Virtual processing - application of rapid prototyping for visualization ofmetal forming processes

The objective of the study was to build physical models (prototypes) of a p roduct based on finite element (FE) process simulations to aid product engi neering in the evaluation of the manufacturing ability of the product. A me thodology and two computer programs were developed to translate the FE geom etrical information into a geometric representation acceptable by most rapi d prototyping (RP) systems. In the case of the ERC/NSM, the prototypes are built with a fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine. This report has been focused in the production of physical models based on the FE simulation res ults for sheet and biller forming processes. However, the programs can be u sed with other process simulations as well. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.