An Integrated Rapid Prototyping and Vacuum Casting System for Medical Applications

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dc.contributor.authorSurana, Renaen_US
dc.contributor.departmentISRen_US
dc.date.accessioned2007-05-23T10:04:42Z
dc.date.available2007-05-23T10:04:42Z
dc.date.issued1997en_US
dc.description.abstractEvaluation of products in the design stage has played a critical role in product development. Methods to build functional prototypes have been a deciding factor for designverification. As an emerging technology, rapid prototyping is revolutionizingthe process of building prototypes. However, material limitations and highcosts call for further expansion of this technology focusing on batch productionof prototypes with material options.<p>Recognizing the challenge to produce multiple prototypes, this thesisresearch aims to integrate three state-of-the-art technologies: 3D solid modeling, rapid prototyping, and vacuum casting. A system architecture combining hardwareand computer software is designed and implemented. <p>The system utilizes computergraphics to construct a 3D model of an object through visualitzion. A softwaresystem, Maestro, processes a CAD file, generates support structures, and creates slice data to build prototypes by a stereolithography process. Thebuilt part serves as a master pattern for creation of a silicone rubber mold in a vacuum environment. This vacuum environment creates a material flow ratethat ensures replicas with superior quality in regards to surface finish anddimensional accuracy. This mold is then used to cast multiple replicas ofthe master pattern.<p>The unique contribution of this research is the application of thedeveloped system to meet a specific need in medical research - an effort torestore sight in blind individuals by implanting electordes in the visualcortex. Six replcas of a monkey skull are produced for surgeions to practicesurgical procedures. Image data obtained from CT scans of a mondkey head are successfully used to contruct a 3D solid model to fabricate a batch of six functional prototypes. The superior quality of these replicas hasoffered a unique opportunity for exploratory surgery in efforts to restoresight.en_US
dc.format.extent2026316 bytes
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/5899
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.relation.ispartofseriesISR; MS 1997-11en_US
dc.subjectmathematical modelingen_US
dc.subjectsimulationen_US
dc.subjectdigital communicationsen_US
dc.subjectdistributed information processingen_US
dc.subjectqueueing networksen_US
dc.subjectsignal processingen_US
dc.subjectalgorithmsen_US
dc.subjectcomputational complexityen_US
dc.subjectparallel architecturesen_US
dc.subjectdistributed parameter systemsen_US
dc.subjectLANen_US
dc.subjectATMen_US
dc.subjectAccess Switchen_US
dc.subjectEdge Switchen_US
dc.subjectEdge Deviceen_US
dc.subjectLANEen_US
dc.subjectIEEE 1355en_US
dc.subjectIntelligent Signal Processing en_US
dc.subjectCommunications Systemsen_US
dc.subjectSystems Integration Methodologyen_US
dc.titleAn Integrated Rapid Prototyping and Vacuum Casting System for Medical Applicationsen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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