What is a 3D-printed prototype? Many people may not know that a prototype is the first prototype. Simply put, after designing the drawing (3D stereoscopic model), you need to make a sample through 3D printing or CNC processing to test the appearance and functional structure, whether the assembly is consistent, whether the function is up to standard, whether the parameters meet the requirements, etc., so as to avoid the difficulty of direct mold modification and save costs.
3D-printed prototypes have extremely high material utilization and no waste and can process various complex curved surfaces and special-shaped structures. The processing is completed in one time, the operation is simple, and the production is fast. At present, 3D-printed prototypes are widely used and have many advantages, but the relevant technology is not particularly mature at present, and there are relatively many problems. The following editor has sorted out the six major problems currently faced by 3D-printed prototypes for reference only.
1. Material quality problems. The material quality causes the prototype model to be durable after molding, and the compressive performance is poor.
2. 3D printed prototype molding accuracy: At present, the molding accuracy of 3D printed prototypes can reach plus or minus 0.1 mm. The surface and precision of 3D-printed prototypes are not as high as those of traditional manufacturing. 3D-printed prototypes should be combined with the traditional manufacturing model industry. After the 3D-printed prototype is formed, the traditional method is used to treat the surface of the model and improve its precision. The combination of the two makes the model more refined.
3. The printing process is very slow: When 3D-printed prototypes print some special objects, the printing process is very slow, and this process is as slow as water freezing into ice.
4. Standardization issues: The current 3D printed prototype file STL file has dominated the rapid prototyping industry for 20 years. STL is very lacking in support for model texture and gloss and new 3D printers. Therefore, the standardization of 3D printing files is also urgently needed.
5. 3D model talents are also indispensable for 3D printing technology; 3D-printed prototypes need 3D design model talents to support them.
6. The impact on traditional manufacturing will be very large: 3D printing will definitely have an impact on investment and transformation.
Although 3D-printed prototypes have so many problems to solve, they have great magic. Many large companies have invested heavily in 3D printers. There is still a long way to go from manufacturing to desktop 3D printers. 3D printers may become as common as personal computers in the future. The prototype industry uses the advantages of 3D printing to make more precise, complex and high-end prototypes.
