Rapid prototyping: an explorative study on its viability in pottery production.

This paper seeks to explore further on findings from previous research work which experimentally investigates the viability of digital and rapid prototyping in small and medium scale ceramic industries. The findings from the research revealed that digital and rapid prototyping are viable in reducing development time and improving prototype accuracy; however, based on the rapid technology (Fused Deposition Modeling) used for the research, the research shows that rapid prototyping is an expensive approach. Therefore, based on these findings, this concept paper seeks to explore and propose other available rapid technology (Laminated Object Manufacturing and CNC) for small and medium scale ceramic industries. The paper illuminates generally on rapid prototyping and technology; review the application of Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) in ceramic product development based on the research carried out by Jorge, Rui, Ricardo, & Ana at Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Portugal. And finally, proposed the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) in ceramic product development.