5 Best Rapid Prototypes Techniques For Product Development

There are several best rapid prototypes techniques for product development. With rapid prototyping, designers can view a more comprehensive version of how their product will look during production. Then, they can identify alterations and adjustments early in the manufacturing process. This can save significant time and money from costly changes down the line. As a product designer, you need to know the best techniques to develop your product prototypes. This way, you can access a quick, automated process to get your product on the market. Read on to discover the best rapid prototypes techniques for product development.

Selective Laser Melting

First, selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the best techniques for product development within the top IT technology jobs. With this process, you can make highly durable, complex parts for your product. Indeed, the aerospace, automotive and defense industries typically use this to create their prototypes. In addition, SLM machines use a high-powered laser to melt fine metal powders for your prototype. Since they use a layer by layer method, these powerful lasers can melt many common materials for your production. For example, you can use titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel. Surely, consider the selective laser melting technique to develop your rapid prototypes.

Sterolithography

In addition, another best technique for rapid prototype production is sterolithography. With this process, you can build your prototypes with UV-curable resin. The tough and durable material is a great option to make your lower end functional prototypes. You can also use it to build patterns, molds and production tools. In addition, create rapid prototype parts with a quality surface finish and accurate dimensions. Plus, this mature technology offers comprehensive material selection. For example, you can choose from flexible, elastic and rigid types of UV resin for your prototypes. Of course, you should use the sterolithography technique to create your rapid prototypes.

Laminated Object Manufacturing

Next, you can use the laminated object manufacturing technique to create rapid prototypes. This technique uses a stacking process with different materials to create your rapid prototype. Some of the most common materials you can use include plastic, paper and metal. To start, you lay out and layer different materials on feed rollers across a platform. Then, a computer-controlled laser device traces out the pattern chosen for your prototype. Once your shape is traced, the machine drops one-sixteenth of an inch to glue a new laminate on top. This process will continue to repeat until your rapid prototype is completed. Notably, this process is affordable and doesn’t require special working conditions. In fact, it doesn’t require any adhesives or sealants. In short, you should use the laminated object technique to build your rapid prototypes.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Additionally, you can use the direct metal laser sintering technique to create your rapid prototypes. Using a laser system, you can produce metal prototypes and functional end-use parts. The laser draws your selected shape on a platform of atomized metal powder. Wherever the laser traces over, the material is welded solid. The machine will continue to repeat this process for each layer with fresh metal powder. Of course, these machines can use most metals to create strong, functional hardware. In addition, the machine used for this technique can usually transition into metal injection molding for your prototypes. Certainly, direct metal laser sintering is one of the best rapid prototype techniques.

Fused Deposition Modeling

Furthermore, you can use the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique to build your rapid prototypes. This process uses a 3D printing method to build parts with melted thermoplastic filament. The most common filaments used for rapid prototypes are various blends of ABS and PLA. More so, more advanced FDM printers use a larger selection of engineering thermoplastics and composites. Once you melt down your material, the printer nozzle extrudes the melted substance to build your prototype. Indeed, this is done with a layer by layer method. In addition, this is a popular technique used by both product designers and engineers. For example, you can build parts that are typically machined. Definitely, fused deposition modeling is a great technique to produce rapid prototypes.

There are several best rapid prototypes techniques for product development. First, you can use selective laser melting to create highly durable parts out of various metals for your rapid prototypes. In addition, sterolithography is a rapid prototype technique that uses UV curable resin to create your parts. Next, use laminated object manufacturing to trace out your part’s shape with computer controlled lasers in a lay by layer format. Additionally, direct metal laser sintering uses metal powders to weld the shape of your prototype in different layers. Furthermore, you can use the fused deposition modeling 3D printing process to melt down thermoplastics that create simple prototyping parts. Of course, these rapid prototype techniques can be used outside of robot factories. These are the best rapid prototypes techniques for product development.