What is 3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping?
3D printing or Rapid Prototyping is an additive manufacturing process using which a 3D model can be converted into actuality. However, this is a process that needs immense expertise and expensive equipment. It is a production process that is increasingly being used to create proofs of concept, designs, and finished products. Companies are incorporating 3D printing into various stages of their production processes and rethinking their market strategies in order to take advantage of this strategic edge.
In simple terms, 3D printing is a technique for creating three-dimensional solid objects from a digital image.
Although there are numerous 3D printing methods, the majority of them depend on computer-aided design (CAD). Before a manufacturing plant can use a 3D printer to create a prototype or product, it must first use a computer to digitally design the product.
What is CAD?
The method of designing an object for 3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping using computer software is known as CAD. Manufacturing firms, for example, use different forms of CAD software to design their prototypes and products. Although their features differ, they all facilitate the development of digital object models. CAD software is used by manufacturers to create three-dimensional object models in precise shapes and forms. SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, CATIA, Onshape, Fusion 360 are some of the well known CAD software.
Role of CAD in 3D Printing
Since it offers the instructions required to create a prototype or product, most 3D printing processes involve the use of CAD software. The rules or instructions contained in a CAD file govern 3D printers. They use the data in a CAD file to figure out how much material needs to be placed and where it should go. As a result, manufacturing companies must first establish a CAD register. Then an object model in the required size and dimensions using CAD software is built. The CAD data is compressed and transferred to the 3D printer for processing after the object model is completed. The object will then be built using the guidelines mentioned in the CAD file by the 3D printer.
Pentadesk provides 3D printing services from creating 3D printable 3D models of your product to 3D printing in our-state-of-the art 3D printers. Apart from individual parts, we also provide complete prototyping of complete assemblies using 3D printing.
Some of the methods which we use for preparing 3D printable model is:
- Converting point cloud data that has been scanned from an original source into 3D models ready for printing
- For 3D printing, convert photographs and pictures into 3D models
- Converting 2D or 3D CAD data in to 3D models for 3D printing
Give us a product concept and we will ensure that it is ready for 3D printing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rapid prototyping important?
The development of improved manufacturing processes has led to a need for bringing new products to the market faster. Rapid prototyping was developed to speed up the prototyping phase of a product development cycle using various methods and 3D printing or additive manufacturing stands out to be the most efficient of them all.
Is rapid prototyping the same as 3D printing?
3D printing is one of the many Rapid Prototyping methods available today. That makes 3D printing a subset of Rapid Prototyping. Rapid prototyping also involves standard fabrication processes with the difference being: Parts or components that are to be molded or cast are instead machined.
Some Rapid prototyping processes: :
- Vat Photopolymerization or Stereolithography
- Selective Laser Sintering – SLS
- Fused Deposition Modeling or material jetting – FDM
- Laminated Object Manufacturing or Sheet Lamination
- Selective Laser Melting or Powder Bed Fusion
- Digital Light Processing
- Binder Jetting
- Standard fabrication and machining
Why do you need to hire 3D printing design services?
There are many situations when companies or individuals need to leverage 3D printing design services. Some of these situations include:
- Bringing the models to life using 3D printing provides stakeholders with a tangible representation of the idea and makes it easier for them to understand.
- 3D printing services can complement the in-house design team and make the product development process more efficient.
- 3D printing design services can be faster in comparison to in-house printing.
How to find the right 3D printing service provider?
It is important to hire a 3D print designer to make your ideas come across better. But with so many designers, you have to consider the following factors for a better decision.
- 3D printing prices are an important factor when selecting 3D printing services. You will need to find a service provider that strikes a balance between your needs and budget.
- You need to decide whether the service provider offers design assistance. Some 3D printing services offer training that can help you to get the perfect model for the project.
- There are different 3D printing materials, and each one has its own properties. Having a plethora of choices will help you to create 3D objects to match your versatile needs for projects.