Fast and Cost-Effective Solutions for Low Volume Production.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR SERIAL PRODUCTION

Fast and Cost-Effective Solutions for Low Volume Production.

Rapid Prototyping in 3D Printing

Learn all about the process of generating rapid 3D prototypes for products and parts.

INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING FOR MANUFACTURING

In a time when many products are created to meet customers’ insatiable needs, product developers are looking for ways to improve their manufacturing processes, specifically on the cost or speed of production. This opens up the need for rapid prototyping technologies. Rapid prototyping is the use of a machine (usually a 3D printer) in the actual design and fabrication of production parts. It is a group of techniques that are controlled by computers.

There are different techniques used in rapid prototyping, including additive and subtractive manufacturing and casting. In the 3D printing process, a variety of methods are available, including but not limited to Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Powder Bed Fusion, and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This article will discuss what rapid prototyping in 3D printing is, the different types and methods, and how it compares with conventional tooling.

Additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing) offers a revolutionary approach to serial production. Here’s why businesses are adopting additive for production:

Cost Savings: Eliminate the need for expensive tooling and moulds, making low-volume production affordable.

Rapid Turnaround: Start production immediately and meet urgent demands with minimal setup time.

Design Flexibility: Create complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

Customisation: Easily customise each part without additional costs, ideal for personalised products.

Efficiency: Streamline the production process with fewer design restrictions and faster lead times.

OPTIMAL COMPONENTS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURE:

Small Components

In traditional manufacturing, small parts often have a significant upfront investment. However, 3D printing transforms this equation, allowing for cost-effective and fast production of low-volume batches of small components.

Complex Geometries

Additive manufacturing embraces complexity, granting design freedom without added costs. While conventional methods inflate costs for complex designs, 3D printing offers a cost-efficient solution for producing intricate parts.

Customised Parts

Without the constraints of traditional tooling, 3D printing empowers you to do things differently - innovate and iterate. Harness mass customisation and serialisation to elevate your product offerings.

VOLUME CONSIDERATIONS FOR 3D PRINTING

The economic viability of 3D printing as a manufacturing solution is largely influenced bycomponent geometry and production volume. Forintricate or smaller components, 3D printingremains cost-effective up to several thousandunits. However, for larger parts, injection mouldingmay become more economical after producingust a few hundred or even dozens of units, Theadiacent araph ilustrates the cost dynamicsoetween iniection moulding and 3D printincoasecon production Volume.

KEY BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTED PRODUCTION:

No Set-up Costs

No initial investment is required for 3D Printing as there is no need for injection mould tooling or CNC programming. Our unit price is the only price you pay with some volume discounts.

Express Lead Times

Receive parts in as little as 2 days using our express service. This is a significant advantage over IM where it can take many weeks to receive parts.

Flexible Manufacturing

Update designs after manufacturing has begun for no additional fee. Use 3D printing to launch your product earlier in development. Continue developing while customers are giving real world feedback.

Printing Material