Rapid Prototyping Service
What Is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping involves specialized manufacturing techniques for making high-quality physical models of a 3D design idea.
Include:
If the number of parts is small, it is important to have a reasonably priced mold entry point, and rapid development in a short period of time is also crucial. Our prototype selection is very useful.
Consider the following chart when deciding which Rapid Prototyping Service is best for your project:
Process Type | Function | Fit | Testing | Proof of concept | Tolerance <.005 in | Visual Quality | Plastic Material | Metal Material | Per Piece Price | Tooling Cost | Tooling Life Expectancy |
3D Printing | Additive Manufacturing | Yes | no | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | High | N/A | N/A |
CNC Machining | Subtractive Manufacturing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Limited | High | N/A | N/A |
Vacuum Casting | Mold Making | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Mid | Mid | < 50 |
Injection Molding | Mold Making | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Limited | Low | Low | Unlimited |
Sheet Metal Fabrication | Forming and Cutting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A | Limited | High | N/A | N/A |
Why QDJ Rapid Prototyping?
Design feedback
- Receive interactive design for manufacturability feedback and each quote so that adjustments can be made early before prototyping begins.
- Talk to application engineers about any design challenges and manufacturing issues that arise.
Design Verification
- Test the shape and fit of the assembly with a small number of molded parts.
- Perform functional tests using prototypes made of production-grade materials.
- Complete online design resource library, including guides, tips, whitepapers, and videos.
Iterative Development
- You can have a physical prototype within a few days to quickly modify the design during early product development.
- Produce multiple prototypes simultaneously to compare and iterate designs simultaneously.
- Reduce time to market through iterative product development cycles.
Market Test
- Production of pre-produced injection molded parts to validate market benefits prior to launch.
- Reduce the financial risk of going to market by implementing reasonably priced aluminum tools before mass production begins.
Choosing Between Rapid Prototyping Processes
For engineers and product designers in search of rapid prototyping services to speed up product development cycles, QDJ-Prototype offers a variety of rapid manufacturing processes that can be used to create prototypes quickly and affordably. Although there are countless different ways that any individual prototype can be produced, it is ultimately up to the engineer to determine which process and material is best suited to their product. In recent years, advancements in additive manufacturing technology have made 3D printing a go-to choice for engineers in search of rapid prototyping solutions: parts can be printed quickly and cheaply in a variety of different metals and plastics.
Rapid CNC Machining
We provide a variety of precision CNC machining services that includes milling, turning and surface grinding. Whether you’re designing parts that demand high volumes or only running trials with prototypes for low-volume production, our CNC machining services are available to avail you iterative development with quick turnaround and consistency in quality.
3D Printing
We can solve specific design or production challenges. If you want to explore how 3D printing can solve a specific design or production challenge our consultancy team is highly qualified to help. As engineers with over 20 years’ combined experience, we understand both the traditional manufacturing and additive manufacturing processes.
Vacuum Casting
Vacuum casting, which is using a master prototype to make a silicone mould, and then produce the reproduction via pouring the material into the silicone mould. This tech is usually used for small batches production because the cost of the silicone mould is lower than the steel mould. Also, the production lead time of vacuum casting is shorter than other process.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Sheet metal fabrication is a manufacturing method that involves cutting and bending sheet metal to form different shapes that can be used to create functional prototypes or end-use parts. Our custom sheet metal services provide a cost effective and on-demand solution to your manufacturing needs. Fabrication services range from small lot prototypes to large production runs, which can result in significant cost savings.