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Why isn’t expanded polystyrene material more popular for RP?



Respected sir:

Why isn’t expanded polystyrene not that popular for RP?? Is it outdated?? and no further research being done with it?? I want to work in the RP area using this material. Is it a bad idea??

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours sincerely
OK
(India)



Dear OK:

Methods like this have been fairly thoroughly investigated, and for many applications have been found to be less satisfactory than other RP technologies. That is not to say that they are without value, but that you need to define the market that the technology addresses before proceeding. It's not a general solution to the problem, at least as far as this market goes.

It may be that the low cost of the technology would be appealing for many applications in India where price may be a stronger consideration than some specifications.

In the US and the west in general, LOM of these materials would find application in certain casting processes and for construction of large models. There is company called Global Manufacturing (in Ohio) that does this sort of thing for architectural applications. Also take a look at Gilmore Engineers Pty. Ltd. in Australia. They do this sort of technology for art and other applications. These companies can be found from our directories.

So, I would say, think about what applications you would sell the machinery for before deciding to go ahead. Then use the work that others have dome, and build on that rather than re-inventing the wheel.

Regards,
Ed

Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping


 


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