Rapid prototyping refers to a modern product development method. With this method, engineers can make production-ready designs a lot faster than before. 3D printing provides a lot of advantage as for as rapid prototyping components is concerned. Manufacturers use RP as an alternative to CNC machine parts. Given below are some of the advantages of this process.
Speed
First of all, RP refers to components that are made with the help of 3D printing. While simple components can be made with CNC machining as well, 3D printers feature shorter lead times. Since 3D printers receive data from printers and CNC models, it is possible to print designs in a couple of hours.
For example, if you need a 4-inch part to be printed, you can get it done in less than 4 hours. On the other hand, you can print it an 8-inch part in less than 20 hours. In other words, the majority of 3D printed components can be made and delivered in less than 7 days. Since prototyping offers high speed, it is possible to launch products much faster.
Affordability
The cost of 3D printing with the help of prototyping is quite low. On the other hand, CNC machining involves a lot of additional costs, such as procurement of material, programming tools, setup configuration, and so on.
During the process of 3D printing, the printer receives a file, the machine analyses the data and then get it printed. The finished product is taken out of the printer.
Test a Range of Designs
With the help of rapid prototyping, expert engineers and perform the testing of complex designs in a cost-effective manner. As a matter of fact, 3D printers can produce even those parts that cannot be printed with CNC machining, such as parts with sharp corners and thin walls. Actually, this is a layer-by-layer manufacturing method, which is why it is called additive manufacturing.
Part Consolidation
With RP, engineers can test a single component that requires to be made in multiple components. Again, consolidation of different parts is quite cost-effective with the help of rapid prototyping. Apart from this, this system allows engineers to check out a lot of designs and functions of different parts.
Test Materials
3D printing is a great choice for designers to check out a variety of materials and stick to ones that can offer the best results. Some of these materials include nylon 12, which can withstand high temperatures of up to 149 Celsius. In some 3D printers, there can be up to 200 combinations of colors, finishes, and materials.
Increased Risk Mitigation
Since prototypes look exactly like the final product, engineers can mitigate the risk associated with the production process. 3D printing is quite cost-effective, which is why manufacturers have less financial risk.
Long story short, rapid prototyping can make the production process much faster. Plus, it can make the process a lot more efficient. So, this was a description of some of the advantages offered by rapid prototyping.
Source by Dong Wong
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