Rapid Prototyping Tips You Should Know
June 20, 20223D Reverse Engineering – How it Works
June 20, 2022Concept to Reality Is Easy with a Reliable 3D Printing Service Provider
3D printing service is a flexible innovation due to its “print whatever you can” nature. Rapid prototyping is one of its extensive applications that is becoming more valuable for the engineering industry.
As 3D printing is 10x faster and 5x cheaper than the typical R&D processes. Some may assume that due to its incredible capabilities, it should be hard to operate. But that is not always the case because there are only three steps you ought to know for a successful 3D printing service. What are these?
1. Concept Development
As stated, 3D printers are flexible and it can produce whatever you have in mind. The challenge would be to let your creative juice flow freely to create a concept. You can start by simply knowing what you want to print in three dimensions.
If you find this challenging, there are tons of ideas you can check out online like pinterests or thingiverse. This way, you will have an idea on what you can 3D print.
2. Convert into CAD File
If you are familiar with using CAD software, then doing this step would be fairly easy. There are tons of free 3D software where you can convert your concept into a 3D file. Examples are AutoCAD, TinkerCAD, and SketchUp, to name a few.
These software has simple tools and can run in a web browser. Also there are tutorials to assist you in creating your 3D model.
3. Where Can I 3D Print
Most people are intimidated with the idea that you have to own a 3D printer in order to maximize its potential. Sure, it must be great to have one and print whenever you want. Good thing here in the country, there are various 3D printing shops you can get your design printed into life.
Before you proceed in 3D printing, you can also consider the filament or the “ink” your 3D printing partner uses. The following are the common filaments in the Philippines, its advantages and disadvantages.
Filament |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
ABS
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) This is a thermoplastic and the go-to material for most 3D printers |
One of the most accessible and cheap materials for 3D printing.
Highly available and has a wide variety of colours Mechanically strong Mostly used for high-quality prototype production. |
Requires heated bed when printing
It has a high melting point and has the tendency to experience warping if cooled while printing Non-biodegradable toxic material that releases toxic fumes with awful smell at high temperature |
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Also called green plastic as it is derived from cornstarch and sugarcane Mostly used in FDM desktop printing |
Mostly used in primary and secondary schools as it is safe to use and easy to print with
Easy to print since it has low warping tendency Can also be printed on a cold surface Can print models with sharper corners and features Available in different colours. |
Generally less sturdy
Can deform when exposed to extreme heat |
Choose the Best Partner Among 3D Printing Service Near Me
There are various 3D printing shops in the country. But you have to make sure they can print your design as accurate as you conceptualize it. A good factor to consider is if they offer post-processing services.
Just in case you don’t know, the output of 3D printers are bland. As its color is off-white and depending on the layer, there could be lines visible to human eyes. Which we know is not your desired final product.
That’s why you should consider a provider that has post processing services. As this involves sanding, color application, and details addition based on your preference. The next best thing? You can be part of this creative process until its completion.
Ideas A 3D Printing Service Provider Can Help You With
If you are still having a hard time to think of things to 3D print, here are the following ideas where AM is applicable to use.
For Hobbyists |
For Business Owners |
Custom Accessories
You can create and personalize accessories like phone accessories, trinkets, or money clips. |
Print Functional Prototypes
You can print one-of-a-kind items meant for practical uses |
Mini Me or Bobblehead
This is a product most common when it comes to 3D printing. This is perfect for gifts or for your own satisfaction to see a mini version of yourself |
Manufacturing jigs and fixtures
This is good for parts replacement that are no longer available or too expensive to acquire. This is also good to ensure high-quality and efficiency during assembly and testing. |
These are the most popular applications of 3D printing in the Philippines. But everything is possible if you can get the right partner for your 3D printing service requirements.
3D2GO Is Your 3D Printing Service Provider
We are not simply a 3D printing company. We offer various services in relation to additive manufacturing. These are 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D rapid prototyping, 3D designing, 3D post processing and 3D reverse engineering.
Also, are you thinking how much is a 3D printer? We can provide that information to you as we are the regional distributor of these amazing 3D printers. Aside from the usual warranty, we can also provide tech support to ensure a smooth 3D printing journey for you.
Contact us today and let’s walk you through our services and our printing capabilities.