Money Saved with A Rapid Tooling Strategy
Rapid Tooling prototypes are often made using FDM technology. The part was made from extruded black ABS and was used for some functional testing.
Initial Prototyping
3M began this phase by creating stereolithography (SLA) patterns with its in-house SLA equipment. Overflow SLA work was sourced to Vista Technologies. The SLA prototypes were used by engineers and industrial designers to check fit and form. The same prototypes were used by 3M packaging engineers to create conceptual mock-ups of product packaging. They also made excellent tools for ergonomic and usability studies.