding system for the RP industry.
