Networked service system of rapid prototyping and manufacturing for rapid product development

In order to offer better support for the rapid product development of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), a networked service system of rapid prototyping and manufacturing (RP and M) is researched and developed. A novel framework of RP and M networked service system is presented. Its workflow and detailed functional modules are discussed. The key technologies of implementing the system are described in detail. The service system that includes the technology information platform, E-commerce platform and manufacturing service platform provides a collaborative production environment for users and service bureaus and enables the share of manufacturing resources. A number of case studies have shown that the system has a high potential to speed up the product development of SMEs. As a result, the implementation of such a system will represent a fundamental shift of enterprise strategy and manufacturing organization structure.