Rapid Prototyping is a software development process where Solid Freeform Fabrication or SFF automatically creates physical objects. Rapid prototyping allows the rapid creation and testing of performance, functionality, and output of a working model or a prototype. The prototype can easily illustrate the new functions or ideas and obtain early feedback on the product. Rapid prototyping offers many benefits.
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Main Benefits
Rapid Prototyping’s main benefits include reducing project costs and risks. In general, one or more models are created in an iterative and incremental series of steps during the software development process. Each prototype is created, based on the performance of the previous design and is a correction process that corrects errors or problems with the previous design. The product is ready for manufacturing after the prototype is developed and all design goals, such as robustness, manufacturability, and functionality, are met. Rapid prototyping can be implemented through various different methods. The most popular ones include Injection Molding, CNC Milling Services, Vacuum Casting, 3D Printing, Metal Sheet, and Die Casting.
Injection Molding
Metal injection molding can be used for the production of a variety of products. The use of metals in the mold makes the end product extremely strong and resistant. Many small products are produced by injection molding. These small items are often machine parts. Injection molding produces very solid parts that cannot be made from plastic. This is the big advantage of metal over plastic injection. Molding processes for injection can also be used to produce certain large objects.
CNC Milling
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Milling is a commonly used metalworking technique. CNC milling services, unlike with conventional machines, use computer – aided systems that enable superior output for a variety of materials in various forms. CNC milling machines represent a well-known example.
Vacuum Casting
The process of vacuum casting is used in the production of rubber or plastic silicone mould components. The parts shaped in this process are accurate, dimensional replicas of the original sample, with all textures and profiles reproduced in accordance with the original. Vacuum casting is used as a process in the shaping of materials. It is a sand casting process type, generally used for most non – ferrous and ferrous metals where unbounded sand is contained in the vacuum flask. It is a specific vacuum flask that is positioned over the plastic sample. Then the sand is used to fill in the flask.
3D Printing
3D printing technology is a completely different way to produce parts compared to CNC milling services (traditional machining) or injection molding (formative) technologies of manufacturing. 3D printing requires no special tools (such as cutting tools with a specific geometry or shape).
Metal Sheet
Nobody can deny sheet metal has far-reaching and extensive uses, but only a few people exactly how it is used in production or in how many different forms it can be used. The shape of the sheet is obtained when the metal used is dispensed into a quadrangular mold to cool it, clean it and remove any impurities that may still be present in a block washed with different chemicals.
Die Casting
Die Casting is the widely utilized non-expendable technology in which metal is pressed under high pressure into the cavity of the mold. Die-casting also referred to as dies, is used in the production of castings in different shapes, sizes, and wall thicknesses repeatedly. Mould cavities are created with complex designs that allow for the production of complex shapes with precision, surface quality and attractiveness.
There are many innovative methods rapid prototyping can be implemented with. Many companies innovatively use rapid prototyping and therefore offer additional benefits. Its benefits in advanced applications are the further development and analysis of new test products, production of tools, improved communication in all production departments and customized-specific production. With these innovative applications, modern technologies can be applied cost-effectively and successfully.
