<title>Overview of laser-based rapid prototyping in a microdomain</title>

Abstract

In the emerging field of micro robotics and micro- electromechanical systems, the requirement of complex mechanical parts is gaining much importance. On one hand, the overall size and shape of the product is becoming continuously smaller and more complex, whereas the new product demand/offer is increasing manifold. In order to overcome this problem, the new organizational structure of the compete process for the product development as well as the new technology is necessary. This paper highlights the various processes viz. Micro-stereolithography of polymer resin, selective laser sintering of metallic powder as well as melting processes using lasers for the rapid prototyping of 3D parts in micro domain.