One of the most demanding techniques and processes of our time that prints 3D figures is rapid prototyping. This is a method in the modern era, which engineers use to compress shapes to reach a finch product.
This method has many benefits and is widely used all over the world. CNC parts can be prototyped with this method, as well as 3D figures. From everything said, we can conclude that this method is a group of techniques that can fabricate a part.
With the help of CAD, computer-aided design, you can construct a part that you need and then, with rapid prototyping, make it a reality. This rapid prototyping can be used in various places, such as the manufacturing of parts in small quantities. If you want to learn more about this topic, follow the link https://foundersguide.com/benefits-of-rapid-prototyping/.
How does it work?
The first thing to do when you need something to be prototyping is to sketch. This will give the manufacturer an idea of what you need. The important thing to remember is to use as many details as possible.
This will make the final product much better and with everything you need. Whether you are using CAD or other design software for your sketching, you will probably do dozens of blueprints before choosing the perfect one. What are the different types of rapid prototyping?
Additive Manufacturing Method
There are different types of prototyping, depending on what the customer demands. This specific method, additive manufacturing, works quite simply. It can also be found as a Fused Deposition Modeling.
On the bottom is a build-platform which uses as a place to put the final shape. On this platform, the melted plastic is laid down. The plastic is heated and extruded by a nozzle to become easy to shape and achieve more complex figures.
The nozzle then puts as many layers as necessary for the shape to reach its final looks. The whole process is controlled by software, and it can be monitored throughout the whole procedure. When the melted plastic is put on the build-platform, it cools down and becomes solid.
Stereolithography Method
This type is one of the most common and most used when it comes to rapid prototyping methods. In this process, liquid plastic plays the role of the build-platform in the previous method. On this surface, a UV laser draws whatever the computer tells him to. A cyclic process is happening until the final 3D model is carved.
Software Rapid Application Development
The name speaks for itself regarding this process. So, this method is a good option when you need to develop software. This is a quite popular technique because it provides detailed information about the shape or design’s feasibility.
Selective Laser Sintering Method
Just like stereolithography, this method uses a laser. Instead of having a liquid plastic, in this method, thermoplastic powders are used. That is how the laser with fusion curves the shape layer by layer. Just like the other processes, this is a cyclic one and, in the end, gives the developer or the customer what he or she is looking for. What are the advantages of rapid prototyping methods?
It is affordable
This method is commonly used to produce parts for testing and analysis. So, it significantly reduces the cost because there is no need to develop or purchase additional tools each time you need something to test it.
Every time we need this method, it uses the same equipment as the time before, Cad and printing parts. Because this is an automated process, there is no need for 10 people to work around it. So, saving in staff and labor.
And maybe one of the greatest advantages is that it doesn’t create waste as much as the traditional prototyping techniques. When the whole planet focuses on reducing waste, the last thing you need is to create additional and unnecessary waste.
Fast
Unlike the traditional ways of prototyping like molding and pattering, this new method is super-efficient. You only need an accurate design and nothing more to get to the analysis. Because of the automation, you can change details or modify certain parts and not disrupt the whole production line.
When you are in a competitive market, you know that time is money. With this technique, you will save a ton of money, double your profit for sure.
Creativity, flexibility, and freedom
To be creative and innovative is easy. What is hard is to make your ideas a reality. The first obstacle many innovators face is not having enough money for a complex design. Most of the time, these situations end up simplifying the design to the level of your competition.
This makes it even impossible to stand out and do something unique. But with this new technique of making figures, you will be able to show your creativity in action.
With this process, you have incredible freedom to design and experiment. If you are interested in this technique and you want to find the best manufacturer on the market, you can check out Zero Hour Parts. Even if your design is too complex and you realize that it will cost you more than expected, the developer always monitors the process and can change it at any time you do not like.
A better understanding of the design
It is not the same as sketching and being able to hold something in your hands. Although technology has forced us to rely on the Internet and imaginary 3D sketches, it is always better to touch something and see how it would work in practice.
There are so many things that when you just sketch, you can omit them as a product of human error. If this rapid prototyping technique did not exist, you would probably order the product and pay thousands of dollars. It’s bad if you realize you have a design error when it arrives. With this amazing technique, such things can be easily avoided — sketch, print, and check.
