FDM prototyping – Stereo lithography – Molds – 3D Printing

Prototyping using 3D printing techniques or other techniques depending on the manufacturing process to validate the functional aspects of the equipment.

The prototyping processes are at breakneck speed, changes are fast and increasingly effective. At the beginning of the 3D age, the high cost of manufacturing equipment and limited applications were not allowed to enter at market of consumer products.
Currently technical improvements in manufacturing processes prototyping and increasing professionalization of the sector, makes an entirely limited to products of high economic value, industry allows universalize the manufacture of functional prototypes capable of supplanting manufacturing processes thermoplastics such as plastic injection.

prototype classes

The great advantage of the prototypes affects both, time and low cost, required to launch a new project. The main types of prototype goes in function of manufacturing process, which itself while being similar result, manufacturing is entirely different:

• Sintered polyamide prototype: with high mechanical properties within the manufacturing processes by prototypes, but with little aesthetic properties compensated by working hours in primers and paints. The manufacturing costs can be considered acceptable as well as the tolerances for their assembly.
• FDM. The one that has allowed the universalization of the prototypes, for the ease of manufacture and the low cost of the machinery thanks to a simple technology. Pieces of a finish of dubious aesthetic quality are obtained, but to meet the minimum mechanical requirements in most cases in an amateur way. The manufacturing cost is low without taking into account the amortization costs of the prototype machine. The dimensional tolerances are far in most machines than necessary for precise components.
• Stereo lithography. It was from the precursor processes of prototyping by the precision and surface finishes achieved, but with the great aggravation of its limited mechanical properties.
• Silicone molds. It is used for the manufacture of short series that depending on the complexity of the piece can go from 25 to 100 units. The manufacturing costs are generally high, but the aesthetic finishes and mechanical properties can be at the height of a product suitable for sale.