Labs & Technology Prototyping

W.M. Keck Rapid Prototyping and Reverse Engineering Laboratory

This lab allows the development and production of functional prototypes through the utilization of leading-edge rapid prototyping and reverse engineering technologies.

This state-of-the-art laboratory helps industry and entrepreneurs gain access to leading-edge rapid prototyping (RP) and reverse engineering (RE) technologies, while providing students with unique, hands-on development and production experience.

Prototyping is the process where pre-production models and parts are fabricated, tested, and the design is evaluated. Rapid prototyping describes the technology that produces models or prototype parts directly from 3D computer-aided design model data.

The RP systems in the W.M. Keck laboratory create prototypes from a variety of polymer-plastic materials layer by layer using thin, horizontal cross sections directly from a computer-generated model. When the computer-generated model is created from an existing part, the surface geometry is accurately reproduced in 3D through a computer-aided design system. This allows students to take clients' existing prototype designs and change the specifications to create new prototypes with varying characteristics, significantly reducing the time needed for new and redesigned products to reach the market.

Technology:

Through the Rapid Prototyping and Reverse Engineering Lab, clients and students leverage technology including:

• Stereo lithography
• Fused deposition modeler
• Three-dimensional printer
• Laser scanner
• Three-dimensional digitizer
• Two coordinate measuring machines
• Optical gauging machine

Swanson Center for Product Innovation

 

Questions?

• Don Shields
• Phone: 412-624-8120
• swansoninfo@
  engr.pitt.edu