Abstract:
Computer Aided Design (CAD), Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Computer Aided Tomography (CAT)
technologies were researched. The project entails a unique combination of the abovementioned
technologies, which had to be mastered by the author, on local and international terms.
Nine software packages were evaluated to determine the modus operandi, required input and final
output results. Fifty Rapid Prototyping systems were investigated to determine the strong and weak
areas of the various systems, which showed that prototype materials, machine cost and growing
time play an essential role. Thirty Reverse Engineering systems were also researched. Six different
RE methods were recorded with several commercial systems available. Nineteen case studies were
completed by using several different Computer Aided Tomography (CAT) and Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) centers. Each scanning centre has different apparatus and is discussed in
detail in the various case studies.
The focus of this project is the data transfer of two dimensional CAT scanning data to threedimensional
prototypes by using Reverse Engineering (RE) and Rapid Prototyping (RP). It is
therefore of cardinal importance that one is familiar and understands the various fields of interest
namely Reverse Engineering, Computer Aided Tomography and Rapid Prototyping. Each of these
fields will be discussed in detail, with the latest developments in these fields covered as well. Case
studies and research performed in the medical field should gain the medical industry's confidence.
Constant marketing and publications will ensure that the technology is applied and transferred to the
industry. Commercialisation of the technology is of utmost importance
