Rapid prototyping is a blessing in the development-accompanying and, above all, economical production of prototypes. With our 3D printing process you get a multitude of options, with which there are almost limitless possibilities for your sample components.
FASTEST DEVELOPMENT AT LOW COSTS
Rapid prototyping mostly uses additive manufacturing processes, such as selective laser sintering (SLS), which allow the production of your components directly from the existing 3D data. In this way, problem areas in geometries can be identified during the development phase and the functionality and design can be adapted or improved accordingly at an early stage. This can significantly reduce errors in the development phase of a product. Which in turn avoids high ramp-up, market launch and complaint costs.
There are numerous additive technology and material options for producing prototypes. It always depends on the wishes and expectations of the customer. Depending on the application and development stage, we recommend the following procedures:
MOST FLEXIBLE TO USE
The SLS process offers a wide range of options for producing high-quality and functional prototypes. It is the all-rounder among the additive manufacturing processes. The pure white components, e.g. made of PA12 material, provide an excellent basis for a wide range of finishing methods. In addition, the surface can be smoothed and colored in numerous colors.
FOR INEXPENSIVE PROTOTYPES
This process is ideal for early and low-cost design samples to check the shape or fit of a component. Comparatively large prototypes (up to 1,000 mm edge length) can be produced in one piece. The disadvantage of this process is the somewhat poorer surface quality, which, however, is not decisive for many rapid prototyping applications.
With rapid prototyping, prototypes and functional models can be physically implemented extremely quickly. Additive manufacturing can create products of a salable quality here in order to come as close as possible to the end product. The production of these components is based directly on the existing 3D files. For example, components that you have designed on your PC can often be in your hands the very next day. The additive manufacturing processes also allow undisputed freedom of design. Tool-less production means that there are virtually no process-related restrictions, such as those imposed by the necessary production tools.
Even during the planning phase, rapid prototyping is used to detect and eliminate errors and weak points in the subsequent end product. Already after the first design it is useful to check the proportions of a new product. A physical model allows conclusions to be drawn about sources of error more often than a virtual model. Based on the correct form, the function can now be tackled. In the case of successful product development, tests with functional samples are often used, which ensure the accuracy of fit and the functionality of the individual parts. If the new development is presented to the public – through the first salable samples or at trade fairs – components are required that come as close as possible to the end product. This is also possible with rapid prototyping methods. Subsequently, a first, 3D printed small batch is often aimed for. This allows you to check the market’s response to the new product, so that you can then invest in an expensive injection molding tool with little risk and a good feeling.
ANSWERS TO MANY QUESTIONS
You are new to additive manufacturing or 3D printing and want to find out more about basic topics? No problem, you will find numerous explanations and aids in our knowledge database. With just a few clicks, the database can be sorted into various subject areas, such as “saving costs”. Should you still require further and personal advice, please contact us.
Here you can see a few articles from the 3DBAVARIA knowledge database:
Learn what DfAM is and how you can use it to get the most out of your 3D printed components.
We give you tips on how to make your 3D printed parts more sustainable through design and material selection.
We will give you an overview of the ways in which injection molding and additive manufacturing work and their advantages and disadvantages.
Learn what the 3D Manufacturing Format is and what advantages it offers for additive manufacturing.
We explain what polyamides are, where they are used, and how they are applied specifically in additive manufacturing.
Learn what problems electrostatic discharge can cause and how our ESD-safe 3D printing filaments can solve them.
We will give you an overview over the differences as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies.
Here is an overview of some of the most popular 3D design tools for creating your 3D print data.
Use the online 3D printing calculator to have components printed directly in 3D.
Get to know the differences between the materials PA11 and PA12, which are often used in powder-bed-based 3D printing processes.
What is nesting and how can you save costs with it?
