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Parts made by rapid prototyping can be made more useful through the application of a number of secondary processes. Recent months have seen the introduction of tempering and plating methods, for example. These processes improve the mechanical properties of parts, but appearance can be important in many applications, as well. Akron Metal Etching has developed a proprietary method of texturing RP-generated parts called PrototexTM. They have applied textures to parts made with several RP processes such as sterolithography and selective laser sintering . The company says almost any type of texture can be applied, not only to RP-generated parts, but also to many other materials such as epoxies, wood, ceramic and various plastics. Curved surfaces are no problem and some surfaces of a part can be selectively textured with others left untouched. Lee Eisinger, the company's president says they have more than 2,000 different texture patterns to choose from in their library. Textures as thin as 0.0005 inches (12 microns) can be applied, or patterns with line widths as narrow as 0.005 in. (125 microns) on 0.008 (175 microns) spacing can be achieved. Heavy textures can also be formed.         A stereolithography-generated housing and a close-up of the applied pattern.   Lee says they can also fill in the stairstepping on RP parts to provide a smooth surface for texturing. They can also increase the wall thickness if required, in some cases avoiding the need to make a new part. For more info contact: Akron Metal Etching 463 Locust Street Akron, OH 44307 330-762-7687 330-762-7686 FX 1-800-432-ETCH(3824) Mr. Lee Eisinger, Pres. A few of the many patterns and textures available. All photos courtesy of Akron Metal Etching.