What Does Rapid Prototyping Mean?
Rapid prototyping technologies are systems utilized for creating a real-scale model of an item in brief lead time, making use of CAD software. This usually involves casting, 3D printing, and subtractive manufacturing (drilling, milling, turning).
Having An Efficient And Competitive Prototyping Practice
Having a quick and effective prototyping process is an essential part of any business. It is one of the predominant concerns that companies are faced with. The goal of companies is to have high-performance prototype solutions for building the best final product in briefer lead time and incorporating feedback swiftly with maximum skill.
3 Different Techniques Of Modern Rapid Prototyping Technologies
1. Additive Manufacturing
Also referred to as 3D printing, this is a technique that harvests objects from 3D files by melding the material layer by layer, by making use of a 3D printer. Various additive manufacturing technologies can be used, such as:
• Selective laser sintering – for plastic 3D printing
• Direct metal laser sintering – for metal 3D printing
• Fused deposition modeling – also for printing plastic parts.
2. Subtractive Manufacturing
A technology which utilizes an opposite approach. Layers are not being added on top of each other. A machine eliminates parts from a block of material until the anticipated shape is ready. Subtractive manufacturing involves various technologies like:
• Turning – a moving cutting tool that removes material from a part which is positioned in high-speed rotation.
• Milling – The cutting tool is located in high-speed rotation, and its cutting edges eliminate the material from the part.
• Drilling – the cutter revolves on the part to drill the holes.
3. Casting
Casting is a method for creating various parts from the original model, which is used as a reference. You can learn more here about the procedure. The initial part is generally manufactured by using an additive manufacturing technology. Once the item is 3D printed, a mold is generated around it using silicon rubber. It is then cured and removed. The mold can be filled afterward with the final material, usually resin.
Criteria For Choosing The Right Prototyping Technique For Your Developing Project
• Level of quality that is required for the prototype – Is it a medium-fidelity, low-fidelity prototyping development or even operational prototyping?
• Fidelity to the final product is an essential factor to take into consideration – Do you require a prototype which will end up looking and feeling precisely like the object that needs manufacturing?
• The intricacy of the part is a crucial consideration. For highly precise items, you must use a highly exact rapid prototyping technology.
• Do you require exact material properties? Meaning, should the prototype be made with robust material, or must it be flexible? This will certainly have an effect on the selection of the rapid prototyping technique that will be chosen.
• The preferred quantity is going to make a difference as some technologies are only suitable for a small number of items.
• Available resources are probably your most vital element to consider. You must contemplate about the time you have to finish the project and of course your budget.