Rapid Network

3D printing is an ideal complement to 3D CAD design by offering a fast, low cost alternative to traditional rapid prototyping technologies for building concept and functional prototypes.

Currently 3D printing materials used to produce prototypes range from resins, polymers and plasters and there are many new ones to come in the near future. The use of your prototype will determine which 3D printing material is best for a project. Key factors that influence the choice of prototype material are lifespan, complexity of geometry and the durability of the model.

The materials that are usually available for rapid prototyping are:

White detailed material - Acrylic based photopolymer, highly detailed, best for smaller objects, medium strength, fairly durable, low melting point (50 degrees C), superior surface finish to all other rapid prototyping technologies due to a layer size of only 0.03mm.

Durable material - ABS plastic, strong, best for larger models, low detail level, rigid, low quality surface finish, medium melting point (127 degrees C), layer size of 0.25mm

Multi-colour material - Powder based material, high resolution, rigid, brittle, low strength, surface finish has a sand effect to it, low melting point (60 degrees C), layer size 0.09 to 0.25mm

Many designers and companies use prototypes and models for the purpose of product and functionality testing of new designs they can also be used to obtain customer feedback for new products. The data collected from these tests is then used to change the prototype models and improve the product or design.

3D printed prototypes are a crucial tool for rapidly making cost efficient design modifications before a product goes to manufacturing where these changes will be extremely costly. The time and cost savings using rapid prototype models can be as much as two thirds.

3D Rapid prototyping advancements allow for faster and lower cost prototypes and model fabrication by eliminating manpower and expensive tooling which allow companies and inventors to bring there products and designs to market faster than the competition.

The question is does your company need an unfair advantage in today's current economic climate? I am guessing the answer is yes! If so rapid prototyping technology is what you need.