Rapid prototyping can be understood as the process of creating physical parts in a quick manner that are used for testing the appearance, fitting as well as functionality of a design. The conventional method of manufacturing may consume a couple of weeks or months in completion. Over and above, thousands of dollars are expended to get these models ready. Therefore, rapid prototyping is proved to be quite beneficial as far as saving time and money is concerned. You can find a number of companies that provide Rapid Prototyping Services. These companies provide a wide range of services and some of the most popular ones are examined further in this article.
The prototypes are basically manufactured in two different types namely additive and subtractive. The Additive process, like 3D printing, is a new form of prototype and functions by creating layer over layer, till a part is completed. On the other hand, subtractive process involves use of primitive techniques like milling. Both these types of manufacturing techniques can consume hours and a couple of days in completion. However, each of these processes is coupled with a number of advantages.
3D Printing
This is one of the rapidly growing processes and is mainly popular because of its affordability. You can avail the 3D printing service at quite affordable rates and that too without spending much time. Different techniques are used for creating models through 3D printing. These systems are designed to give maximum utility and effective results.
Stereolithography (SLA)
This is also one of the most traditional and yet popular Rapid Prototyping Services. It is mainly known for its strength, surface detailing and most importantly, its cost. Stereolithography uses UV ray to solidify liquid acrylic polymer layer by layer on a moving platform and after many layers, the prototype in the preferred form is formed. This process is carried on in a VAT, a device that is filling up with photocurable liquid acrylate polymer. Stereolithography is one of the most used forms of rapid prototyping because of accuracy (Tolerances= 0.0125mm), less time taken (depends upon the size and complication of the part) and where parts details are fine and their geometry is too difficult to machined.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering, or mainly popular with the name of SLS, is yet another popular form of Rapid Prototyping Services. It is comparatively more expensive and the parts made have a rough finish as against SLA. Metal, ceramic, glass, plastic and a lot many others are some of the main materials available.
Urethane Castings
When a multiple number of prototypes are required, making use of urethane castings is considered to be an economical method. The normal number of quantities range between ten and a hundred. These are available in a wide range of materials as well as colors thereby adding to the benefits availed by customers.
So, these were some of the main Rapid Prototyping Services. You can find a number of companies providing such type of services out there. You just need to make a wise choice and avail the benefits of this modern technology.