Rapid prototyping of large scale aerospace structures

A new Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique is being developed at the Manufacturing Processes Laboratory at the University of Utah. This alternative RP technique allows engineers to create full scale physical prototypes of their large designs literally overnight. Where existing RP machines are limited to models that fit within a 30"/spl times/30"/spl times/20" volume, Shape Maker II is capable of producing models with cross sections up to 4'/spl times/8' and with relatively unlimited length. A fundamental description of Shape Maker II is given. Results from testing indicate that this machine has utility with fabricating patterns and molds for large scale composite laminates.