3 Things You Probably Didn’t Knew About Rapid Prototyping

3 Things You Probably Didn’t Knew About Rapid Prototyping

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   A manufacturingtechnique to develop custom designed products with great speed and flexibility  A method where product is developed by printing the material layer-by-layer  An easy-to-use technology for product manufacturing  Helpful in reducing material wastage  Not new and has been in the market since last two decades  Useful to develop sample products for testing and visualization Rapid Prototyping is….
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   A processthat can be easily executed by simply pressing the print button  A part of mainstream manufacturing due to inaccuracies in surface finish and strength  Inexpensive and requires skilled workforce both for software and printing needs  A replacement of subtractive manufacturing such as CNC machining Rapid Prototyping is Not….
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  Important Things toKnow About RP There are 3 important things to know more about this technology, if you are seriously planning to develop products through Rapid Prototyping. Software For Rapid Prototyping CAD Modeling Process 1 2 Design Optimization3
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   Software technologyplays a crucial role in rapid prototyping process.  The use of software spans across the 3D printing / Rapid Prototyping lifecycle, including Software for Rapid Prototyping1 Sourcing ideas Designing the model and providing formatted data to printers Monitoring and managing the printing process  Software serves as an important link, enabling interfaces between computers and printers.  Allows entire 3D printing ecosystem to function efficiently.
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   According toPwC, printing a part require 4 different software to ensure accuracy, reduced cost and quality. Software for Rapid Prototyping1 Software is also required to actually print the part and monitor the process to make print runs successful. Optimizing the geometry using software to suit the printing process and reduce material wastage. The design process where an exact 3D model of the product is prepared that will be printed, considering proper dimensions and geometrical accuracies. Sourcing the model from 3D libraries or through 3D scanning techniques, both requiring software platforms to perform operations.
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   Unlike conventionalmodeling processes, developing 3D models for rapid prototyping requires a different approach.  Things to consider in CAD modeling 1. Resolution of the geometry  Too high resolution will consume more time to load and simultaneously print the part.  On the contrary, a low-res model would develop prototype with poor quality. CAD Modeling Process2
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  2. Resizing Dimensions The geometry to be printed is material-sensitive and hence, the dimensions should accommodate the same.  Example: Plastic parts would expand or contract during heating and cooling applications, requiring the dimensions of holes and other features to be resized to avoid errors during assembly. CAD Modeling Process2
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  CAD Modeling Process2 3.“Watertight” Geometry The geometry to be printed has to be thoroughly inspected for any open spaces and must be converted to “watertight”, to avoid errors in printing. 4. Part Density and Strength  3D printing provides honeycomb structure for thin walls to improve its strength and reduce weight.  For products that need a negative air gap, the thickness of the body should be increased subsequently to impart the required density and strength to withstand against structural loads.  Thin features in the design that are below 0.30” usually do not get printed and the product printed will be of no use. As such, changes in the geometry must be done prior to printing.
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  Design Optimization3  Designoptimization is a key to successful and cost effective utilization of rapid prototyping technique.  Reducing material wastage during printing process remains a vital strategy.  Engineers have to identify a design that uses minimal support material that can also be removed easily once the part gets printed.  Identify the balance between part density, strength and surface finish, and accordingly choose the material, printing speed and printing technology.
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  Key Takeaways  Rapidprototyping is a promising manufacturing technology for building complex products cost-effectively.  4 software platforms are required to successfully develop products through RP.  CAD modeling process requires different approach, considering material properties and printing capabilities.  To ensure cost-effective prototype development, use of material should be optimized. About Us:  Hi-Tech is an engineering services providing company, specialized in providing rapid prototyping solutions, right from 2D drafting, 3D modeling and additive manufacturing for products from diverse industrial domains. With clients spread from all over the globe, we provide vital design support to manufacturing companies en route to digital transformation.
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  Contact us Tel: +91.79.4000.3252 Email:[email protected] Website: www.hitechcaddservices.com Headquarters Hi-Tech Outsourcing Services Hi-Tech House, Nr. Gurukul Tower, Gurukul Ahmedabad 380052, Gujarat, India. Ahmedabad 9th Floor, Commerce House - 4, Beside Reliance Petrol Pump, 100 Feet Road, Prahladnagar. Ahmedabad 380015, Gujarat, India Cochin 43-A, E Block, 3rd Floor, Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ),Kakkanad, Kochi 682 037, Kerala, India USA Office California 547 Moreland Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA New York 50 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10024 USA