Using 3D Printing to Create Products
How do I use 3d Printing to Design a Product, not just a prototype?
3D printing is a buzzword in today’s startup landscape. There are many advantages to using this technology in the Research and Development process including rapid prototyping, product testing, and creating production-grade models that can help when seeking investment. As it is such a broad and evolving topic, we would like to talk about several 3D printing methods and how you may be able to save both time and money with this unique technology.
3D Printing Process
Create a 3D model using software such as Solidworks, Autodesk, OnShape
Convert the drawing to STL format
Upload to a desired 3D printer
Select printer settings
Print
Post-Process
Additive Manufacturing
In additive manufacturing, a 3D model is produced is layer by layer with minimal waste.
Pros of Additive Manufacturing:
Great for low-volume and prototyping
Allows for complex geometry
No setup or tooling costs, waste, or tool depreciation
Cons of Additive Manufacturing
Slow
Lower tolerances
Limited Materials
Examples of Additive Manufacturing
Adidas uses 3D printed soles in some of their production shoes.
Traditional Manufacturing
In plastic manufacturing, an item known as the “tool” is repeatedly filled with the material to produce parts. The tool itself is a “negative” of the intended part.
Pros of Traditional Manufacturing:
high volumes
lower per-unit cost
High consistency
Cons of Traditional Manufacturing:
Setup is expensive
Parts are final
Limited low-volume options
Example of Traditional Manufacturing:
Injection molding tool for band.it would cost approximately $18,500
Best Modeling Softwares for 3D Printing Design
Solidworks
Free Startup package
1 year license
Autodesk
Fusion 360 for personal use
OnShape
Free Student Package
Free Hobbyist Package
Do’s and Don’ts of 3D Printing
Don't turn on your cooling fan when printing ABS. The layers will stick and you will be left with a glob of plastic on your extruder.
Don't leave your extruder heating with filament in it. Otherwise you will burn the filament and clog your extruder.
If you are using glass on your print bed, DO make sure that it is tempered, lest it will crack or explode after a few prints.
Do use a raft if you want the bottom of your prints to be cleaner. It wastes some plastic, but helps preserve your print when you remove it, and helps with bed adhesion.
Do take time to level your bed. You can clog your extruder if it is too close to the print bed, because it will not be able to extrude for a few layers. It also is harder for your motors to scrape the head around on the table.
Don't try to tune your printer while the extruder is hot. (You can use your imagination to figure out "why?" on that one
Benefits of Using 3D Printing
Biggest Benefits of 3D printing
1) Cost effective
2) Allows for many design iterations
3) Large variety of materials
4) Accessible
Market Testing
Great way to see if your design will work
Makes it easy for people to feel and see your product and give feedback
Allows inventor to test the product demand
Allows inventor to create product price point
Investments
Allows investors to test product and see if it has potential
Competitions- startup competitions allow you to raise startup money
A picture may be worth a 1000 words but a prototype is worth more
Types of 3D Printing
Fused Deposition Modeling
Pros
Fast
Low cost
Wide range of materials
Cons
Low resolution
Prone to breaking
Require supports
Best for
- Proof-of-concept models
Selective Laser Sintering
Pros
High accuracy
High resolution
No supports required
Lower per part cost
Cons
Textured surface finish
Limited materials
Best for
- Functional prototypes, end-use parts, molding
Stereolithography
Pros
High accuracy
High resolution
Durable parts
Cons
More expensive
Versatile material selection
Requires supports
Best for
- Functional prototypes, end-use parts, molding
RDM Officially Launching 3D Printing Services
For those interested in 3D printing services, RDM is excited to announce that we have finally launched our very own FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printing services!