As like in Germany, the uses and applications of CAD solid modeling are limited in Japan. Again, as enabling technique for rapid prototyping (RP) machines, a CAD solid model should be designed before a component can be fabricated. The applications of 2-D CAD is very common in Japan.
Mostly a 2D CAD file is transformed to a 3D CAD solid model, then fabricated on an RP machine, however the additional step of designing the solid model increases the cost of the rapid prototyping component. Rapid Prototyping competes with machining for creating prototype components in Japan. In several cases, even complicated geometries can be machined as quickly as parts can be produced using rapid prototyping.
There are a large number of small machine shops in Japan, and the increasing competition in t5he industry makes machining an attractive option in comparison to RP. Low accuracy and surface roughness of components made through rapid prototyping is another drawback of this process. However, with the increasing usage of CAD solid modeling, the applications of rapid prototyping are expected to increase.
The table given below shows some of the Rapid Prototyping systems in use in Japan -
Research & Developments
R&D works for metal casting applications in Japan are mainly focused on the development of materials and software for fabrication of patterns.
Summation
In conclusion, we can say that CAD solid modeling is not used very widely in Japan. In several cases, component designs have to be transformed into solid models before fabrication by a rapid prototyping machine. This results in the increases in the price of RP components. Rapid prototyping can be compared to CNC machining in respect with cost, scheduling, and quality. Inadequate accuracy and surface finishing of parts fabricated using the RP technique are limiting their usage in Japan. Though some of the small companies are are aggressively and successfully using the RP technique for metal casting applications.
