3D – 3D Graphics (three-dimensional graphics) – name of one fields of computer graphics, dealing mainly with visualization of three-dimensional objects.
Case study – analysis of individual case, i.e. detailed description of usually actual case, allowing to draw conclusions regarding causes and results of its course, and more generally about the given business model, market characteristics, technical, cultural and social conditions, etc. The purpose of a case study is to show conceptions worth copying, as well as potential errors to avoid. It is used for education, as well as in business practice (e.g. analyses prepared by contractors, consulting companies, for the customer).
CNC – this term is usually used with reference to material processing using computer-controlled devices (such as millers or lathes) able to read standard control code G-code. CNC processing enables fast, precise and highly repeatable execution of often very complicated shapes. A typical process of computerized completion of an item consists of the following stages: computer-assisted designing (CAD), converting the design into machine control plan (CAM) and CNC (actual completion).
Digital Manufacturing (DDM) – direct production, on the basis of digital data (Direct Digital Manufacturing) of relatively small production batches, this production method is usually used in aviation industry and in manufacture of implants and in dentistry. Due to high productivity of contemporary incremental devices, this method is more and more frequently used in production industry.
3D Printing – rapid prototyping means making of physical objects on the basis of 3D models, made in any system used for three- or two-dimensional designing.
e-Manufacturing – is a production model assigned to changeable market demands, using computer applications. Usually, it is based on highly efficient incremental technologies.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) – modelling with liquid thermoplastic. One of the incremental, additive technologies used for rapid prototyping. The technological process consists in production of prototypes of plastic (usually thermoplastics based on ABS or polycarbonate – PC) by applying the melted material using a thin modelling nozzle.
POLYJET - One of the incremental, additive technologies used for rapid prototyping. The technological process consists in applying subsequent layers of photopolymer (usually based on acrylic resins) using multiple nozzles, than hardening the same using UV light.
Prototype – a precursor of an element, mechanism, or entire device, intended to define the appearance, increase substantial attractiveness of future products, structural correctness and functionality of the final product.
Three-dimensional designing 3D – designing which supports the process of making the finished product, starting from conception, through the stages of designing, making the elements, and assembly. The effect of three-dimensional designing 3D is a plastic, three-dimensional model, animation of assembly or device, which is a readable and comprehensible visualization of the design, as each element of the design is made as a 3D model. The most important advantages of 3D designing are: verification of accuracy of solutions and conceptions by means of computer graphics, possibility of checking a larger number of variants and elimination of potential flaws at an early stage of designing.
Rapid Prototyping (RP) – term used to define a collection of methods used for fast, precise and repeatable production of elements using an additive technology (e.g. using stereolithography, or 3D printing), usually computer-controlled.
Reverse Engineering – a process of investigating a product in order to specify its exact principle of operation, as well as the method and costs of making the same. Usually it is conducted in order to gain information required to make a counterpart. Another application is comparison or guaranteeing cooperation with one’s own products.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) – One of the incremental, additive technologies used for rapid prototyping. The technological process consist in sintering plastics (usually based on polyamides – PA) or metals with a laser beam.
Vacuum Casting (VC) – a technology of vacuum casting using silicone or composite moulds, allowing to make small and medium batches of prototypes of epoxide and polyurethane resins. Prototypes made using the Rapid Prototyping technologies can be used as models.
