What are the commonly used processing methods for prototype models?

The prototype processing method for each project is different. When we get the customer's project quotation request, we need to understand the purpose of the product from the customer, the required quantity and the quantity that will be used later, surface treatment, etc., to choose the most suitable one. The prototype processing method suitable for the project has maximized cost-effectiveness, fastest delivery and best quality. Let's take a look at the processing methods commonly used in prototype model processing. 

3D Printing                                                  

1. The fastest prototype processing is 3D printing (SLA, SLS, SLMD, etc.) technology. It is a modern and rapidly developing prototype production technology. It is especially suitable for small parts and parts with complex structures. Its advantage lies in communication. The process is very fast and can be completed in as little as one day. The disadvantage is that the product is not strong enough, has large tolerances, and is easily deformed. It can only be used as a prototype for verification and cannot be used in actual use.    

CNC Machining

2. CNC machining CNC machining is a traditional prototype manufacturing process with the capabilities of milling, grinding, drilling and high-speed tapping. The advantages of CNC machining are high precision, which can generally reach 0.01mm~0.1mm, and it can process a variety of materials, including plastics and metal parts. It can also usually post-process the product surface and use it as a final product. However, parts with very complex structures cannot be processed. Sometimes plastic parts need to be disassembled for processing and then bonded together, or 3D printing is used. In addition, the cost of machining is usually relatively high.  

Vacuum Casting

3. Vacuum replica of silicone mold Vacuum replica is to use product prototypes (such as 3D printing or CNC machining) to make silicone molds in a vacuum state, and pour them with liquid plastic materials in a vacuum state to clone the product. Identical copy of the prototype.    Vacuum molding is currently the most commonly used plastic part prototype replication technology. It is used to change the material of product prototypes, assemble prototypes, or conduct small batch production of products, etc., to meet the needs of performance testing, marketing, inspection submission, and approval during the product development process. Waiting for demand.    

Rapid Tooling

4. Rapid mold Rapid mold is also called simple mold. It simplifies the structure of the formal mold and then produces it according to the production process of the formal mold. Through the injection molding of the plastic machine and CNC processing, it finally meets the drawing requirements. It is the mold technology and machine. Processing technology is organically combined.                           

Rapid molding is usually suitable for the production of small batches of plastic parts. Its delivery time is longer than that of silicone molds, but if there are still plastic parts needed in the near future, the cost is still more cost-effective than silicone molds, because silicone molds are suitable for 10- It can no longer be used after 20 times. The express mold can be used about 50,000 times.