Managing rapid prototyping as a cultural change

This paper summarizes our experience in selling Alliant Techsystems on the cultural change to rapid prototyping (RP) and highlights some of the surprises derived from the creative interaction of our engineers with the new technologies. The prototyping tools are: 3D Systems StereoLithography for mechanical parts and Direct Imaging´s System Two for rigid, flex, and rigid-flex printed wiring boards. They are supported by a rich CAD environment based on Parametric Technology´s Pro-Engineer on the mechanical side, and Mentor Graphics for the electronic designers. The two systems are located in one rapid prototyping area which also offers CNC machining from CAD models to provide structural prototypes on a quick 9-day cycle