3D printing is a great way to create physical models of your ideas, test different designs, and showcase your products to potential customers. But how do you go from a concept to a 3D printed prototype for your business? In this article, we will guide you through the best way to get it done, using 3D modeling services.
The first step is to find a reliable and professional 3D modeling service that can turn your idea into a 3D model that is ready for printing. There are many online platforms that offer 3D modeling services, such as Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer. You can browse through their portfolios, reviews, and prices, and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Alternatively, you can also search for local 3D modeling studios or freelancers in your area, and contact them directly.
Here are several steps to consider when 3D printing a prototype for your business: 1. Design the Prototype: Create a 3D model of your prototype using 3D modeling software. If you don't have design expertise, consider hiring a 3D designer or using freelance services to create the model. 2. Choose the Right 3D Printing Technology: Select the appropriate 3D printing technology based on the complexity of your prototype, material requirements, and level of detail needed. Options include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), or others. 3. Select a Printing Service or Equipment 4. Material Selection 5. Quality and Resolution 6. Testing and Iteration 7. Post-Processing
Define Your Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose of the prototype. Identify the specific features, dimensions, and functionalities you want to test or showcase. Create a 3D Model: Use 3D modeling software to design your prototype. If you're not familiar with modeling, consider hiring a professional or using online platforms that offer pre-designed templates.
*Designing A designer creates a 3D model of the desired object using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Alternatively, they can copy the structure of an existing product by scanning it with a 3D scanner. This digital design serves as a blueprint for the 3D printer.
The best way to start a 3D project is to have a really good idea of: -What you want the ultimate end result to look like (notes, sketches) -A material in mind (have you experimented at all?) -A budget and timeline (most important) Most folks have little to no idea how long modeling and printing actually takes. Discussing the costs up front is the best way to handle a project.
If a business owner cannot create the 3D model, it is better to find someone to create it and ensure the design works. Freelance platform and Social media have plenty of designer who can do this.
The next step is to communicate your requirements clearly and effectively to the 3D modeler. You should provide as much information as possible, such as sketches, photos, dimensions, specifications, and desired output format. You should also discuss the scope, timeline, and budget of the project, and agree on the milestones and deliverables. You should also ask for regular updates and feedback, and be open to suggestions and revisions.
The more information, the better. Especially to avoid going back and forth on details. From my experiences, the information I receive are sometimes a kind of academic and assignment form even if it is not an academic task, which is not convinient professionally. So make sure, to give enough information in a very simple and easy way.
In my opinion it all depends on the kind of service you need. You can find services that makes you different tiers of products for different prices. If the customer has a base is fine, but a good person that develops 3D projects for printing must have the skill to breakdown the projects in steps and show the customer the path needed to convert the project for 3D print. Tiers can be from a generic idea on piece of paper to 3D, or to convert a technical project in a 3D printing ready object for instance. But anyway it is always needed a work on the file to make it 3D printing ready.
*Slicing Special software “slices” the 3D model into thin horizontal layers that are stacked on top of each other. The model is then converted into a set of instructions that guide the 3D printer on how to create each layer.
For prototype 3D models are must in STL, AMF formats. And draft with critical dimensions, especially with ones that will be done after printing. Quality requirements can be described by standard if your country has one. In Russia there is GOST R 57586-2017 Products obtained by additive processes. General requirements.
The third step is to review the 3D model that the 3D modeler has created for you. You should check if the model meets your expectations, and if it is accurate, detailed, and realistic. You should also verify if the model is compatible with the 3D printer that you are going to use, and if it follows the best practices for 3D printing, such as avoiding overhangs, gaps, and thin walls. You should also request for a render or a preview of the model, to see how it will look like in real life.
Basic knowledge of 3D printing is required in this matter. And having experience in it is much better. Exploded view and details drawing is most important for follow up and checking.
If you find a good printing service you have this step done for you by professionals or by online verification that certify the printability of your object. Major services such as Shapeways makes this process a needed step before printing. Also home software for your PC have automatic verification if you plan to print the file at home. This avoid money loss for failed prints.
* Printing The 3D printer begins making the physical product. It does this by depositing printing material such as plastic, metal, or ceramic in precise layers according to the instructions from the slicing software.
If u have done modeling for molding you will adjust quickly. If not try to learn at first. Do not hesitate to ask your fabricators. And do not use 45 degrees or less angles to counter the printing direction. 47-48 are okay
The final step is to print the prototype using a 3D printer. You can either use your own 3D printer, if you have one, or find a 3D printing service that can print the model for you. You should choose the appropriate material, color, and resolution for your prototype, depending on your purpose and preference. You should also make sure that the printer is calibrated and maintained properly, and that the model is oriented and sliced correctly.
Adjust print settings such as layer height, infill density, and print speed based on the desired balance between print quality and time. Initiate the printing process and monitor it to ensure there are no issues. Once the prototype is printed, inspect it for any defects or imperfections.
* Layer Bonding As each layer is added, the material fuses or bonds with the previous layer. This additive process continues until the entire object has been printed.
Learning to run your printer is a thing you must do for self production. A good set of lessons can be a start, but you must face the fact that just practice makes perfect: after the theory you must fail a lot of prints and analyze your workflow to spot errors and problems that can be your settings, hardware problems or material related problems (quality, bad conservation, wrong temperatures...)
Small details make big differences. If you're using an FF or SLA small scale printer then to get the best print from your prototype - make sure you've got the ambient temperature as controlled as possible, reduce "noise" - no breezes or change in temperature or cold built plate. Adjust your print layer heights to increase speed or quality (depending on your desired outcome). Adjust your infill - reduce it to a minimum if the product is to review aesthetically - increase if durability is a necessity. Keep an eye on your printer - you can save a print by monitoring the progress and nothing worse than returning to find an empty SLA bath or a string of noodles around the nozzle
The last step is to test and improve the prototype that you have printed. You should evaluate the prototype based on its functionality, appearance, and performance. You should also compare it with your original idea, and see if it meets your goals and requirements. You should also solicit feedback from your target audience, customers, or stakeholders, and see how they react to the prototype. Based on the results, you should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the prototype, and make the necessary changes or improvements for the next iteration.
Always check the right of the prototype by printing a low quality version or a dummy version with less details, part of the object to check that things are right... There are many tricks to have advantages in time and prices to have a functional prototype and also a good check that all the aspects needed are achieved.
*Post-Processing Once the printing is complete, the object may undergo additional post-processing steps such as cleaning, curing, sanding, painting, and assembly to achieve its ultimate appearance and functionality.
Something that we should take into consideration when prototyping with 3D print is that it is better to create the 3D model with CAD software. Especially, for multibody model, mechanical model. Because it requires some precision that the other 3D software like Blender, C4D, ... does not have. In addition, even if it is in prototyping phase, the result should be close to the final product.
All sections have been well contributed to, but these would be great to consider as well: Bridges: Horizontal features with no support below. Keep them short and thin, and use cooling fans, lower print speed, or higher extrusion to prevent sagging. Parts: Split your model into parts to avoid supports, reduce warping, improve quality, and create complexity. Assemble them later. Tolerances: Differences between intended and actual dimensions. Affects fit, function, and appearance. Consider printer, nozzle, filament size and accuracy, and material shrinkage and expansion from temperature and humidity effects. Use calipers, test prints, and slicer settings to adjust tolerances.