A
prototype of the product is produced prior to tooling
production. This is useful for testing a design, to see
if it performs as desired or if modifications are required.
Rapid prototyping enables you to evaluate your design
and make changes at the prototyping stage and shorten
time during the development cycle. This could be either
in the form of SLS/SLA, CNC Machining, 3D Printing FDM
or Silicon Mould Parts.
Rapid
prototyping is a fast turnaround process that can usually
be done in under 5 days. The specific feature of rapid prototyping
is that, no tools or any mechanical process is required
to build a one to one prototype from CAD-data. Some of the
rapid prototype technologies are Selective Laser Sintering
(SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), Machined (CNC) Patterns,
3D Printing and Silicon Tooling.
Although
several rapid prototyping techniques exist, they all employ
the same basic process, turning CAD designs into real 3D
objects in a matter of hours.
Rapid
Prototyping can serve to:
Communicate the design of the product,
Shorten development time,
Market testing and
Reduce costly mistakes made during the design process.
SLS
& SLA
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Stereolithography
(SLA) use similar technology, both produce accurate parts
and offer a good finish.
SLS
is suitable to test parts that require assembling from
hinges to bolts and screws.
SLA
is highly accurate and is best used to test parts that
need snap-fit or fits between components. SLA parts are
also suitable as patterns for vacuum casting.
Silicon
Mould Parts
Silicon moulds are useful in simulating
plastic injection parts closely related in the intended
material and colour. Part of the process of getting the
silicon cavity, a pattern needs to be struck from a SLA
(Stereolithography) prototype. Silicon moulds produce
approximately 10-50 parts depending on how complex and
the size of the prototype.
CNC
Machined Parts
This part was machined in our
high speed Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machining
Centre. This product was CNC Machined to produce the prototype
from a solid plastic block.
We
often use this process for very large prototypes.
3D Printing - FDM
3D Printing Technology is a new technology,
which offers customers an accurate and fast process in
obtaining coloured prototype. 3D Printing is suitable
for evaluating the physical form, aesthetics and function
of a design.
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