When developing a new product, there is an important stage between a digital design and the finished product: prototyping. 3D printing has made this stage faster and more accessible for many types of projects.
With some traditional manufacturing methods, producing a single prototype may require molds, tooling or several preparation steps. With 3D printing, a model can often be produced directly from a digital design layer by layer.
The process usually begins with a three-dimensional CAD model. Once the design is complete, the file is prepared for printing and slicing software is used to define manufacturing parameters.
After the prototype is printed, designers can evaluate dimensions, mounting points, ergonomics, appearance and how different parts fit together. If a problem is found, the digital model can be modified and another version can be produced quickly.
This method is commonly useful for electronic enclosures, custom components, mechanical prototypes, architectural models and personalized products.
Another advantage is that low-volume parts can often be produced without the cost of creating a dedicated mold. This makes 3D printing useful for prototypes and small production runs.
Material selection is also important. Temperature resistance, mechanical strength, flexibility and environmental conditions should all be considered before choosing a material and printing method.
3D printing is not a replacement for every manufacturing process. One of its greatest strengths is enabling ideas to be tested quickly and helping product development teams iterate faster.
