Rapid prototyping is a manufacturing concept that will enable one to create a precise model of a specific product within the shortest possible time. As a result, designers and engineers can have a feel of how their innovation will look like in real life before they come up with the Computer-Aided Design. This technology in China which the country has become a worldwide top-running provender, thereby reducing costs and making it highly affordable for producers to develop prototypes.

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is worldwide used rapid self-assembling manufacturing machines to 3D print products. There are also 3D models that easily can be changed, though they look like the final product.

This process is essential as it decreases expenses and time that are allocated for product development by controlling the project from the inception to the final product. It enables the production of prototypes for both proof of concept and mass production testing.

Why Choose China for Rapid Prototyping?

China has now become a top destination for rapid prototyping services. China has cheaper labor and materials. Moreover, Chinese companies always have fast service and efficient delivery. There are myriad companies to pick from, thus giving threefold the choice.

Finding Quality Services in China

Whenever one is in search of a good rapid prototyping company in China, one should bear in mind the following points. Besides the experience, a service provider that has a wide range of experience in different kinds of projects should be the one that is picked.

Also, it is of primary concern to have a company to reach clients in an appropriate and timely manner and rectify any suggested alterations. But for example, a Chinese company that stands out in a crowd is 3erp.com, who is skilled in diversified rapid prototyping.

The Rapid Prototyping Process

1. Get a Quote

The next step is that after your design is received the company will make a quote and inform you about the total price including all the other details and the period of time the process encompasses. In case there are any terminologies you cannot understand, do not hesitate to ask clarifying questions to the person providing the quote.

2. Discuss Details

The general idea is that you communicate with the company about any specific requirements or changes you might need. This also represents the time when you turn to them to know everything about all parts of the plant. Check to make sure your project and they have the same understanding before proceeding with the process.

3. Make the Prototype

The company makes the prototype through their machines. They follow the design and the material requirements. This step might take up to several days or a few hours because it depends on your projects' complexity.

4. Check and Test

Once the prototype is ready, the company will inspect it for conformance to the requirements. Also, you should check it on the list you provided to see if it meets the use you need to have for it. This is always a rule to follow during this kind of process as you might run into difficulty if you miss any early fixings.

5. Make Changes

You can suggest changes and the company will improve your prototype if the faults are found. Maybe you could move parts around shift elements, or take out materials that do not need to be there. Essentially the objective is to demand the prototype accurately before going to the final design.

Materials Used in Rapid Prototyping

Plastics

Plastic material is used in 3D printing to a great extent. It is available in different colors and levels of hardness and softness. Also, it can be the type of material that is suitable for multiple rapid prototype simple production without the stress and strain of precision machining. For instance, consumer products and those with low mechanical specifications are some of the items that plastics find applications for.

Metals

Some properties of metals are just not strong enough to be produced without cutting or machining. Many parts made through CNC machining are meant to be used as prototypes because they are intended to be stiff and will not break, warp or damage with heat. Besides prototypes, metal parts may also be used for testing under real-life conditions.

Resins

There are also some 3D-printing machines that work using resins, a liquid material. They can make components of the device that are transparent or solids. Usually, they are the best choice for models that are going to be seen from the outside or need to be clear to reflect the real product, such as screen-cover prototypes or exterior cover items.

Rubber-like Materials

The main purpose of rubber-like materials is to be an element of a flexible object where you are able to stretch a length of the pipe to see if there are any trouble spots. These materials are flexible and as such, it means that they can stretch and contract and still retain the original design although in a modified form.

Benefits of Rapid Prototyping

See Your Design

Rapid prototyping provides the functionality of being able to see and touch the actual form of your design. It is through this medium you can know how it performs and looks and you find that physical mockups of final design is a quick way for you to visually detect design problems and improve it before the prototype goes into production.

Find Problems Early

Having a prototype from the start of the design process enables design issues to be identified and corrected early on. This results in reduced expenses and time that could have been spent if testing were to be done at the final stage of production when the problem had already become severe. Early diagnosis is extra time and cost-saving in the smooth and flow of product development.

Test How It Works

You measure whether it is a workable model or not and then make the necessary corrections. The testing process represents the crucial stage of the product development cycle after which a successful and complete portfolio can be achieved.

Show Others Your Idea

A tangible prototype is a compelling tool that you can use to describe how your product works and how it looks. You can even present it to prospective consumers, partners, or team members.

Save Time and Money

In the fabrication of a prototype, while there is some cost involved at this phase, a tremendous payout is realized in the form of savings once the process is completed. If the problems are rectified in the design stage, the variations needed in the later process are avoided.