Rapid prototyping processes give new possibilities to numerical copying techniques

Due to the appearance of numerically controlled machine tools the conventional copying from physical model has almost lost its importance. Instead, the model of numerical copying is widely used. Until recently, geometry could be copied predominantly in the touching manner and the manufacture of copied - measured shapes on CNC machine tools mainly did not pose o problem. However, because of the introduction of optical copying of geometrical data it is possible to copy the shapes which, sometimes, cannot be made by conventional machining processes (small radii of curvature, negative angles, etc.). The paper describes how these problems can be solved with layered technology processes within a very short time.