3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping and 3D printing are often mistaken for one another, but there is a distinguishable difference. The former refers to the technique, while the latter refers to the technology used. Here are some of the functions that 3D printing fulfils in the rapid prototyping process.
Advantages of 3D Printing
Time and Cost-Efficient
Perhaps the most significant perk of 3D printing to rapid prototyping is how much time and money it saves in the long run. As a designer, you no longer have to pay an external manufacturer extra for coming up with the design.
You can now use CAD software and a 3D printer to create your vision by yourself. If you don’t have a 3D printer, there are many services (like 3D Quick Printing) that you can quickly contact and receive a quote from within the hour.
3D printing time will depend on the print job. The bigger and more complex the design, the longer it will take to be completed. Small parts can be done within minutes, and you can pick them up within the day. But large prototypes may take overnight to print, which you can easily come back for once the technician contacts you.
Availability
3D printers are available for anyone if you need them in-house. Engineers or architects that need it regularly might benefit from one of their own.
But if you think that getting a 3D printer may be too costly, especially if your department doesn’t quite have the budget for it yet, then it won’t be hard to find a service to do it for you. Files are always kept confidential, and you can always build a professional relationship with the technicians to help you with the process.
Improves Testing Process
Testing is different without the actual prototype at your disposal. 3D prototyping allows you to compare your designs from one another, test out certain features and overall functionality, and see if the design is aesthetically pleasing enough for you before you build the real thing.
3D printing uses durable filament like PA or TPU, which allows you to test whether or not your design will stand a chance against uncontrollable factors such as weather or exposure to certain chemicals.
Conclusion
You save money and time with 3D printing. You also gain an easier design testing process, and you can make additive manufacturing one of the best technologies for prototyping. Rapid Prototyping can take long hours (or even weeks) without the aid of 3D printing. 3D printing can completely change your prototyping workflow, making it more efficient in the process.
Are you working on a project at the moment that requires the best rapid prototyping services in the UK? Then get a quote from 3D Quick Printing, the leading 3D printing service that provides high-quality FDM 3D at an agreeable price. Contact us now to receive a fast and cost-effective service.
