What Businesses should know about 3D printing for Product Design?
In addition to providing a more effective and cost effective way to create and iterate prototypes, 3D printing, and prototyping have revolutionized product design. The prototyping process has traditionally been time consuming and expensive, but additive manufacturing professionals have lately been using methods such as 3D printing to decrease the time & cost.
3D printing creates physical objects from digital designs using materials like plastics, metals, and composite filaments. Rapid prototyping is possible with the technology. Functional prototypes can be manufactured in-house with high end 3D printers like SLA and SLS. Small businesses may find it difficult to afford advanced 3D printers.
Materials for 3D Printing
Alternatives include using specialized 3D printing services, which offer a variety of materials at various prices. Materials such as resin or nylon are affordable options, while stainless steel is a premium metal material. Material weights and volumes as well as design complexity and size affect the cost. Companies may access various material options, obtain guidance on the best printing technique, and produce high quality prototypes without investing in expensive equipment through 3D printing services.
Merits of 3D Printing
Prototypes are built from basic shapes to confirm product dimensions and validate ideas. The DFM team progressively creates more complex models and experiments through multiple stages once approving the initial concept. During the final stages of development, the most promising design option is refined and improved.
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A functional prototype can be manufactured using high end 3D printers like SLA and SLS. In addition, it saves both time and money since the process is done in-house.
Multi Component Design
A 3D printer can produce intricate and complex mechanical parts, even though it is most commonly used for proof of concept prototypes. Designers can achieve aesthetics and functionality close to final products by using individual filaments like metal or reinforced plastic.
High Fidelity Models
It is possible to prototype a product using only one 3D printer during the whole prototyping process. It is possible for designers to create a variety of different types of prototypes, from simple block models to high fidelity functional beta models.