Prototyping plays a very important role in new product development. Traditional prototype manufacturing processes can be very slow and costly. Therefore, new technology creation is urgently needed for meeting increasing demand, nowadays there are new techniques available to improve product development processes. These techniques ensure the lower cost in the fabrication of high-quality prototypes. 3D prototyping technology is regarded as the best solution for your demand for rapid prototyping.

3D prototyping really can save time and cost, plus gives you access to extensive design possibilities and efficient techniques. In addition, it is very applicable to various industries when it comes to effective manufacturing. It also allows you to conceptualize your ideas quickly at a relatively low cost.

What does the 3D printing prototype entail? How can 3D prototype benefit your product? What are the considerations before starting your project? This article answers all your questions and gives you the information you need to get the best out of your 3D prototyping.

What is 3D Prototyping?

For more than 10 years 3D Prototyping has been one of the leaders in providing a complete end-to-end solution in Product Development from concept to design to manufacturing. We can assist through all stages of Product Development by offering professional services in 3D Designing,3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering,3D Printing, Rapid CNC, Vacuum Casting(Silicone Moulding), Rapid Injection Moulding, Tool Design, Tool Making, and Injection Moulding. Whether you are an Engineer, Architect, Manufacturer, Medical Researcher, or Independent Designer; 3D Prototyping can assist in producing your 3D CAD designs into high-definition precision prototypes as well as manufacturing parts in low or large volumes using a range of metallic and non-metallic materials. Additionally, our 3D Scanning services can assist in product design, inspection reporting, and/or product testing. We also sell a range of 3D Scanners and 3D Printers. 

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM, which uses rolls of plastic filament as the material, is the most widely used 3D printing method for prototypes because of the variety of available materials and the low cost. Whether buying a machine or ordering through a service, FDM is the most economical. But FDM is also an industrial method. Manufacturing-grade FDM machines can print with engineering materials, like carbon fiber, in fine detail and super strength, so don’t think of it as just the cheapest option. You can also print metal using this technology and metal filament, which is actually metal powder-infused plastic filament.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS, also called laser powder bed fusion, is a 3D printing method that uses a laser to melt together powdered polymers layer by layer. You’d turn to this method for functional prototypes you intend to install in engines or machinery and put them to the test. SLS produces finely detailed parts in materials, like carbon-fiber-filled nylon, that can withstand harsh conditions.

SLS printers can print many parts at once, so it is also the ideal choice when you need a dozen or so parts or when you want to print many slightly different iterations in one go. SLS is used for final parts as well as prototypes, which makes these machines popular at machine shops and manufacturers.

Stereolithography (SLA)

This method creates a 3D prototyping with a tank of photosensitive liquid resins. Ultraviolet (UV) light then helps solidify each layer of the product. This process continues until the model is complete. It is a recommended solution for high-resolution 3D prototypes.

Rapid prototyping 3D printers are valuable for making products ranging from mechanical parts and architectural models to jewelry designs and other consumer products.

Metal 3D Printing

If your final product will be made of metal, then you need a metal prototype. Any of the metal 3D printing technologies will be more expensive than the polymer options, but they will be faster and cheaper than any traditional methods for making metal parts, such as casting or machining.

Compared to CNC milling stainless steel or injection molding, 3D printing is ideal for prototyping because there’s no wasted material or the need to create a mold or cast. Plus, there are no minimum quantities when ordering metal 3D-printed parts from a service provider.

Advantages of Rapid 3D Prototyping

Several industries worldwide are embracing the 3d prototype printing technique due to its several vital advantages over traditional manufacturing techniques. These advantages include:

Design Flexibility

3D printing enables you to create various iterations of your designs effectively. It gives you more design freedom and flexibility than several other manufacturing techniques. A 3D prototype is created using 3D modeling software. Therefore, the process allows you to easily create your designs, regardless of how simple or intricate they are. It also gives you room to make any prototype from scratch while adjusting your 3D model at any point in the production stage.

Furthermore, any given 3D printer can print almost any product, provided it fits within its build volume. Moreover, the convenience of rapid prototyping 3D printing makes it a great choice for every project. Since you need to make several changes to get the desired final product, you won’t have to create a new mold for every iteration of your project. There is little or no change in the equipment or machinery throughout the process. 

Unlike traditional techniques, 3D printing allows you to include multiple materials into one object. Thus, you have an array of matched mechanical properties, colors, and textures. You’ll also be able to create and manufacture geometries that are impossible for traditional manufacturing methods. Such geometries include parts within parts and hollow cavities in solid parts. You can edit your designs however you like to create unique, quality parts.

Money Saving

3D prototyping is relatively cheaper than other manufacturing methods like injection molding. As we mentioned earlier, you won’t have to create new molds each time you change your design. This is a significant advantage, particularly for small production runs. The 3D printing process requires only one or two machines with few operators to create a component. 

There is usually no need for additional tooling in this process. Thus, 3D printing service cost is usually minimal. In addition, material waste in 3D printing is very low because it is an additive manufacturing process. It involves building a component from the ground up, and there is no carving out of solid blocks as with CNC machining.

Time-Saving

One of the most significant advantages of 3D printing technology is that it ensures rapid prototyping. As a result, you can design, develop, and test your custom part in the shortest time possible. Even if you have to modify the design at any point, you can do it without necessarily affecting the manufacturing speed. Unlike traditional processes, 3D printing techniques allow you to design your part, manufacture it in-house, and test it within a few days or less.

Functional Prototype Testing 

The wide range of 3D printing materials available today makes it possible to create advanced functional prototypes. These prototypes are the ones you deploy for cost-effective market testing to ensure that they meet your requirements and the needs of your consumers. 

You can easily test a 3D printing prototype and modify the CAD file if you discover any flaws. You get feedback from your potential investors and customers on the physical product without risking large upfront prototyping expenditures. This gives you an overall competitive advantage in your industry.

Conclusion

Rapid 3D prototyping is an effective manufacturing process for faster and better engineering. It speeds up your workflows and removes bottlenecks of the traditional prototyping cycle. Using 3D printing prototyping saves cost and reduces time to market while offering easier design testing and overall prototyping advantages. Before diving into any 3D printing project, you need to consider the manufacturing partner you will work with.

StepRapid is your best option for creating high-quality rapid prototypes. We provide the best 3D printing technologies, materials, and expertise to help you get the best out of your project. Our manufacturing capabilities will also get your prototype ready in short lead times at affordable prices. Contact us today via sales@www.steprapid.com, and let’s get started!