Here you can find what questions people are asking us!
What is rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping(AKA additive manufacturing) is the procedure by which a preliminary model is created through 3D printing technology. Various ways exist to accomplish this, we utilize a process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM). The most intuitive way to think about this is through the analogy of a hot glue gun, where the material (e.g. metal or plastic), is heated until it is liquefied and then extruded via the print nozzle onto a work plate. The printer extrudes countless layers of the material to add up to virtually any object.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using additive manufacturing?
The early product development phase is where 3D printing is most effective. During this stage, multiple iterations of a product must be made in order to achieve a final design. There must be adjustments made in terms of aesthetics, functionality and/or manufacturability. Additionally, 3D printing is more efficient than traditional manufacturing methods when it comes to personalization and small-run production.
Where additive manufacturing falls short is in large volume manufacturing; due to the time that it takes to make each unit, it is not as efficient as injection molding because in that process, hundreds of units can be made very rapidly due to the mold-based production.
When can I expect to have a physical model in my hands?
When we are given the correct files, we can have a product ready in 1-3 days. However, lead times vary from project to project based on complexity, how big the object is, etc.
The best way to find out how long a project will take is to contact us and schedule a meeting over the phone or in person.