Rapid Prototyping, the basics.
What is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid Prototyping (RP) is the term used specifically with the process of building physical 3 dimensional parts direct from CAD (computer aided drawing) files. RP, regardless of the method used, creates a prototype (or part) though an additive, layer by layer process, without the need for tooling or molds. By cutting out the traditional steps that once were needed to make a sample, RP is a significantly more rapid process, hence the ‘Rapid’ in Rapid Prototyping.
What should I do now that I’ve come up with an idea?
Whether it’s a brand new invention or modification to an existing item, it’s always recommended that a 3D CAD (computer aided design) file be created of the idea for many reasons.
Rapid prototyping as well as many final manufacturing technologies, require specific math data (computer files) in a 3D file so that it can build exactly what your design is in a 3-dimensional format for prototyping and from there, for manufacturing.
Another benefit to having your idea designed 3 dimensionally is the ease of modifying and making changes as the idea grows and develops.
Hiring a mechanical engineer or designer is a good starting point if you are serious about your invention. In addition to their years of education and training, the engineers often know what will work best from a functionality standpoint as well as how to save money and what is practical when it comes time to manufacture you idea.
What do I do with my CAD file?
It’s often recommended that once you are at a stage where you feel comfortable with your invention on the computer in 3D that you take it to the next level… have a prototype made!
until the next time...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I had the great fortune to appear on Canada's Business News Network to share how our SLS prototypes are made, what the current state of the RP world is as well as our perspective as to what the future of rapid prototyping might hold.
This is an excellent video segment to watch if you would like to learn more about what 3D Prototype Design has to offer as well as a few pointers on the reality of RP and its abilities.
This interview is very similar to what a one on one meeting is like when I visit a customer's office to introduce our services.
Please copy and paste the link below in a new browser window to watch the segment.
http://watch.bnn.ca/headline/november-2011-/headline-november-9-2011/#clip565058
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the 'Speak to an Expert' button in the upper right hand corner of our website.
Annette
This is an excellent video segment to watch if you would like to learn more about what 3D Prototype Design has to offer as well as a few pointers on the reality of RP and its abilities.
This interview is very similar to what a one on one meeting is like when I visit a customer's office to introduce our services.
Please copy and paste the link below in a new browser window to watch the segment.
http://watch.bnn.ca/headline/november-2011-/headline-november-9-2011/#clip565058
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the 'Speak to an Expert' button in the upper right hand corner of our website.
Annette
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Are You New to Prototyping? Start Here
If you are new to rapid prototyping the first step (if you don't already have it) is to have a 3D CAD drawing of your idea. You will need to have one created in order to quote and then eventually produce a prototype of your model. The information in a 3D CAD file specifies all dimensions of your concept and as a result dictates exactly how the machine should built your prototype. Without it, you can't build a rapid prototype.
Rapid Prototyping is similar to traditional 2-D paper printing in that it needs the digital information to create your model, however the data or file supplied must have all 3-dimensions (otherwise it's something that could only be made from a paper printer, right?)
If you don't already have a connection, it's best to search the internet for a mechanical engineer or designer to create your CAD drawing. With your drawings you will not only be able to review them on the computer but also produce prototypes as well as eventually manufacture with them.
If you are new to rapid prototyping the first step (if you don't already have it) is to have a 3D CAD drawing of your idea. You will need to have one created in order to quote and then eventually produce a prototype of your model. The information in a 3D CAD file specifies all dimensions of your concept and as a result dictates exactly how the machine should built your prototype. Without it, you can't build a rapid prototype.
Rapid Prototyping is similar to traditional 2-D paper printing in that it needs the digital information to create your model, however the data or file supplied must have all 3-dimensions (otherwise it's something that could only be made from a paper printer, right?)
If you don't already have a connection, it's best to search the internet for a mechanical engineer or designer to create your CAD drawing. With your drawings you will not only be able to review them on the computer but also produce prototypes as well as eventually manufacture with them.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
SLA Rapid Prototyping Converts
We often have new customers, who have only used SLA (Stereolithography) rapid prototyping. When I have a chance to speak with this people, I like to ask the same questions. Maybe not so surprisingly, I often receive the same response each time.
My first question to ask is ‘Why do you use SLA?”
Response ‘… because the parts are smooth and I like the detail.’
I then ask what resolution they normally have their prototypes produced at as most companies that offer SLA quote building at .006” or higher layers because it’s cheaper to do. Because it’s cheaper, it has more appeal to the customer. As it turns out, he was getting was.006”.
Although many times, the customer thinks they are getting a higher resolution part because the technology is capable of higher quality, the quote doesn’t reflect the finest setting.
My next question, which I KNOW the answer to is then ‘Do they break? Are they fragile?’ The answer back 100% of the time is ‘YES!’
That’s when I am given the perfect opportunity to introduce them to 3D Prototype Design and our SLS nylon prototype parts.
At 3D Prototype, we only offer, quote and build prototypes at the finest resolution possible. .004”. (As it turns out, that’s better than the majority of the SLA parts customers who contacted us had.)
We also offer great detail, even better since we are building at a finer resolution and can boast of high quality prototypes due to our technicians and the RP we do on an on-going basis!
In addition the parts are durable, flexible and can be assembled, drilled, snap-fit and tested just like an injection-molded part.
I think it’s safe to say we have successfully converted many former SLA users into an SLS customers that will never go back.
After all, why not have all the benefits that rapid prototyping has to offer, and not just some?
Annette ☺
If you have any RP questions, please feel free to contact me with our ‘Speak to an Expert’ button.
Posted by Annette Kalbhenn at 4:13 PM
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I find it quite frustrating how often many of our new customers are mislead and given incorrect information when shopping for rapid prototype parts by other sources. To do my part and help if possible, I would like the share with you my knowledge of RP and more specifically, plastic rapid prototyping.
Rapid Prototyping using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process, will provide you with an excellent solid plastic prototype (made in nylon) that you can test, tap, drill, snap-fit and assemble. You can also have living hinges and function springs made.
There are a few other Rapid Prototyping processes available on the market in addition to SLS, however to date and the best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY process that will make a plastic Rapid Prototype part. Any other process that "claims" to create plastic parts are often instead offering "Plastic-like" which is not the same at all. It will not function the way a plastic part would, because quite simply, it is not plastic.
Having correct information and being armed with the appropriate knowledge will help to ensure you get the quality of prototype you require.
Here is a bit about the SLS Process:
Selective Laser Sintering uses a co2 laser to fuse powdered materials such as nylon, rubber-like and metal. As the laser contacts the powder bed, it raises the material to its sintering temperature to create a layer of solid part geometry. Parts are white/off-white in color when they come out of the building bed.
In other words, the SLS process builds prototypes by sintering (or melting) one layer of Nylon powder to the next to create a solid plastic part. There is no curing process, no added support structure or post infiltrating required.
Your parts are NOT SLS nylon (plastic) parts if:
- they have to or were create and cured with UV light (If your part is cured with UV light it was made from a resin material and is constantly curing once out of the bed. The more it cures, the more brittle it becomes. This does not happen with SLS parts.)
- if they are clear or transparent (again, a resin material was used if this is the case, cured with UV light)
-if they are not made with plastic/nylon material (it is like making a wallet with cotton fabric and then calling it leather... it is only a leather wallet if it is made with leather... it is only a plastic prototype if it is made with plastic, not plastic-like)
Advantages to SLS Prototypes:
• Fully functional, durable prototypes
• Nylon material parts can be tapped, drilled, snap fit, assembled and painted
• Living hinges and functioning springs can be produced
• Rapidly produce one or multiple pieces
If you would like to learn more about SLS Rapid Prototyping, please feel free to visit our site at www.3dprototype.com, or contact us on-line and I would be happy to answer your questions.
We often have new customers, who have only used SLA (Stereolithography) rapid prototyping. When I have a chance to speak with this people, I like to ask the same questions. Maybe not so surprisingly, I often receive the same response each time.
My first question to ask is ‘Why do you use SLA?”
Response ‘… because the parts are smooth and I like the detail.’
I then ask what resolution they normally have their prototypes produced at as most companies that offer SLA quote building at .006” or higher layers because it’s cheaper to do. Because it’s cheaper, it has more appeal to the customer. As it turns out, he was getting was.006”.
Although many times, the customer thinks they are getting a higher resolution part because the technology is capable of higher quality, the quote doesn’t reflect the finest setting.
My next question, which I KNOW the answer to is then ‘Do they break? Are they fragile?’ The answer back 100% of the time is ‘YES!’
That’s when I am given the perfect opportunity to introduce them to 3D Prototype Design and our SLS nylon prototype parts.
At 3D Prototype, we only offer, quote and build prototypes at the finest resolution possible. .004”. (As it turns out, that’s better than the majority of the SLA parts customers who contacted us had.)
We also offer great detail, even better since we are building at a finer resolution and can boast of high quality prototypes due to our technicians and the RP we do on an on-going basis!
In addition the parts are durable, flexible and can be assembled, drilled, snap-fit and tested just like an injection-molded part.
I think it’s safe to say we have successfully converted many former SLA users into an SLS customers that will never go back.
After all, why not have all the benefits that rapid prototyping has to offer, and not just some?
Annette ☺
If you have any RP questions, please feel free to contact me with our ‘Speak to an Expert’ button.
Posted by Annette Kalbhenn at 4:13 PM
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I find it quite frustrating how often many of our new customers are mislead and given incorrect information when shopping for rapid prototype parts by other sources. To do my part and help if possible, I would like the share with you my knowledge of RP and more specifically, plastic rapid prototyping.
Rapid Prototyping using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process, will provide you with an excellent solid plastic prototype (made in nylon) that you can test, tap, drill, snap-fit and assemble. You can also have living hinges and function springs made.
There are a few other Rapid Prototyping processes available on the market in addition to SLS, however to date and the best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY process that will make a plastic Rapid Prototype part. Any other process that "claims" to create plastic parts are often instead offering "Plastic-like" which is not the same at all. It will not function the way a plastic part would, because quite simply, it is not plastic.
Having correct information and being armed with the appropriate knowledge will help to ensure you get the quality of prototype you require.
Here is a bit about the SLS Process:
Selective Laser Sintering uses a co2 laser to fuse powdered materials such as nylon, rubber-like and metal. As the laser contacts the powder bed, it raises the material to its sintering temperature to create a layer of solid part geometry. Parts are white/off-white in color when they come out of the building bed.
In other words, the SLS process builds prototypes by sintering (or melting) one layer of Nylon powder to the next to create a solid plastic part. There is no curing process, no added support structure or post infiltrating required.
Your parts are NOT SLS nylon (plastic) parts if:
- they have to or were create and cured with UV light (If your part is cured with UV light it was made from a resin material and is constantly curing once out of the bed. The more it cures, the more brittle it becomes. This does not happen with SLS parts.)
- if they are clear or transparent (again, a resin material was used if this is the case, cured with UV light)
-if they are not made with plastic/nylon material (it is like making a wallet with cotton fabric and then calling it leather... it is only a leather wallet if it is made with leather... it is only a plastic prototype if it is made with plastic, not plastic-like)
Advantages to SLS Prototypes:
• Fully functional, durable prototypes
• Nylon material parts can be tapped, drilled, snap fit, assembled and painted
• Living hinges and functioning springs can be produced
• Rapidly produce one or multiple pieces
If you would like to learn more about SLS Rapid Prototyping, please feel free to visit our site at www.3dprototype.com, or contact us on-line and I would be happy to answer your questions.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I find it quite frustrating how often many of our new customers are mislead and given incorrect information when shopping for rapid prototype parts by other sources. To do my part and help if possible, I would like the share with you my knowledge of RP and more specifically, plastic rapid prototyping.
Rapid Prototyping using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process, will provide you with an excellent solid plastic prototype (made in nylon) that you can test, tap, drill, snap-fit and assemble. You can also have living hinges and function springs made.
There are a few other Rapid Prototyping processes available on the market in addition to SLS, however to date and the best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY process that will make a plastic Rapid Prototype part. Any other process that "claims" to create plastic parts are often instead offering "Plastic-like" which is not the same at all. It will not function the way a plastic part would, because quite simply, it is not plastic.
Having correct information and being armed with the appropriate knowledge will help to ensure you get the quality of prototype you require.
Here is a bit about the SLS Process:
Selective Laser Sintering uses a co2 laser to fuse powdered materials such as nylon, rubber-like and metal. As the laser contacts the powder bed, it raises the material to its sintering temperature to create a layer of solid part geometry. Parts are white/off-white in color when they come out of the building bed.
In other words, the SLS process builds prototypes by sintering (or melting) one layer of Nylon powder to the next to create a solid plastic part. There is no curing process, no added support structure or post infiltrating required.
Your parts are NOT SLS nylon (plastic) parts if:
- they have to or were create and cured with UV light (If your part is cured with UV light it was made from a resin material and is constantly curing once out of the bed. The more it cures, the more brittle it becomes. This does not happen with SLS parts.)
- if they are clear or transparent (again, a resin material was used if this is the case, cured with UV light)
-if they are not made with plastic/nylon material (it is like making a wallet with cotton fabric and then calling it leather... it is only a leather wallet if it is made with leather... it is only a plastic prototype if it is made with plastic, not plastic-like)
Advantages to SLS Prototypes:
• Fully functional, durable prototypes
• Nylon material parts can be tapped, drilled, snap fit, assembled and painted
• Living hinges and functioning springs can be produced
• Rapidly produce one or multiple pieces
If you would like to learn more about SLS Rapid Prototyping, please feel free to visit our site at www.3dprototype.com, or contact us on-line and I would be happy to answer your questions.
Rapid Prototyping using the SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process, will provide you with an excellent solid plastic prototype (made in nylon) that you can test, tap, drill, snap-fit and assemble. You can also have living hinges and function springs made.
There are a few other Rapid Prototyping processes available on the market in addition to SLS, however to date and the best of my knowledge, this is the ONLY process that will make a plastic Rapid Prototype part. Any other process that "claims" to create plastic parts are often instead offering "Plastic-like" which is not the same at all. It will not function the way a plastic part would, because quite simply, it is not plastic.
Having correct information and being armed with the appropriate knowledge will help to ensure you get the quality of prototype you require.
Here is a bit about the SLS Process:
Selective Laser Sintering uses a co2 laser to fuse powdered materials such as nylon, rubber-like and metal. As the laser contacts the powder bed, it raises the material to its sintering temperature to create a layer of solid part geometry. Parts are white/off-white in color when they come out of the building bed.
In other words, the SLS process builds prototypes by sintering (or melting) one layer of Nylon powder to the next to create a solid plastic part. There is no curing process, no added support structure or post infiltrating required.
Your parts are NOT SLS nylon (plastic) parts if:
- they have to or were create and cured with UV light (If your part is cured with UV light it was made from a resin material and is constantly curing once out of the bed. The more it cures, the more brittle it becomes. This does not happen with SLS parts.)
- if they are clear or transparent (again, a resin material was used if this is the case, cured with UV light)
-if they are not made with plastic/nylon material (it is like making a wallet with cotton fabric and then calling it leather... it is only a leather wallet if it is made with leather... it is only a plastic prototype if it is made with plastic, not plastic-like)
Advantages to SLS Prototypes:
• Fully functional, durable prototypes
• Nylon material parts can be tapped, drilled, snap fit, assembled and painted
• Living hinges and functioning springs can be produced
• Rapidly produce one or multiple pieces
If you would like to learn more about SLS Rapid Prototyping, please feel free to visit our site at www.3dprototype.com, or contact us on-line and I would be happy to answer your questions.
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