Imagine creating a part inside of a computer and then being able to hold and evaluate that part 45 minutes later. What would have been inconceivable 20 years ago is now well established technology. Three-dimensional printers make it possible.
The old school method of creating prototypes involved first creating two-dimensional drawings of a part and then taking those drawings to a model maker to create the prototype. The model maker would first have to correctly interpret the drawings (assuming that all of the necessary information was shown), and then a process for creating the prototype was identified. This process could be as simple as cutting metal with a band saw to as complicated as creating an injection mold. After the part was created, the smart engineer would have the part carefully inspected and measured to make sure that it fell within the specifications on the drawings. If it didn’t pass inspection, the part would need to be modified or, worse yet, scrapped and the entire process would start all over again.
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With today’s advancements in technology, CNC rapid prototyping can be done faster than ever. CNC machines can create three dimensional prototypes within days compared to the former technology of the past. With the software programs that run these machines, any design or specifications from one of your drawings can be created to the specifications that are required.
CNC rapid prototyping solutions include: stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), RTV tooling, hybrid tooling, injection molding, and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Between these options, basically any part, mold, etc can be developed. Top quality engineers can help to make a dream a reality with the CNC rapid prototyping process.
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Manufacturing technologies have advanced geometrically over the past twenty years. And rapid prototyping techniques have grown even faster. In all most every process that is used to make components, a complimentary process has been developed to make prototypes and short production runs.
Aluminum die casting has been the process of choice for the majority of high volume applications for decades. Volumes need to exceed 50,000 pieces per year. So what if you have a new product that you want to launch with 5,000 units and it involves several aluminum castings per product?
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