Rapid prototyping is a product development methodology that utilizes turnkey manufacturing techniques to rapidly produce multiple iterations of a component for testing and evaluation. In other words, it's a way to make parts as fast as possible for hands-on review.
Rapid prototyping is a product development methodology that utilizes turnkey manufacturing techniques to rapidly produce multiple iterations of a component for testing and evaluation. In other words, it's a way to make parts as fast as possible for hands-on review.3D printing is most often chosen for rapid prototyping because of its affordability (prototypes typically range from $5-50) and short turnaround time (1-3 business days). In addition to 3D printing, other common rapid prototyping processes include CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and rapid injection molding.
Speed and economy are key principles of rapid prototyping, allowing multiple designs of a prototype to be manufactured simultaneously, or a prototype to be modified and recreated in rapid succession. These prototypes provide critical information that can help engineers make design decisions before moving to higher fidelity models for functional testing and production.
Rapid prototyping services can be used to test a variety of designs and materials because the usual financial and time risks are eliminated. This mitigates the risks associated with moving forward with a project without sufficient information.
For engineers and product designers looking for a rapid prototyping online service to speed up their product development cycle, Wintech-T offers a variety of rapid manufacturing processes that can be used to create prototypes quickly and affordably. While there are countless ways to produce any individual prototype, it is ultimately up to engineers to decide which process and materials are best suited for their product. In recent years, advances in additive manufacturing technology have made 3D printing the first choice for engineers looking for a rapid prototyping solution: parts can be printed quickly and inexpensively in a variety of different metals and plastics.
3D printing is the most common rapid prototyping process. The main advantage of using a 3D prototyping service is that it is fast and affordable. At Wintech-T, some 3D printed parts can be manufactured and shipped for a few dollars in as little as one day.
The three most common 3D printing processes used in rapid prototyping are selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), and fused deposition modeling (FDM).
SLS is one of the most versatile rapid prototyping methods due to its combination of speed, functional mechanical properties, good detail resolution, and low cost.
SLA offers the best surface finish and highest detail accuracy and tolerances of any 3D printing process. sLA is also well suited for prototyping transparent parts, especially with surface finishes on certain materials.
Wintech-T offers a wide range of engineering thermoplastics such as ABS, PC and ULTEM.
CNC milling and CNC turning are great rapid prototyping options for parts that need to be cut from fully dense blanks for final material evaluation prototypes.Wintech-T can machine a wide range of metals and plastics. Many CNC machined parts can be manufactured and shipped within a week. CNC expediting options are available at the time of quote, and the Wintech-T's cost-effective, market-based pricing allows engineers to order multiple prototypes at once for rapid product evaluation.
Lead times for CNC machined parts are longer than 3D printing due to the additional machine setup and runtime required. 3D printing runs through a direct digital manufacturing process and requires minimal setup or post-processing.
Rapid Plastic Injection Molding is a process that produces a very durable set of identical parts for testing with multiple spare parts. Rapid Plastic Injection Molding can be used as a bridging tool for high fidelity product evaluation and interim production for product release. Typical lead times for rapid tooling are 2-3 weeks for initial parts, and Wintech-T's rapid prototyping option can have parts available in as little as five days. Rapid prototyping may be the best process for rapid prototyping compared to additive manufacturing or machining, which do not allow for stringent material requirements or mechanical needs.
While rapid injection molding is slower than 3D printing or CNC machining, it's often critical to ensure that a large number of parts are as close to the final geometry as possible. This is where injection molding excels, with high repeatability and near-net final shapes.
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