Selection of the best manufacturing Plastic Prototypes process for your project. Being able to quickly obtain prototype parts to test the fit and function of the component can help your product come to market faster before its competitors. The settings of design, materials, size, shape, assembly, finish, manufacturing possibilities and strength can be carried out after the results of your check and analysis.
Today’s product design teams have many prototype creation processes at their disposal. Some of these processes use traditional manufacturing methods to produce the prototypes. Other technologies have been emerging and improving in a relatively short period of time. The Cost of Plastic Prototype depends on many factors. There are dozens of ways to build prototypes and models. As processes continue to evolve, the product designer constantly tries to determine which process or technology is best for his personal application and idea.
The purpose of this article is to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the main prototyping processes available to today’s designer. This document provides detailed descriptions of the processes and examines the properties of the parts materials, which are manufactured with each specific prototyping process. In addition, it includes a decision tree that highlights the key issues that designers must take into account when selecting a process. After all, the purpose of this article is to help you choose the most reasonable prototyping method for your product development process and prototype making.
CNC Prototyping Machining
A solid block of plastic is held inside a CNC milling machine and is recorded in a finished part. This method produces superior strength and surface finish for any additive process. It also has the final and homogeneous properties of plastic, because it is manufactured with solid blocks of thermoplastic resin molded by extrusion or compression, unlike additive processes that use materials similar to plastic and are manufactured in layers. The wide range of material selections allows to manufacture the pieces with the material properties that are desired, such as: impact resistance, tensile strength, thermal deflection temperature, chemical resistance and biocompatibility. Optimal tolerances get adequate Plastic CNC Prototype parts to perform fit and functional tests.
Prototypes can be produced in days as additive processes. Because the process involves removing material from adding it, milling the notches can sometimes be difficult. Machining also tends to be somewhat more expensive than additive processes. Traditionally, industrial prototypes were created by injection. In these techniques it is necessary to create a mold, inside which the material is injected to produce the prototype. However, creating these molds prices are very expensive and a large production is required to be economical. In addition, this method of production was unavailable to business projects with few initial funds, took more time and did not respond well when modifications were made to the model. So for many investors, it has been taken into account.
3D Printing Prototype
3D printing or addition manufacturing allows you to create prototype plastic parts that would never have been possible to create using traditional prototyping techniques. The undeniable advantage of rapid prototyping is the reduction of costs and manufacturing time, as well as the ability to produce more complex parts. Additionally, rapid prototyping offers new opportunities by allowing the creation of pieces without molds. Rapid prototyping with 3D printing, to build better products faster.
Rapid prototyping 3D printers help companies turn big ideas into successful products faster than ever before, Rapid prototyping: more revisions in less time Identifying and solving problems early in the design cycle is essential to prevent waste and rework. Rapid prototyping with 3D printing allows industrial designers and engineers more revisions in less time, so as to perform in-depth tests, while reducing time to market. Physical models transmit ideas to employees, customers and distributors immediately and clearly. Rapid prototyping facilitates communication of the concept and allows for detailed feedback, essential for the success of the product. Turn big ideas into products with rapid prototyping. 3D printing of prototypes directly from CAD data allows quick and frequent reviews based on real world tests and feedback. Zero errors with rapid prototyping.
Plastic prototype service is essential to eliminate design errors that can emerge only after production has started. A realistic prototype is a very effective tool for marketing actions. It also improves the understanding of the project within the team, reducing the risk of error. Functional tests, aesthetic and dimensional checks are the best way to evaluate what works and what does not. Rapid prototyping with 3D printing offers the flexibility to make this process simple and convenient, reducing errors.
Why does rapid prototyping with 3D printing represent an advantage for companies?
The possibility of obtaining a real object through a simple printing process, guided by the printer software, directly from the 3D CAD file offers the company numerous tools that improve the development of products with low costs. From the Research and Development department, to the Technical Office, to Marketing, to Production, each department can have the real object in its hands before production is started to check its ergonomics, functionality, assembly, aesthetics, all in the utmost confidentiality.