Removal Of Support Structures From Rapid Prototypes
Some of the rapid prototypes require support structures for manufacturing. These support structures are later remove using various methods like cutting, dissolving, or simply removing after your main prototype is ready. You will not experience such problems with the powder based prototyping methods. They are normally self- supporting. Any excess deposit of powders in the supporting features created in their case can be easily shaken off or vacuumed.
This is not the case of the other rapid prototyping methods. All these methods require support structure or undercuts. The support structures are always fabricated along side the main object. However this calls for the mandatory secondary operation after the product is ready. The secondary operation is nothing but removal of the support structure from the main object. You have to be careful about the support structures while constructing them with the object. Sometimes their removal, though secondary operation, may need considerable efforts as well as time.
When you are employing the Stereo-lithography as your rapid prototyping method you will have to cut off the supports at the end of it. The areas to which these support structures were attached have to be re-finished. The operation is often carried out with hands. It is easier to remove the traditional hair-like support structure used in Inkjet based models. They can be removed with a solvent or could even be brushed away.
In case of Fused Deposition Modeling the support structure can be snapped away or dissolved using water. However the Laminated Object Manufacturing process may call for some labor intensive work for de-cubing the trapped volumes or other parts.
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