Things To Know About The Custom Machine Shop

When a particular product is released, it is the best version of dozens of other prototypes. This means that the version before the final product was tested and modified to get the perfect final result.

Sometimes it is hard to test every single product because it can be costly to manufacture every single thing after improving it. The goal for testing the product is to see how it will work in real life, and if there are any necessary changes that need to be made.

Designers and engineers do a series of testing in order to achieve what they have imagined in their minds. Although it seems easy at first, a lot of things can get complicated, which can lead to significantly raising the budget.

That was until the rapid prototyping method first appeared on the market. This was a revolutionary technique that helps engineers and designers in the process of testing. After that, they can conclude which parts need to be improved and, if necessary, test it again. If you want to keep reading about this topic, follow the link: https://maze.design/blog/rapid-prototyping/#khpcckdkb2-.

 The beginnings of rapid prototyping 

In the early 1970s, two engineers developed a system where circuit boards that were made manually at the time, to be made using an automated process. At first, this process wasn’t commercialized, and it was used only for specific purposes.

But because of its great benefits, it soon becomes available to everyone. After some time, it was discovered that this process has roots that can be traced to 1892. Of course, the techniques that were used at the time and the techniques used today have major differences.

The development of technology made this process more efficient and easier to use. Most importantly, the demand for this method has motivated engineers to modify it and improve it so it can deliver better products.

From the 1970s till today, the rapid prototyping method separated into 4 great subtypes. They all contribute greatly to the manufacturing process and benefit this field individually. The four processes are different from each other and are chosen by the customer’s preferences.

Types of rapid prototyping 

The first type is selective laser sintering. The method uses a UV laser that is applied on a thermoplastic powder surface. The laser moves across the surface in order to fuse sections of the mentioned material. This process is repeated several times. The laser goes as many times as it’s needed back and forth to finish the necessary shape.

The second process is quite similar to the first one. It is called stereolithography, and you have probably heard or read about it somewhere. This is because this method is quite popular today, and it is the most commonly used among engineers. This method also uses a laser as a tool to draw a particular image.

The third type is the Fused Deposition Modeling or the Selective Laser Sintering. This is for sure, the most interesting method of the four. The machine has a little extruder, which is usually a nozzle. In the nozzle, melted plastic passes by, and it is placed onto a board where the shape is formed.

Last but certainly not least is the Rapid application building or Software Rapid Application Development. This method is perfect for developing software. This software is usually powered by the interface of the users. With these methods, engineers can easily locate problems and solve them immediately. So why should I use rapid prototyping techniques to manufacture the parts I need?

Customized and creative parts

There are numerous advantages of using this method, but the best one is definitely the freedom of creating. You can sketch, draw, or make a blueprint and send it to a rapid prototype machine shop for a free quote.

From your sketch, the manufacturer sees what you want to do, and they will send you feedback on possible techniques and pricing. Imagine everything that you taught is impossible to produce. Draw it on CAD and wait for your dream to become a reality.

The opportunities that are made with the help of this technique are amazing. For the creative minds, this is a time to step out of your competition and show your talent. When you are looking for a more efficient or better way to deliver a product, you need to think outside of the box.

With rapid prototyping, you can now try and test as many prototypes as you want. This will improve your product on a level that hasn’t been seen before.

Easy changing and adaptation 

Although the process is automated, it is fully monitored by a member of the company. This allows you to follow your design as it becomes a reality. With this option, you can modify and change if you don’t like what you see.

So, you can fully relax while designing and experiment as much as you want. Even if you see that the product will cost you more than you expected, you can stop it and change it to fit you better. But this can hardly be the case, and in the next big advantage, you can see why.

Saves money 

When an engineer is thinking about designing something, they first try to imagine it in their head. After that, they sketch it in CAD or other design software. And there it is, your design. Although there are a lot of online tools and applications that are upgraded with the best possible options, it is hard to predict how this product will be in reality.

And if you manufacture and produce every possible prototype in a traditional way, it will cost you a fortune! But with the rapid prototyping technique, you don’t have to worry about that. Because this process has constant equipment. What does that mean?

It means that once a certain project is done, the same equipment is used to do another. So, there is no need to buy additional tools. Moreover, the process is automated, so it saves the costs of labor, and only one engineer is needed to monitor it.