Many businesses can benefit from metal rapid prototyping . Whether you’ve used rapid prototyping services in the past or you plan to at some point in the future, you’ll likely find this information interesting.

To start, here is an overview of what metal rapid prototyping services entail. These combinations of processes typically utilize 3D CAD models paired with specialized printing machines used to sinter and fabricate metal additively. Complimentary rapid prototyping services applicable to metal parts include CNC machining direct from CAD data. When 5-Axis machining is considered, the combination of this process plus the advanced additive processes allow one to fabricate parts from design quickly and from a broad range of materials, including aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.

Interesting Facts

Below are a few interesting facts about the metal rapid prototyping process:

1. Build Orientation – The build orientation of your designed prototype will have a significant impact on not just cost, but also the quality of the surface and strength. Since metal rapid prototyping consists of multiple layers, it’s essential to choose the appropriate orientation relative to the part or component.

2. Material – With rapid prototyping services, the amount of material used can impact costs. When working with a reputable manufacturing company, your representative will look at options that avoid unnecessary material. Options include combining builds of like products into the same block or run of parts.

3. Tooling options – When partnering with a versatile metal rapid prototyping supplier, the supplier can assist in identifying the best process for the project. In some instances, the manufacturer may recommend prototype soft tooling the part as opposed other prototyping processes. Fast prototype tooling can allow production of low volumes of parts efficiently with repeatability.

4. Avoid Shrinking and Warping Distortion – Some slight shrinking and warping are common in metal processes. However, distortion risks can be reduced by choosing a manufacturer that knows its processes thoroughly and understands how both process parameters and subtle design suggestions or changes may help eliminate these risks.

5. Color and finish – Metal prototype parts can be surface coated or finished through many common finishing techniques such as surface blasting, painting, powder coating, e-coating or anodizing. Various colors and appearances are possible.

6. Combining technologies with Rapid Prototyping Services – Sometimes the best approach for given project is to quickly fabricate a single additive part or component and then rely on soft tooling or volume machining for additional copies. Having these options readily available is a valuable asset to a design team.

7. Testing – Metal rapid prototyping can provide an option to test a part using the correct design material. Traditional plastic 3D printing does not allow this. The ability to test a product with the correct mechanical and thermal characteristics adds significant value to the design validation process.

We Always Strive to Achieve Perfection

For rapid prototyping services that you can trust, contact us at Globaltech Ventures. For prototypes, as well as finished products, we always strive to achieve perfection on behalf of our customers.