What is Rapid Prototyping?

M Codes
In the process of CNC Machining, an M code is used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or workpiece clamps, etc. [also referred to as M-Codes or m codes]

Macromolecular materials (polymeric materials)
Materials consisting of threadlike or three-dimensional giant molecules with at least 1000 atoms; aside from synthetic materials, some natural materials, such as cellulose, proteins, and rubber, are included.

Macromolecules
A very large molecule that can be composed of hundreds or thousands of atoms.

Market Cannibalization
When a company's new product negatively affects sales of its existing, related products, i.e., it eats its own market.

Matrix Material
Material that binds the fibers. mechanical properties The properties of a material related to how the material behaves when acted on by a variety of forcelike quantities. medical device Broadly defined in terms of the FDA'smandate. It includes both implants and devices such as heart-lung machines, ECGs, arthroscopes and the like.

Mass Customization
A process whereby small lots of individualized parts or products are produced. The opposite of mass production whereby large numbers of identical parts or products are produced.

Melt Molten
molding compound or change in state from the solid to the liquid phase. melt index The amount., in grams, of a thermoplastic resin which can be forced through a 0.0825 in. orifice when subjected to 2160 gms force in 10 minutes at 190ºC.

Mesoscopic Integrated Conformal Electronics (MICE)
This DARPA program is aimed at simplifying the manufacture of electronic devices and systems, and providing greater flexibility than is possible using existing technologies. In size, mesoscale devices fall between integrated circuits and surface-mount components. minimum feature size Refers to the smallest detail of a part that can faithfully be reproduced. Mathematical definitions are usually based on a minimum curvature as a limit, but anecdotal values based on experience are more commonly utilized.

Model Maker
This is an inkjet RP method produced by Solidscape (formerly Sanders Prototypes), and the related company, Sanders International. It producesthe highest accuracy and resolution of all RP methods, but is slow and has limited material choices.

Modulus of Elasticity
Stress/strain ratio in a material that is elastically deformed. Constant ratio of stress to deformation within the elastic range of a material, determined by tensile test, compression test, and bending test; because of the viscoelastic characteristics of plastics, dependence on time is an important consideration. [Also referred to as "E-modulus" "moduous" "modulous of elasticity" ASTM D412]

Mold
(v) To shape plastic parts or finished articles by heat and pressure. (n) (1) The cavity or matrix into which the plastic composition is placed and from which it takes its form. (2) The assembly of all the parts that function collectively in the molding process.

Molded Part
Plastics part produced by primary processing, which is often possible to use without subjecting it to a finishing operation.

Molding compound
An unformed or preformed material that can be processed by noncutting methods of shaping (primary processing) within a certain temperature range to form a molded material, which may be a molded part or semi-finished product.

Molecule
Smallest unit of a chemical compound.

Monomer
Basic building block from which macromolecules are created; for example, ethylene is the monomer of polyethylene ("monomer" is derived from the Greek word for "single part"). Chemical compound whose molecules react to form a polymer.

Multifunctional
Multiple functions combined in a single component; for example, a cable on a ceiling light may bear the weight of the lamp itself while also conducting the electrical energy to the lamp.

MultiJet Modeling
This is an inkjet RP method produced by 3D Systems, Inc. It uses a wide area head and is most often used for generating quick concept models. The materials available are wax-like plastics and accuracy is lower than that available from stereolithography.