SANWO‘s Rapid Prototyping Service - Custom Production
Making rapid prototypes can sometimes be the most cost-effective solution for small-scale part production as well.During the prototyping process, it may be necessary to redesign a product or part several times and create several prototypes, and prototyping tools hold up very well to such extended use. No matter how good the project is, it will not go anywhere if it cannot be implemented. If your prototype design can be produced repeatedly and economically to meet the requirements of the final product, it is by definition achievable. SANWO’s rapid prototyping services can support your custom prototype requirement the same as the end-used part.
Advantages of Rapid Prototypes
Prototypes are used in all industries, but in manufacturing, a prototype is often the first model of a product used to develop various aspects of the actual finished product. A working prototype provides the functionality of the finished product, but not the final design.
The final product may differ from the prototype in terms of appearance, materials used or manufacturing processes. Prototypes can be made of different materials, have different scales, and have a different look than the intended finished product. For example, the materials used to make the final product are often expensive, while the raw materials for prototypes are made up of cheap stuff. In some cases, final production materials may still be under development and not yet available for prototypes.
Rapid Prototyping Services in SANWO RAPID
1. Rapid 3D Printing
SANWO 3D printing additive services include SLA printing and SLS printing, and offer a wide selection of materials and surface finishes.
3D printing is often preferred for concept models because 3D printing does not require molds, so 3D printed parts can be prototyped in a very short time without compromising manufacturing quality. Other advantages include geometric freedom and affordability, especially in low volume.
2. Rapid CNC Machining
SANWO operates a large number of CNC machining centers, milling machines and lathes (for CNC turning) capable of rapid prototyping ofCNC machining parts made of plastic or metal.
CNC machining is one of the highest precision additive manufacturing technologies. The quality of rapid CNC machining remains high despite the short turnaround times placed above ultra-tight tolerances.
Turnaround is fast for small batches and CNC prototyping produces parts of comparable quality to production. Costs are higher than 3D printing, but surface finish and part strength are often superior.
3. Rapid Vacuum Casting
Rapid vacuum casting is a low-cost prototyping service for producing low-cost plastic parts, especially for projects like color display models.
The advantages of rapid vacuum casting include very low mold costs and much lower minimum order quantities than injection molding. And, although vacuum cast parts are not particularly durable, they emerge from the mold with an excellent surface finish without post-processing.
Silicone molds for rapid vacuum casting typically last about 20 shots and are ideal for most prototyping solutions.
