Author : S. Yogeswaran, C. Bhagyanathan and J. David Rathnaraj

The most interesting and challenging applications of rapid prototyping technologies are in the field of medicine. Rapid Prototyping medical models have found application for planning treatment for complex surgery procedures, design and manufacturing of implants. This study explores and presents the procedure for making medical models using RPT, medical rapid prototyping technologies application in different fields of medicine. The selection of RP/RT technique is a central element of the life cycle of product development, effectiveness and success. RP/RT must be selected to satisfy the requirement of the job. A suitable selected technique contributes to the setup time, build speed, costs and quality in terms of surface finish, accuracy and strength. Fuzzy logic approach is one way for the optimum selection of RP/RT technique, since it translates subjective and qualitative evaluated criteria into numerical measures. Implement of fuzzy theory in the selection of the best rapid prototyping technique for a cranioplastic implant project.

Keywords: Polyether ether ketone, RPT, Fuzzy logic, Fuzzy set, Fused deposition modeling

Article published in International Conference on Advances in Mechanical Sciences 2014, Special Issue-2 (Feb 2014)