What is Rapid Prototyping？
Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of a physical part, model or assembly by using 3D computer aided design (CAD). The creation of the part, model or assembly is usually completed using additive manufacturing, or more commonly known as 3D printing. Additive manufacturing is the most common rapid prototyping process, other technologies can also be used to create prototypes, such as high-speed machining, casting, moulding and extruding.
Z-Key Tech Rapid Prototyping
Z-Key Tech Rapid Prototyping services include below methods:
3D Printing
3D Printing is the most common way to make prototypes.It only takes a short time to make your design, if your 3D file is built, it might only need 24 hours for us to finish the part and complete the inspection, which really gives designer more time to consider and test his/her designs. For now, we can provide SLA/SLS/FDM services.
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting (urethane casting) is an economical alternative to low-volume injection parts. Generally, molds are made from silicone and use CNC Machining or SLA to make a master piece to casting for.
These molds duplicate intricate details and textures and give consistent finishes from one part to the next. Materials are similar to engineering production plastics, such as ABS, PMMA, PC, PP, PA, and so on. Sufaces varied from transparent, translucent to colored, and from soft rubber to hard plastic.
CNC Machining
CNC Machining services includes CNC Milling, CNC Turing, CNC Drilling, CNC Cutting and CNC Grindering. We do Milling and Turing most. CNC Milling is a precision machining in which a cutter removes material by moving into the workpiece at an angle, it can be used for the rapid manufacturing of either prototypes or end-use parts.
Different to Milling, Turning is another popular service in which a single-point cutting tool is used to cut the workpiece from block or bar materials while it is rotated at speed in a chuck. It is generally used to create round or tubular shapes.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is the process of turning flat sheets of steel or aluminium into metal structures or products, by cutting, punching, folding and assembling.
Sheet metal can be cut, bent or stretched into nearly any shape, which is generally done by cutting and burning the metal. Materials can be Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Copper, and some other low carbon steel.
Rapid Tooling
Rapid Tooling is when Rapid Prototyping techniques and conventional tooling practices are used together to produce a mold quickly.
It has a huge cost advantage for manufacturers compared to conventional tools, with savings of up to 95%. These dramatically lower costs enable manufacturers to prototype tools and molds and tweak and refine designs with more flexibility.
