3D Prototyping: An Overview on 3D Prototype Printing
Traditional prototype creation processes can be very slow and expensive. However, there are new techniques available to improve product development …
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The extremely high level of precision needed within the aerospace industry makes CNC machining a suitable manufacturing process for the sector.
This article provides you with a complete guide to aerospace machining and its importance.
Gain valuable insights into manufacturing processes.
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If you want to produce high-quality machined parts with a sleek appearance, it’s essential to consider some critical factors related to CNC machining.
Here, we’ve gathered some basic information and important considerations to help you achieve the desired results.
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Instantly access online quotes for 3D printing in plastics and metals. Order high-resolution 3D printed rapid prototypes and production parts. ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 certified.
RapidDirect’s 3D printing services is ideal for rapid prototypes and intricate functional parts for larger-scale production. Our 3D printing shops are equipped with seasoned expert operators and the most advanced additive manufacturing technologies, covering four high-quality printing processes: Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, HP Multi Jet Fusion, and Selective Laser Melting. With RapidDirect, expect rapid delivery of finely-produced, precise 3D printed prototypes and end-use parts, suitable for both small and extensive production needs.
A cornerstone in additive manufacturing offers unmatched precision and surface quality. SLA 3D printing produces intricately detailed models and visual prototypes, ensuring high resolution and smooth surfaces ideal for complex geometries.
View the precision and versatility of RapidDirect’s 3D print items, from single prototype to intricate production-grade components, made to elevate your project’s potential.
Whether quick prototypes or large-scale production parts, choose RapidDirect’s online 3D printing services with lead time from 1 day. We are your affordable one-stop shop for custom 3D prints, offering a comprehensive selection of over 30 materials including thermoplastics, thermosets, and metals, plus over 10 post-processing techniques. Uploading your 3D CAD file on our platform enables you to get immediate, precise quotes in just seconds.
Get your instant 3D printing quote by selecting custom materials, finishes, and shipping options. This convenient feature eliminates cost evaluation delays, enabling you to make informed choices and kickstart your projects more quickly.
Online Annotation tool bridges the gap between your vision and our execution. Easily mark up the 3D viewer and instantly discuss them with our experts via Live Chat, leading to precise and satisfactory 3D printed outcomes.
Gain full control over your 3D printing projects. Manage quotes and orders all in one place, and track your orders from start to finish, access real-time updates, ensuring a seamless, organized experience.
Enhance teamwork with the RapidDirect online platform. Create a new folder, Share quotes, manage orders, and facilitate payments within your team, all in one platform, ensuring a smooth, transparent project flow.
From single prototypes to thousands of production-grade parts, we deliver high quality 3D prints within days, aligning with your project’s specific needs for quality and quantity.
Choose 3D printed injection molds to streamline the iterative process, enabling faster design revisions and prototyping. This innovative approach significantly reduces costs and time, offering a more efficient path from concept to creation.
3D print new iterations and multiple fully-functional prototypes quickly. This solution effectively tackles challenges in prototype development, such as reducing time spent and increasing design adaptability, leading to smoother project execution.
This solution empowers clients to 3D print orders as needed. We utilize advanced 3D printers capable of handling larger batch sizes and diverse materials beyond polymers. Efficiently address issues of inventory management and production scalability.
Our material selection includes plastic and metal options like ABS, PA (Nylon), Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, suitable for various industrial 3D custom printing projects. If you have unique material requirements, simply choose ‘Other’ on our quote configuration page. We’re committed to sourcing exactly what you need.
ABS is a top choice for 3D printing due to its strength, durability, and higher temperature resistance. Ideal for functional prototypes and complex designs, ABS ensures reliable performance and impressive finish.
Technology: SLA
Color: White, Beige, Black, Red, Semi-transparent
Types:
– ABS Photosensitive Resin
– High Temperature Resistant 70°C Photosensitive Resin
– Black Toughness 70°C Heat-Resistant Photosensitive Resin
– Semi-Transparent – Photosensitive Resin
White Tough Resin
Nylon offers exceptional strength, flexibility, and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for small quantities of prototypes and durable end-use products. Its durability and adaptability ensure high-quality, long-lasting printing.
Technology: MJF, SLS
Color: Original color, gray-black,
black painted
Types: HP Nylon
Aluminum metal 3D printing, offers a unique blend of lightness and strength with exceptional thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion, making it a top choice for high-precision, durable prints.
Technology: SLM
Color: Silvery Gray
Type: ALSI10MG Aluminum Alloy
Stainless steel offers unmatched strength, resistance to corrosion and heat, and durability. Ideal for industrial 3D applications, it ensures high-quality, and precise parts with excellent mechanical properties.
Technology: SLM
Color: Gray-black
Type: 316L Stainless Steel
Check the specifics of surface roughness achievable with RapidDirect’s custom 3D printing services. Our table below outlines the detailed roughness metrics for each printing technique, guiding your choice for optimal part texture and precision.
Printing Type Material | Post-Printing Roughness | Post-Processing Technology | Roughness After Processing |
SLA Photopolymer Resin | Ra6.3 | Polishing, plating | Ra3.2 |
MJF Nylon | Ra6.3 | Polishing, plating | Ra3.2 |
SLS White Nylon, Black Nylon, Glass-filled Nylon | Ra6.3-Ra12.5 | Polishing, plating | Ra6.3 |
SLM Aluminum Alloy | Ra6.3-Ra12.5 | Polishing, plating | Ra6.3 |
SL Stainless Steel | Ra6.3-Ra12.5 | Polishing, plating | Ra6.3 |
Note: After post-processing, some materials can achieve a surface roughness between Ra1.6 and Ra3.2. The specific outcome depends on the customer’s requirements and the particular circumstances. |
We provide a comprehensive overview of each 3D printing process’s unique standards, aiding in informed decisions for your printing needs.
Min. Wall Thickness | Layer Height | Max. Build Size | Dimension Tolerance | Standard Lead Time | |
SLA | 0.6 mm for unsupported walls, 0.4 mm for supported wall on both sides | 25 µm to 100 µm | 1400x700x500 mm | ±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.15%) |
4 business days |
MJF | At least 1mm thick; avoid overly thick walls | Around 80µm | 264x343x348 mm | ±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.25%) | 5 businees days |
SLS | From 0.7mm (PA 12) to 2.0mm (carbon-filled polyamide) | 100–120 microns | 380x280x380 mm | ± 0.3 mm (For >100mm, apply 0.35%) |
6 businees days |
SLM | 0.8 mm | 30 – 50 μm | 5x5x5mm | ±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.25%) | 6 businees days |
For linear dimensions that are printed without specified tolerances, our local 3D printing shops adhere to the GB 1804-2000 standard, applying and inspecting with a coarse accuracy level (Class C).
For shape and position dimensions not noted tolerance, we follow the GB 1804-2000 L level for implementation and testing. Refer to the following table:
Basic Size | |
---|---|
Linear Dimensions | ±0.2 to ±4 mm |
Fillet Radius and Chamfer Height Dimensions | ± 0.4 to ± 4 mm |
Angular Dimensions | ±1°30' to ±10' |
Basic Length | |
---|---|
Straightness and Flatness | 0.1 to 1.6 mm |
Verticality Tolerance | 0.5 to 2 mm |
The Degree of Symmetry | 0.6 to 2 mm |
Circular Runout Tolerance | 0.5 mm |
3D print prototype is playing a significant role in automotive innovation and development. RapidDirect’s reliable 3D printing service has helped our customer create heat resistant, lightweight automotive engine parts for prototyping and low-run production in a fast time. See how fast it is to make automotive engine with our 3d printing facilities.
Start by uploading your 3D model files. Our quoting system supports various file formats, [.STP], [.STEP], or [.STL], ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Upon submission, receive an instant quote. Our advanced algorithms analyze your design for manufacturability, identifying potential issues and optimizing for printing efficiency.
Choose from a wide range of materials and finishes. Our expert team can assist in selecting the best options for your project’s specific needs, balancing cost, functionality, and aesthetics.
Your design is brought to life using high resolution 3D printers. We ensure high accuracy and detail, adhering to industry-leading standards.
Each part undergoes rigorous inspection. Our quality control process includes dimensional accuracy checks and surface finish examination, guaranteeing your parts meet exact specifications.
Once approved, your prints are carefully packaged and shipped. We provide fast, reliable delivery options to get your products to you as fast as 1 day.
From aerospace to healthcare, our advanced 3D printing services transform concepts into high-performing prototypes and serialized production parts, optimizing manufacturing processes and unlocking new potentials.
Powered by advanced algorithms and real-time data, our platform ensures instant, accurate pricing for your 3D printing needs. This feature addresses the critical need for budget clarity and project planning efficiency, streamlining your experience from start to finish.
Advanced materials, cutting-edge technology, and stringent quality control processes. This commitment results in quality product durability and precision, minimizing rework and enhancing your project's success.
Streamlined processes and state-of-the-art equipment, addressing your urgent needs by delivering high-quality printed items quickly. This efficiency reduces wait times, enhancing your project's pace and productivity.
We have team of experienced 3D engineers providing personalized guidance for every project. Resolve complex design challenges, enhancing print success and customer satisfaction, according to your unique specifications.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, creates three-dimensional objects by depositing materials layer by layer, based on a digital design. It transforms digital models into tangible items using materials like plastic, resin, or metal.
3D printing serves numerous purposes across various industries. Key applications include prototyping, custom manufacturing, medical implants, architectural models, jewelry design, and even food production.
The resolution of 3D printers, measured in microns, dictates layer height and print detail. Typical consumer printers achieve 50-300 microns, while high-end machines can go below 25 microns, offering exceptional detail and smoothness.
3D printing is an additive manufacturing method, building parts by depositing material layer by layer. In contrast, CNC machining is a subtractive method, starting with a solid block of material and removing sections until the desired part is achieved. While 3D printing is often favored for complex geometries and rapid prototyping, CNC machining excels in durability, precision, and material versatility.
3D printing can achieve very high levels of accuracy. Our standard tolerance for 3D printing is ± 0.1mm. But this depends on your part complexity, you can upload your 2D design files and we will evaluate specific tolerances.
Some important factors, such as your part size, height, complexity and the printing technology used, will affect the printing time. At RapidDirect, we can complete 3D printing projects as fast as 1 day.
The 3D prints we create will depend on the specification of the 3D printer you choose. We have a wide range of 3D printing machines, allowing us to print different sizes. Large format FDM 3D printers have a build area of up to 36 x 24 x 26 (inches).
On the other hand, you can expect larger SLA printers to print up to 29 x 25 x 21 (inches). SLS unfilled has a 13 inches max dimension, while the glass-filled SLS machine can create prints of 26 x 15 x 23 (inches). The Industrial Polyjet printer has a build area of up to 19 x 15 x 7 (inches).
The recommended file formats are STEP (.stp) and STL (.stl) . So if your file is in another format, it is best to convert it to STEP or STL.
Capital is a huge decider when deciding on the right 3D printing service. Therefore, it is important to know about several factors that can determine the amount of capital you spend printing or outsourcing your project, including chosen 3D printer, the size and design complexity of a model, the material used, and your part volume.
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