Almost every time a company creates a new product, no matter the industry, they need to create a prototype model to evaluate the design. The model can be used to check form and function, to gather customer or investor reaction, or to assess unique properties of the part. Rapid prototyping is one of the more affordable and straightforward means to create a plastic prototype. Many plastic prototype companies will use 3D printing, one type of rapid prototyping, for this process.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. That is a common term that covers many different technologies in which material is added to build a part (rather than removed, as in machining). Three popular methods include Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Stereolithography (SLA).

SLS technology involves using nylon in powder form. This technique uses a laser to fuse the powder into the part. When the laser is done, the part is lifted out of the remaining cake of unsolidified material. SLS plastic prototype service yields a finished prototype that is durable, flexible, and can be finished to represent a part that may be injection molded in production situations.

With FDM 3D printing, the machine uses an extrusion process to melt plastic filament and build the object layer-by-layer. While some FDM machines are meant for the hobbiest, plastic prototype companies will use industrial-level printers to create prototypes in a high resolution. You can choose from several different kinds of materials, depending on the end use intended for the part.

With SLA 3D printing, the plastic prototype manufacturer will use plastic resin materials in a liquid form that are solidified layer-by-layer to make your prototypes. This is a widely used process, particularly for consumer goods, medical products, and dental products.

Materials Used

Depending on the end-use intended for your product and the material the production part will be made from, you can select a process for 3D printing that matches your needs. We’ve already mentioned that SLS uses nylon material. SLA processes can be made from ABS or other plastics, and FDM can accommodate a range of materials.

If you would rather have a more colorful prototype, then you can use polylactic acid (PLA). This is an affordable and diverse material. You can use it with metal composites and wood to create exotic-looking pieces. To make it more functional, you can splice it with carbon fiber.

Choose the Best Plastic Prototype Manufacturer

Finding the right 3D printing material and technology is vital for achieving a useful finished product. The selection of material and process will depend on what the intended use of the prototype part – is it for appearance, for function, to represent production-intent? The team at Global Technology Ventures, Inc. is highly skilled when it comes to finding the right process. We can help you make the right choice. Contact us today to learn more about our plastic prototype service.