When you want to get a prototype made quickly of your innovative idea, and you are looking for rapid prototype options, here is a list of the materials that will be used to create your idea:
Stereolithography (SLA)
This is the most widely used rapid prototyping method for making prototypes that require a good quality surface finish. Not only does this product have a good surface finish it also allows for a high degree of accuracy and detail which is important for some products. SLA allows prototypes to get made in a relatively short period of time.
Selected Laser Sintering (SLS)
This is also a widely used product for prototyping as it allows for the production of parts with almost any geometry. Any parts created using SLS will have an exceptionally smooth surface finish, with again this produce offering a high degree of accuracy to the finished product. Products made with this application can be functionally used to test the product and make sure it fits.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
This prototype modelling product works by adding layers of material with a plastic filament or metal wire that is unwound from a coil so it allows it to be fed in through a nozzle application. The nozzle moves in a horizontal movement as it is depositing the material. This product hardens quickly, almost as soon as it has left the nozzle and is ideal for producing models, patterns and tools. This product has strength to it giving it maximum impact, and is classed as a solid-based prototyping method that is used to build models.
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting is used to produce precise silicone items. It allows products to be created using a high degree of detail that can have extremely thin walls. Vacuum casting is used to create exact copies of shapes with no imperfections or bubbles. A colour dye can be added if needed to create the perfect look for your product.
Metal Casting
For this type of casting it can be made relatively quickly depending on which material you use. SLS, Investment castings, plaster castings and sand castings are the commonest methods to manufacture metal prototypes. Cast metal products can be made less expensively than your traditional prototype casting methods with the product being poured into moulds cutting down costs and time.
RIM Moulding – Reaction Injection Moulding
This moulding method is very similar to the injection moulding with a slight difference as thermosetting polymers are used. Products made from this method are strong, but flexible and lightweight. As this product is thinner it requires less clamping forces to other products. A high density outer skin is formed with a low density core giving it the flexibleness that some products require.