3D Rapid Prototyping — How It Works
The Definition
Rapid prototyping (aka rapid modeling) is the process of creating physical objects from 3D CAD drawings generated using a CAD program using a special 3D digital printer. Wiki - How does Rapid Prototyping Work
The Additive Fabrication Process
Your real production part is created using "Additive Fabrication". Using your 3D CAD drawing in .stl file format, our 3D manufacturing machines read in the digitized design details and lay down successive layers of liquid and extruded plastic to build up your real production part from a series of cross sections.
These layers, which correspond to the virtual cross section from your CAD model, are joined together or fused automatically to create the final shape.
The primary advantage to additive fabrication is its ability to create almost any shape or geometric feature -- even parts that could not be commercially created with processes such as injection molding.
Our 3D Direct Digital Manufacturing Equipment
Our manufacturing facility in Fairborn Ohio has state-of-the-art 3D printers capable of using a wide variety of 3D prototyping materials to produce your 3D part. Learn more about our 3D printers.
Our 3D Manufacturing Materials
A prototype manufacturing machine builds a 3D prototype out of specialized 3D manufacturing materials made of plastic or resin. (see list of available materials to build your 3D real production part).
Your Physical Part
It is a “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) process where the virtual model and the physical model correspond almost identically. See sample real production 3D parts.
How Long Does It Take?
The word "rapid" is relative: construction of a model
with contemporary methods using additive fabrication can take from
several hours to several days, depending on the method used and the
size and complexity of the model.
Request a Quote
Complete our online quote form or call our sales department to explore the possibilities of 3D rapid modeling at your organization.
