Rapid prototyping using 3D printers
One of the main reasons why 3D printing technology was created was the need to quickly prepare various types of prototypes in many industries. Today, 3D printing is widely used. And not only to create prototypes, but also final products.
Rapid prototyping definition
Rapid prototyping is the rapid production of a physical part, model, or assembly using 3D computer-aided design (CAD). The creation of a part, model or assembly is usually completed using additive manufacturing or more commonly known as 3D printing.
Rapid prototyping using selective laser melting where the design closely matches the proposed finished product, it is said to be a high-fidelity prototype, as opposed to a low-fidelity prototype where there is a clear difference between the prototype and the final product.
What is a prototype?
The prototype is very close to the later mass-produced product. Higher demands on tolerances and levels of detail are necessary here.
How does rapid prototyping work?
Rapid prototyping (RP) encompasses a variety of manufacturing technologies, although most use layered additive manufacturing. However, other technologies used in RP include high-speed machining, casting, molding and extrusion.
Although additive manufacturing is the most common rapid prototyping process, other, more conventional processes can also be used to create prototypes.
These processes include:
Subtractive – in which a block of material is carved into a desired shape by milling, grinding or turning.
Compression – in which a semi-solid or liquid material is pressed into a desired shape before solidification, for example by casting, compression sintering or molding.
Using rapid prototyping
One of the important stages of product design is prototyping items. The prototype created using 3D printing technology can be tested to detect various types of defects. All this to ultimately produce a final product without all these defects. Just a dozen or so years ago, creating prototypes was quite problematic. Mainly due to high costs. In addition, it took quite a long time to create a prototype. 3D printing has created the possibility of rapid prototyping. It is much cheaper and faster. Moreover, it offers many possibilities. Thanks to 3D printing, it is possible to create both simple and more complex prototypes. It is therefore not surprising that 3D printing is used in many industrial sectors.
The essence of rapid prototyping
One of the most important advantages of rapid prototyping with 3D printing is the significant acceleration of prototype creation. This also means that companies and institutions creating prototypes can save a lot of money. It is also important that rapid 3D prototyping provides the opportunity to quickly test the prototype. In the case of traditional prototyping methods, this was often impossible or unprofitable. For many companies, it is also a security issue. Thanks to 3D printing, they can create prototypes themselves. They do not have to outsource this to external entities. This limits the possibility of leaking important information about prototypes and planned products.
Prototyping technologies in 3D printing
Various technologies are used in the rapid prototyping process. We are talking here primarily about SLA technology and FDM technology. FDM technology is more often used. Mainly because it is cheap to use. He uses plastics, ABS or PLA to create prototypes. In the case of 3D printing, this material is called a filament. It is introduced into the printer head, where it is exposed to high temperature. As a result, it begins to melt and become semi-liquid. In this form, it is squeezed through the printer's nozzle onto the work table. The material is applied layer by layer until the desired shape is achieved. After a short time, the mold hardens and the prototype created is ready for use.
Virtual prototyping
Your product is digitized using CAD or 3D programs. This is not only the first visualization of the idea, but also the basis for the first steps in rapid prototyping, e.g. creating a conceptual model using 3D printing.
Rapid prototyping using 3D printing saves money and time. However, what is important, the prototypes created in this way are also of high quality. They are durable and resistant to high temperatures and various types of chemicals. Everything indicates that this technology will develop more and more dynamically and faster every year.
