Creating prototypes of a product design is an important part of the   development cycle. Prototypes enable form, fit, and function testing as   well as ergonomic evaluation and marketing tools. In order to have a   positive impact, prototypes need to be created quickly and affordably. The   prototypes must also be of very high quality and meet the necessary   durability requirements. UCS feels that the best approach to prototyping is a combination of leading-edge free-form fabrication methods linked   with world-class traditional model making.

UCS Rapid Prototyping and Modeling Services:

UCS offers its clients the Rapid Prototyping services of Steriolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).


Steriolithography

Stereolithography is a free form fabrication technology . Due to its accuracy and surface finish, it has become the most popular of the rapid prototyping methods. It is a layered manufacturing method that utilizes a photo-curable liquid resin in combination with an ultraviolet laser: a vat of the resin sits underneath the laser, and the laser “draws” on the top layer of liquid. When the ultraviolet laser beam hits the liquid it hardens a small amount of resin under the beam point. By drawing the outline, then filling the outline of a layer, a solid layer of material is created. This layer is then lowered a small amount into the vat, a new layer of liquid is placed on top, and the process repeats itself. By creating one flat layer at a time, a very precise geometry can be created resulting in a complete part.


Fused Deposition Modeling

Fused Deposition Modeing (FDM) is a free-form fabrication technology. Because it uses high strength ABS plastic, it is the favored technology for prototyping plastic parts requiring strength. FDM is a layered manufacturing method that extrudes a thin bead of plastic, one layer at a time. A thread of plastic is fed into an extrusion head, where it is heated into a semi-liquid state and extruded through a very small hole onto the previous layer of material. Support material is also laid down in a similar manner.