Title: Hybrid prototyping

Authors: Ramin Moshfegh, Peter Ottosson

Addresses: IVF Industrial Research and Development Corporation, Argongatan 30, SE-431 53, Molndal, Sweden. ' IVF Industrial Research and Development Corporation, Argongatan 30, SE-431 53, Molndal, Sweden

Abstract: Integration of physical and digital mock-ups into a more powerful tool/software i.e. hybrid prototyping to take advantage of the benefits from both disciplines is expected to make product development more efficient. Applications of finite element simulation models are numerous but the advantages become clear when combined with other techniques for prototyping. Comparison between CAD models and finite element simulation results is being used for optimisation purposes. Solutions for optimisation of the manufactured part via improvement of the tools, parts and processes are under development. The development of the tools necessary for the integrated process chain that constitutes the core of hybrid prototyping has increased. Visualisation and inspection at all stages between physical and digital models are the important part of the hybrid prototyping concept. The proposed working methods of hybrid prototyping together with the developed software modules are a step forward that can also enable to produce improved products by use of optimisation technologies during early product development phases.

Keywords: physical mock-ups; digital mock-ups; hybrid prototyping; optimisation; sheet metal forming; finite element analysis; FEA; simulation; CAD; visualisation; inspection; physical prototyping; digital prototyping; rapid prototyping; virtual prototyping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2004.005928

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2004 Vol.6 No.6, pp.523 - 533

Published online: 29 Dec 2004 *

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