How to Choose Ideal 3D Printing Prototypes That Suit Your Needs

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is a broad term that can mean multiple technologies or processes. Each has its limitations and benefits, so it’s crucial to know what’s suitable for your project. That’s one of the challenges you might encounter when selecting an ideal 3D printing process to build prototypes. You’ll want to ensure it’s right for the application, such as prototyping, low-volume end-use, and fit, form, and function testing. Here is a guide to help you with that.

Consider the material

3D printing materials are available as resin, powder, or filament, and your choice can depend on the additive manufacturing technology. Plastics or polymers and metals are popular, but some projects may require other materials, such as composites and ceramics. Polymers can either be thermosets or thermoplastics.

Selecting the right technology should be easy if you already know the material for your 3D printing prototypes. If using thermoplastics, you can either go for selective laser sintering (SLS) or fused deposition modeling (FDM). Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is for metals. Stereolithography (SLA) and material jetting use thermosets or resins.

Think about the purpose

Thermoplastics are ideal for building functional prototypes and end-use parts because of their mechanical properties and high resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and impact. They can be filled with additives like glass or carbon to boost their physical properties. They can be used for SLS when building parts with better physical and mechanical properties while ensuring high dimensional accuracy. But if you want an economical process with a shorter lead time, consider FDM.

Resins or thermosets are suitable for 3D printing prototypes where aesthetics is crucial, as they can deliver parts with fine details and smooth injection-like surfaces. Despite their stiffness, they can be more brittle than thermoplastics, so they’re not advisable for functional models.

Metal 3D printing prototypes have excellent mechanical properties and can withstand high temperatures. DMLS technology can craft lightweight parts and prototypes for medical and aerospace applications.

Get help from a trustworthy service provider.

Reputable rapid prototyping companies can review your project for free and recommend the best technologies and materials for your 3D printing prototypes.

 

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