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Most people associate 3D printing with making plastic parts for prototyping or end-use purposes. But with advancements in additive manufacturing technologies, it is now possible to 3D-print metal parts using the direct metal laser sintering process. Known as DMLS for short, direct metal laser sintering is a well-known industrial additive manufacturing technology similar to selective laser sintering (SLS) . However, it builds parts one layer at a time by fusing metal-based powders with a high-power laser. As such, it can realize complex designs that would otherwise be difficult to make with machining and other manufacturing technologies. Plus, it can build parts without support structures, so you spend less time post-processing. DMLS 3D printing can benefit your prototyping process in many ways. Given its speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency, it can speed up your product development and time to market to get ahead of your competition. Besides that, direct metal laser sintering c

Additive manufacturing lets you build three-dimensional objects based on your digital drawing model. It creates a custom   3D printing prototype  by adding materials one layer at a time or by sintering or fusing powdered materials, depending on the method you use.   Technologies have come a long way and introduced more 3D printing methods to help you make prototypes quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. Here are the most common types you may want to know. Stereolithography SLA 3D printing is among the oldest and most versatile additive manufacturing technologies. It builds the object layer by layer using a photocurable resin cured with an intense UV laser in the build platform. The result is a  3D printing prototype  with a good surface finish and optimum accuracy to the CAD. The process involves support structures to keep the material in place while printing, but these are removed afterward. This technology is ideal for making aesthetic models and bespoke or low-volume pr

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 selecti

To save time and money, you must rely on a  3D prototyping service  instead of buying your own equipment. Most discerning businesses and product designers are doing to it ensure the best results at a more affordable cost. The challenge is finding an ideal service provider that can understand your exact requirements, work closely with you, and consider your best interests. If you’re going through that ordeal, we hope this guide can help you make the right choice: Look beyond your country. It’s understandable to seek local companies to cut costs and ensure accessibility. However, you need not overlook outsourcing to international 3D prototyping companies, especially in China. There are reputable service providers with over ten years of experience in providing various additive manufacturing solutions and a track record of delivering high-quality and high-precision parts. Identify their technologies. Check the additive manufacturing technologies of a  3D prototyping service  provid

Injection molding allows you to produce identical parts with consistent characteristics and quality and in high volumes. However, it’s a versatile method for prototyping and low-volume end-use production.  Low volume injection molding  continues to be popular with businesses looking to produce up to 100,000 high-quality parts from production resins at a more reasonable cost. With this process, you could significantly reduce the costs and lead times associated with full-production tooling. Read more to learn about it and how it applies to your project. The shift to low-volume manufacturing Injection-molded parts used to be made in large quantities to offset the expensive startup costs. Hardened steel molds can cost a lot and take weeks or months to create. However, over time, their durability enables manufacturers to get the most from their investment while reducing the cost per part. As markets evolve continuously, manufacturers are looking into custom and small production runs,

Vacuum casting; can be a cost-effective means to produce multiple prototypes of end-use quality or low-volume production parts. It produces  cast urethane parts  made of polyurethane, a versatile material used for fabricating custom rubber-like and plastic parts. Also known as cast urethane molding, it’s widely used for rapid prototyping to create high-quality components for various applications and industries. Is vacuum casting best for your project? Knowing the benefits can help you make an informed choice. Here are some of them: Versatility Urethane molding can be used for making alpha and beta builds, engineering verification designs, pre-production parts, and functional prototype components. The process can also be configured for fast and reasonably priced low-volume part production. Reduce part and tooling costs Cast urethane parts  are typically more cost-effective in terms of price per piece than additive manufacturing. That's especially true when you require a la

Product design is a competitive and fast-changing world in itself as innovations and technology upgrades continue to be introduced to the manufacturing industry. With product lifetimes shortening, manufacturers are steering clear from mass production and shifting to  low-volume production . It may produce fewer pieces than usual, but with the right strategies, it can drive business growth and long-term success. Here are five strategies you should know about: 1. JIT manufacturing JIT stands for just-in-time and while this manufacturing strategy is commonly practiced in high-volume environments, it can work just as well in low-volume projects, too. That’s because it’s focused on serving demand. Rather than making products to anticipate sales, manufacturing happens after an order is made. This way, manufacturers can minimize their inventory, save on storage space, and control costs.  That said; this strategy is best when the product is too expensive or time-consuming to manufacture

When you need prototypes or parts fast, consider having them done via rapid injection molding. The manufacturing method is particularly useful for low to mid volume production where rapid tooling might be inefficient or incapable of producing the exact results you want. Chinese injection molding companies are trusted by discerning manufacturing companies with tight deadlines and the need to test a new product in the market. With rapid injection molding, you can get the parts done quickly and efficiently using real materials. Rapid injection molding used to be reserved for mass production, where large companies would turn to manufacturers in China for an injection mold . However, it can actually also be flexible for creating high-quality prototypes. Moreover, it can be done as injection molded parts. Rapid tooling or bridge tooling is capable of delivering quality parts for low volume production requirements of up to 100,000 pieces from product resins. Think of it as an end-use