Prototype Development And CNC Machining

There are plenty of companies that employ rapid-prototyping services, without understanding the relative nature of the word "rapid." The development of an accurate prototype, with unusual dimensions, materials and shapes, can take days regardless of the production technique used. An understanding of SLA, SLS and FDM prototyping will show that each process has a rapid element.

Ascertain Differences in Rapid-Prototyping Techniques

Stereolithography (SLA) is the least-expensive option for clients in search of rapid prototyping. This technique starts with a bed of liquid resin that is cut with a UV laser. Each laser-cut layer fuses with previous sections when a blade sweeps across to provide fresh liquid. The final products of SLA are cleaned and cured in an oven before they are shipped to clients. A single part can take hours to produce, which makes quick turnaround possible on small projects.

The use of selective laser sintering (SLS) for rapid prototype development requires patience from clients requesting large orders. The creation of representative cross-sections by melting materials together with a laser can take a long time for large models. The time spent on SLS projects can be beneficial for clients who want to use real materials on prototypes.

Model makers are using FDM machines to balance the precision of SLS, with the rapid movement of SLA. The use of a plastic or metal frame, as well as a heated nozzle to melt materials, ensures accuracy with every order.

JH May operates a production facility in Central London that offers rapid-prototyping capabilities with CNC machines. The company's sizable workspaces and CNC-milling machines are manned by a dozen full-time model makers.