What is rapid prototyping

What is rapid prototyping? 

Rapid Prototyping (RP) can be defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data. What is commonly considered to be the first RP technique, Stereolithography, was developed by 3D Systems of Valencia, CA, USA. The company was founded in 1986, and since then, a number of different RP techniques have become available

Rapid prototyping

Rapid Prototyping has also been referred to as solid free-form manufacturing, computer automated manufacturing, and layered manufacturing. RP has obvious use as a vehicle for visualization. In addition, RP models can be used for testing, such as when an airfoil shape is put into a wind tunnel. RP models can be used to create male models for tooling, such as silicone rubber molds and investment casts. In some cases, the RP part can be the final part, but typically the RP material is not strong or accurate enough. When the RP material is suitable, highly convoluted shapes (including parts nested within parts) can be produced because of the nature of RP.

FDM (Fused deposit modelling)

Rapid Prototyping

FDM is an additives' manufacturing process where plastic filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle. This extruded plastic is precisely placed layer upon layer to create a 3 dimensional model. With a large amount of materials available such as ABS, PLA, polycarbonate, polyamides, polystyrene, lignin, among many others, there are different trade-offs between strength and temperature properties.

Prototyping with materials like PLA can be used for lost-wax (investment) castings. Reducing mould manufacturing time by creating accurate models with the tree assembly in one process, removing the need to create individual art moulds getting your product to the market quicker with reduced cost. PLA is rigid and aesthetically smooth making it great for small end parts and prototype components that must not flex.

ABS plastic has great strength and flexibility for creating working prototypes. It has good impact strength and is dimensionally very accurate.

SLA (Stereolithography)

Rapid Prototyping

SLA is a rapid prototyping process that uses a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer resin and a UV laser to build parts one layer at a time. SLA rapid prototyping is a great process for concept models, master patterns and tradeshow models.

Maximum dimensions available: 635mm x 635mm x 533mm

SLS (Selective laser sintering)

Rapid Prototyping

A rapid prototyping process that uses a high power laser to fuse small particles of powder to build parts one layer at a time. SLS rapid prototyping is a great process for functional testing and for low volume manufacturing.

SLS is ideal for durable, functional parts with a variety of applications. SLS is capable of producing snap fits and living hinges.

Maximum dimension available: 711mm x 482mm x 482mm.

CNC milling

Rapid Prototyping

Subtractive modelling uses CNC machines to remove material to achieve a 3 dimensional part. This process can be used for both prototyping and end part manufacture. Items can be produced in almost any material making the parts suitable for real life applications including product validations and testing. This process is more suited to the final design stages as manufacture can be expensive.

Colour InkJet printing

Rapid Prototyping

Colour InkJet Printing (CJP) is an additive manufacturing technology which involves two major components – core and binder. The Core™ material is spread in thin layers over the build platform with a roller. After each layer is spread, colour binder is selectively jetted from inkjet print heads over the core layer, which causes the core to solidify. The build platform lowers with every subsequent layer which is spread and printed, resulting in a full-colour three-dimensional model.

Whether printed with colour or in standard white, parts can be additionally clear coated to add a hard smooth coating or wax coated to smooth out the surface finish.

Maximum dimensions available: 381mm x 304mm x 254mm

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