Robot Based Surface Modelling: A New Way For Rapid Prototyping

This paper deals with a new rapid prototyping approach for patternless sand forming using industrial robots. This approach is divided in two main steps. Firstly, a layer of form sand material is applied onto a preadjusted surface by an applying tool which is discontinuously moved by a robot. Secondly, the surface is modelled by means of a roller tool. This surface modelling is performed by three-dimensional movements of the roller fixed on the robot wrist. The three-dimensional modelling depicts the main difference between the new approach and state of the art rapid prototyping processes which subsequently apply horizontal layers, i.e. work in a 21/2-dimensional way.