During the past two decades there has been an emergence of a new class of manufacturing technologies.
These technologies build parts using a computer aided design file of an object, which can be converted into a physical model on a layer-by-layer basis of sintering or deposition techniques.
The materials available offer a range of metals, plastics and wax, that provide the ability for rapid production of 3D simulated parts. Testing and evaluation of bespoke electronics and housing can even be achieved by RPD, as well as micro mechanics with tolerances of 100 microns. This wave of technologies has reduced the manufacturing time for parts of virtually any complexity to hours rather than days, weeks or months.
Rapid prototyping or solid free form fabrication and the major application for this technology have been recently introduced tools for the early verification of product designs and testing. Multiple prototypes can now be produced more economically, by using the RP master as a pattern for creating moulded or soft tooling.
The conduction of evaluation activities in parallel with tooling saves valuable development time; process specific problems can be discovered early. Due to the existence of these tools, a large number of near series prototypes can be produced with less effort than with other procedures.
It is possible to make a large number of test models for all of the sub-processes. This can be used to conduct assembly, function or market tests. Testing agencies often insist that the test masters must be manufactured by series processes and made with the same materials that are actually going to be used.
Rapid Product Development is the new revolution that is making the design process more efficient, but also an understanding of the tools and technology available is needed for total efficiency in today’s industries.
The RPD wave of technologies has reduced the manufacturing time for parts of virtually any complexity to hours rather than days, weeks or months. It is one of the new revolutionary processes that is making the design process more efficient.
Rapid prototyping or solid free form fabrication and the major applications for this technology have been recently introduced tools for the early verification of product designs and testing.
Multiple prototypes can be produced more economically by using the RP master as a pattern for creating moulded or soft tooling. Larger quantities of near series prototypes can now be produced with less effort than with other procedures.
It is now possible to make a large number of test models to aid all of the sub-processes. This can be used to conduct assembly, function or market tests.
Working Prototypes are recommended to ensure operational and functional confidence.
From the virtual prototypes produced during the detailed design, we produce products so they will look and act as they would in production.
We have links and good working relationships with partners and component suppliers who can help with the array of parts needed and also deal with the changes that may be concluded from a previous prototype.
The acquisition of prototypes are not only essential tools for design verification and validation, but they can also be utilised for meeting project plan targets during production, when unforeseen delays may occur from a critical production path.
