SBIR Phase I: Low Cost Rapid Prototyping Using Computer Printers

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目将开发一种新的低成本快速成型方法，基于廉价的计算机打印技术。已经开发了各种快速成型技术，设备成本在30,000美元到200,000美元之间。这样的成本和机器的复杂性将生产限制在几千台机器上。印刷技术，通过降低进入成本，简单地购买特种纸和碳粉，可能会导致一种新的制造模式，有利于小型、准时制造。第一阶段将用简单的手抄纸设备制作纸张，并提供概念验证。据估计，业务潜力将扩展到最初的2,000名快速成型设备用户。预计将在工业中广泛的工程和制造业务中应用。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new low-cost rapid prototyping method, based on inexpensive computer printing technology. A variety of rapid prototyping technologies have been developed with equipment costing in the range of $30,000 to $200,000. Costs like this and machine complexity have limited production to a few thousands of machines. The printing technology, by lowering entry costs to the simple purchase of specialty paper and toner, could lead to a new manufacturing paradigm favoring small, just-in-time manufacturing. Phase I will make sheets from simple hand sheet equipment and provide proof of concept. The business potential is estimated to extend to an initial 2,000 users of rapid prototyping equipments. Applications are expected across a broad spectrum of engineering and manufacturing operations in industry.