How to Choose Right Rapid Prototype Company?

 

Understanding Rapid Prototyping

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a revolutionary approach in the manufacturing and product - development realm. It involves the swift creation of a part, model, or assembly with the aid of Computer - Aided Design (CAD) technology. The core of rapid prototyping is 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing.

Different Rapid Prototyping Processes

There are several common rapid prototyping processes, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations.

Stereolithography (SLA)

1. Working Principle: SLA uses a laser beam, guided by two mirrors (controlling the X and Y coordinates), to trace the cross - sectional pattern of the 3D model onto a bath of photopolymer resin. As the laser hits the resin, it cures and solidifies, layer by layer, to form the object.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

• Working Principle: SLS employs a pulsed laser to scan across a layer of powder, typically containing nylon. The laser fuses the powder particles together according to the 3D model's layer pattern. After each layer is sintered, a new layer of powder is deposited (usually by a roller), and the process repeats.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

• Working Principle: Similar to SLS, DMLS focuses a laser on a powder bed. However, it uses metal - based powders. The heat from the laser melts the powder layer by layer until the object is complete.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

• Working Principle: In FDM, a thermoplastic resin filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle. The nozzle moves in the X and Y directions, depositing the melted material in small “strings” adjacent to each other. Successive layers are built up to create the 3D model.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

• Working Principle: Inspired by standard inkjet printers, MJF uses an inkjet - style head to deposit fusing catalysts on a layer of nylon powder. After the base part is completed, a secondary process involving a vacuum is used to remove any un - fused powder residue. The prototype can then be sandblasted and dyed to achieve a realistic color representation of the finished product.

A comparison of these processes in terms of key parameters is shown in the following table:

Prototyping Process	Material Used	Precision (Typical Layer Thickness)	Surface Quality	Cost
SLA	Photopolymer resin	0.002” - 0.004”	Smooth	Medium
SLS	Nylon, engineering - grade thermoplastics	0.005” - 0.015”	Sandy/grainy	High
DMLS	Metal - based powders	0.005” - 0.015”	Rough	High
FDM	Thermoplastic resin filaments	0.005” - 0.020”	Poor	Low
MJF	Nylon powder	0.005” - 0.010”	Good	High

Benefits of Using a Rapid Prototype Company

Cost and Time Savings

One of the most significant advantages of partnering with a rapid prototype company is the substantial cost and time savings it offers.

Reduced Design Verification Time: In traditional product development, verifying a design often involves a long - drawn - out process.  

Lower Tooling Costs: For products that require molds or dies in the production process, the cost of creating these tools can be exorbitant.  

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