Book review

Rapid prototyping casebook

Edited by J A McDonald, C J Ryall, and D. I. Wimpenny, Professional Engineering Publishing Limited
ISBN 1 86058 076 9 £69.00

One of the biggest problems in getting new products into production is the time and expense in making prototypes. Similar problems arise whether the manufactured objects are ceramic tableware, complex engine crankshafts, medical prostheses or customised titanium implants and jigs that allow the faces of accident victims to be reconstructed.

Time compression technologies such as rapid prototyping and manufacturing can substantially reduce development and lead times of new and modified products. This results in dramatic savings, thereby giving a competitive edge to the companies using the techniques. Choosing the right system and process for any particular project is vital to its success, but this can be difficult because there is such a wide range of different possibilities available and it may be difficult to choose between them.

The Rapid Protoyping Casebook reports on case studies compiled by the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick UK. It covers experiences drawn from a variety of industries in the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA in using different materials and processes. Advantages and benefits, pitfalls and system shortcomings are all identified, so that the reader is able to form an idea of how these new technologies work in practice. The case studies are drawn from eight areas: product design and development; using bureau facilities; rapid casting techniques; rapid tooling; reverse engineering; medical applications; sculpture and architecture; rapid manufacture. Rapid prototype products include: microsubmarines that can travel within a human artery, hip and knee joint implants, rapid prototype patterns and cast tooling, cylinder heads for internal combustion engines.

This book clearly illustrates the multiplicity of ways in which industry is beginning to put rapid prototyping techniques to work, both imaginatively and fruitfully. It will prove invaluable as a reference book for design and manufacturing engineers and managers responsible for new product development. It should serve as a catalyst for the widespread introduction of rapid prototyping techniques into industry. In fact for anyone considering use of Rapid Prototyping, this book is the next best thing to hands-on experience.

Antony Anderson

antony.anderson@cambashi.com

Also in this issue . . . .

Planning in the aftermath
Markets were hard to call even before September 11th. We cannot even begin to imagine the impact of that terrible event, and its aftermath, on those personally affected. We can only offer our deepest sympathy. Inevitably the resulting loss of confidence has had a profound economic effect too. But we have the responsibility to continue our businesses, generate employment and endeavour to minimise disruption to economic and social progress. And part of this is setting budgets for next year, which must be based on realistic assumptions. Mike Evans gives his contribution to the debate on sales planning for the coming year.

Reverse IT recruitment survival kit
Worried that you might suffer “reverse recruitment”? Here is a seasonal guide to survive the visit by management consultants looking for ERM to fund their fees.

Cambashi’s 2002 seminar
Get 23rd April in your diary to catch up with the market for IT in Industry and meet the key players at our Oxfordshire seminar.

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