The RP Selector is developed mainly for designers, purchasers and others who from time to time need to acquire RP/FFF models for various applications and want fast, un-biased advice.
The
intention is not to give “the correct answer” to a question which most
often does not have only one correct answer. Rather the Selector aims at
guiding and educating the user, and at serving as a number of important
functions:
· A tool for giving fast, direct access to a great amount of information
about practical FFF based methods that are part of relevant process chains
· An easy-to-learn, easy-to-use guide for the non-frequent FFF user
· A base for user-oriented training
· A support for common understanding at internal and external discussions
· A communication link for information about methods, materials and
suppliers of products and services
The RP Selector handles both plastic and metallic parts and covers all the way from making parts for an early design studiy to the production of small series.
The program deals with many methods and process chains that are based on FFF and includes both Rapid Tooling, when FFF methods are used for manufacturing of tools, and Rapid Manufacturing, direct applications for the completed FFF part.
The
RP Selector has been developed by IVF Industrial Research and
Development Corporation* under a grant from NUTEK (Swedish Business Development
Agency). A number of Swedish user companies as well as service buraux were
involved in the development and they have strongly influenced the design and
verified the contents. The approach of guiding and informing instead of giving
a fixed solution was decided upon as the best way to compensate for the fact
that the fast FFF development will always make a system of this kind lagging
somewhat behind as regards the influence of new product releases.
The
English version of the RP Selector has been developed with support from RAPTIA,
an EU Thematic Network (BRRT CT 98-5097).
*IVF Industrial
Research and Development Corporation
Brinellvagen 68
SE-100 44 Stockholm
Sweden
+46-821 95
76
Phone +46 821 95 76
Fax +46 820 22 27
info@ivf.se
www.ivf.se