Paul and list,
What you expect to do with a component that is fabricated from design data
will vary throughout a project.
The purpose of a prototype is dependant on what information can be gleaned
from it's existence. A prototype that cannot provide a tangible benefit is a
waste of time and money.
The first step in evaluating RP systems is to determine what you want to do
with the prototypes.
Do you need to create CONCEPT models?
If so, why do you need them, or what purpose do they serve?
What will you do with them?
Who needs them?
When are they needed?
What materials do they need to be made from?
Do you need to create PRELIMINARY DESIGN prototypes?
If so, why do you need them, or what purpose do they serve?
What will you do with them?
Who needs them?
When are they needed?
What materials do they need to be made from?
Do you need to create FUNCTIONAL models?
If so, why do you need them, or what purpose do they serve?
What will you do with them, or how functional do they need to be?
Who needs them?
When are they needed?
What materials do they need to be made from?
Based on the above answers, do you need to create RAPID TOOLING?
If so, why do you need it, or what purpose does it serve?
What will you do with it?
Who needs the tool, you, or your supplier?
When is the tooling needed?
What materials does the tool need to be made from?
Based on your industry or market, do you need RAPID MANUFACTURING
capability?
If so, why do you need it, or what purpose does it serve?
What will you do with it?
Who needs the capability, you, or your supplier?
When is this capability needed?
What materials do the product or component need to be made from?
These are not redundant questions... but are determined by the business you
are in, or want to be in.
The answers to these questions may surprise you, but also give you direction
in your decision making process.
Not to discourage you from trying... But all prototypes do not perform the
same function!
It's like trying to pick the best car... What is "best" will be the one that
best fits your needs at the present.
Sincerely,
Larry Blasch
Lawrence R. Blasch
Design Engineer
CAE Systems Administrator
OPW Fueling Components
P.O. Box 405003
Cincinnati, OH 45240-5003 USA
Voice: (513) 870-3356
Fax: (513) 870-3338
*****************************************
* "Always remember you're unique,*
* just like everyone else." *
*****************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Finelt Paul [mailto:Paul.Finelt@swarovski.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 5:35 PM
To: RP-ML (E-mail)
Subject: STONE SOUP
Like most of us, I've been evaluating, implementing and using rp systems for
many years. I have yet to find a really good tool to evaluate systems based
on a specific companies systems. I think we must all agree that rp doesn't
exist in a vacuum and that every company/site/user adds their own dimensions
to the process of selecting a system.
I've used a scoring spreadsheet in the past (using a method that I believe
was developed by the Kepner-Tregoe consulting group) and would like to know
if the rp-ml is interested in building on the one I've started or creating
one from scratch. I am sure the users ,academia and vendors would benefit
from something like this.
The deal is .... 1. we all have to participate and then we all benefit.
2. there are no secret formulae included that embody any
proprietary knowledge base.
3. we use the rp-ml as the vehicle for accomplishing
the task unless 'rapid dude' says no.
4. there are no bad ideas.
5. this is a horse we are all going to ride. I don't want
to end up with a camel. (allusions to an old story about a camel being a
horse designed by a committee).
A tool that delivers visibility and understanding to the decision making
process is the goal.
What do we think?
Paul Finelt
Director, Product Design & Product Engineering
Swarovski North America
1 Kenney Drive
Cranston, RI 02920-4400
voice 401.463.2757
fax 401.463.4757
"the big secret is.... there are no secrets"
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://rapid.lpt.fi/rp-ml/
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://rapid.lpt.fi/rp-ml/
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