What Are the Types and Techniques in 3D Prototyping Service?

Architects and engineers used to manually carved complex models with their hands. But 3D prototyping service makes it easier to design product models. This model is what they will present to ensure that their design is flawless. They will only proceed with mass production once they’ve done examining the prototype.

 

Modern technologies allow manufacturers to improve their models in a timely manner. That is why there’s always innovation of a product on a monthly basis. On top of that, computer programming makes the process accurate. The accuracy of the design also helps engineers in figuring out the areas to improve.

 

Designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software in their prototyping projects. The rapid prototyping process consists of several techniques depending on what the product needs. Let us take a look at some 3D prototyping methods.

Stereolithography (SLA)

This is one of the most affordable 3D prototyping techniques available for 3D printing. It uses a photosensitive liquid bath. This liquid provides a layer-by-layer additive printing using UV light through the computer. It is famous because of its high-quality 3D prints. 

 

On top of that, it gives an accurate and isotropic prototype product. Isotropy is important as it ensures the durability of the prototype product. The strength of the 3D printed product depends on the volume of materials added. If the design of the model requires few materials then the resilience is also limited.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This is popular for metal and plastic prototyping. It uses a powder bed to build the replicate item. Moreover, this process uses a laser to sinter and heat the powdered material. You need to post-process the model after printing. This is to ensure that it will attain the required quality. The SLS process is ideal in prototyping a high-quality model in a small amount. 

 

It’s useful for industries like the aerospace industry. Furthermore, airplanes remain in service for many years and can produce in small quantities. It is not efficient to create a mold as it is expensive. Besides that, aeroplane technology is continuously improving so it is not smart to store a mold for a single airplane model.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused deposition modeling is a technology that uses a moving nozzle. This moving nozzle releases fibers of polymeric materials. Just like SLA and SLS, the fibers create a layer-by-layer model design. FDM will melt the thermoplastic polymer material. After that, the nozzle will move from point A to point B until it covers all the patterns in CAD software.

 

This method is user-friendly. With this in mind, people interested in 3D printing can start with this process first. On top of that, you can operate this technology using non-industrial 3D printers. There is a study that FDM produces weak and low quality models. However, there are a lot of innovations made to make it efficient for start-up printing and prototyping service.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective laser melting or powder bed fusion is a process that you can use for complex and high-strength parts. Metal is the commonly used material in this process. As such, it is more popular in automotive and defense industries. The technology uses melted metal powder to build prototypes. It produces an electron beam or a high-powered laser to form the model.

 

Some metals used for SLM are aluminum, titanium and copper. It is advisable for prototypes that require metallic material. On top of that, the SLM process also has some limitations in creating complex designed shapes. Thus, it is not advisable to do this method with an intricate and overly complicated model.

Laminated Object Manufacturing (OLM)

Laminated object manufacturing method is also a cost-effective process for prototyping. However, it is not as sophisticated as the SLS and SLM. It is the reason why this method is not as popular as other rapid prototyping methods. SLS technology fuses or laminates layers of plastics using heat and pressure. There are a lot of materials that you can use in OLM. 

 

You can use almost everything as long as you can glue it together. On top of that, it can produce fast and affordable prototype models. However, accuracy is an issue in using this method. In fact, it is impossible to prototype models with complex geometries. It is only a good alternative for SLS if you need to use cheaper materials.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Digital light processing is similar with SLA as it uses resins polymerization to cure the material with a light source. Most of the methods in DLP correlate with stereolithography. It has a digital light projector that navigates the light depending on the CAD model. This provides you a better quality and accurate prototype.

 

The DLP is popular in many industries. Many dentists use this 3D prototyping process to recreate their patient’s mouth. It is perfect for any medical-related projects since it produces an accurate prototype model. The midsole manufacturing industry is also an ideal use for DLP. Many big corporations, like Adidas, use this method to create a midsole prototype.

 

How to Apply 3D Printing Service in Rapid Prototyping?

3D printing is the final product of rapid prototyping. You need to see the actual model before proceeding with the mass production. That is why looking for a company that offers both rapid prototyping and 3D printing is important. It is not convenient to deal with two companies for these two processes.

 

For starters, you need to convert any file in a CAD software. Then you have to remodel the prototype to make some improvements. Once done, you need to create a printer compatible file to render the model.

 

It is only then that you can proceed with printing the prototype. Most of the 3D printing lasts for a day. Although size matters when it comes to the duration of the printing. Some small  prototypes only take 30 minutes to print.

 

Once done printing, some model requires a post-process method. Whereas designers will cure and clean the prototype. Some use sanding to improve the quality of the design. It prepares the model for final polishing or painting. Depending on the product, some prefer to paint it to make it more presentable.

 

Other 3 D Technical Services Available

We already tackle the rapid prototyping and 3D printing service. However, there are still some 3D technical services available that will make your project better.

 

For example, manually creating a product using CAD software is a difficult task. You can skip that part by scanning your existing model and converting it into a computer. It will be easier to go by its design if you can check it on screen.

 

The reverse engineering process also goes hand-in-hand with rapid prototyping. You can use this if you want to further develop your prototype product. It allows you to identify the flaws in your design. Reverse engineering is useful for continuous innovation of any technology.

 

Some companies also provide 3D designing for your prototype. It is useful especially if you have no background with any 3D printing process. Designers can innovate the appearance of your prototype. After all, function and appearance works side-by-side when it comes to marketability of the product.

3D Rapid Prototyping Inc.: Where Are They?

There are several companies that offer some of the 3D processes stated above. The engineering industry relies heavily on these businesses to provide them with a prototype of their products. 

 

Most of these 3D printing companies have stores located in malls within Metro Manila. Some contact their preferred business to partner with them for their future projects. It will help if you know a store that can give you all the 3D services at the same time.

 

However, the pandemic affects the store operation of these businesses. Most of the malls are close. Therefore, it is difficult to contact them. Especially if they do not have online contact details.

Online 3D Printing Services? Who Should You Contact?

Online 3D printing services is the new trend. That is why if you are looking for a company to do your prototyping to go to 3D2GO. We are the premiere end-to-end 3D printing service in the Philippines. In fact, we are the only company that offers ALL 3D related services.

 

As stated, it is important to have a preferred company that can do it all for you. Well, 3D2GO have technologies to cater everything that you need for your 3D project. We can scan the item and print it as well. On top of that, you no longer have to go outside as we are available on our social media page.

 

Delivery of packages is also not a problem as we use different couriers to bring you your project. Convenient, isn’t it? Visit our social media page to talk with one of our representatives. They will help you with your prototyping and design.

 

Or you can contact us here and someone from us will get back to you.