Thursday, December 4, 2014

The Gains Of Rapid Prototype Works

By Claudine Hodges


Rapid prototyping is the act creating physical parts to use for testing every look, fit and functionality of a certain design. There are traditional manufacturing procedures, which can take for around weeks for months to fully set it up. It involves thousands of dollars in the process. That is why it is very important.

The right method can save your effort, time and energy. There are rapid prototype services to choose from, which offer this type of service. There are methods needed to be implemented well because they are vital in fulfilling all the procedures required. There are two kinds of procedures needed particularly the additive and subtractive.

Subtractive procedure includes old methods just like milling, which has various types. The machine can initially have a large size of material. That material is then gradually processed until everything is well done and finished. Additive procedures also include 3D printing, which is new and works by gathering the layers until it is totally done.

Both procedures can usually take for many hours or days to complete but every method applied is unique which can series of advantages. Another is the process of 3D printing. This is the most known and affordable strategy. It is also an additive material with all the materials like plastic to create its parts.

Some printers use real metal to work out everything. There are many ways to create all the layers. One includes the inkjet type technology, where the liquid photopolymer is being sprayed across the table in the shape of all the layers and being dried by the use of ultraviolet lamps. Another system uses small strips of plastic.

The plastic can look like tiny glue gun which can be positioned in the correct manner to make each layer and to apply the right outline. The system must use a laser to create a layered material with the powder to fuse the tiny areas and make each outline. The techniques must be done well and everything must be reviewed first.

Stereolithograpy or known as SLA is one of the many oldest and popular methods that can be done. It offers higher level of details including the cost and the strength needed. The process is also known as addictive process which has higher need of liquid photopolymer. The system must be able to cure all the layers and sections as well.

Another known method is called SLS or Selective Laser Sintering which is also offered by those providers. It is a lot more costly than the rest of the methods because it needs those parts with rougher finish. Other choices of material can be done like metal, plastic, ceramic and glass.

When there are multiple prototypes needed, it is usually more economical to have those parts molded applying the urethane casting process. The quantities involved are about a hundred thousand. The master part is applied using SLA. The RTV mold is made around it. The castings must be made from the best material to have the best outcome. There are wide choices of material colors and properties, which can surely benefit a lot of customers.




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