Rapid Prototyping

Since the concept of rapid prototyping was formed in the 1980s, it has become an important process for value-added productsin development cycles for manufactures, which, in the premise, make it possible for product development, testing and production without fiance and implement of production increasing.

We at Aix believe that RP is capable of innovating product development, such as improve productivity and help companies launch their products to market quickly so such to lower the cost effectively. Rapid prototyping was cost-effective when it came into being, but SLA processing makes it easier and opens the door for mass of business benefits and more efficient small-lot product development.

These benefits are not confined to one industry but to everything from automotive and medical to energy and national defence.And rapid prototyping have been extended to the entire product development, from initial concept evaluation to post-production analysis.

The introduction of rapid prototyping has significant benefits to the design cycle

Proof of concept

It can significantly reduce the time for design by 3D printing the previous generated development models, rapid editing and adapting to digital designs and it also greatly enhances the flexibility of the design, meaning you can explore new ways and opportunities to derive a better concept.

Improve ergonomics

RP is able to produce multiple iterationsin the early stages of product development so as to be optimized for the end user. Product ergonomics can be an early consideration so you don’t have to cost a lot to produce multiple conceptual models to improve products.

Customization

叠加制造volume additive manufacturing

It won’t incur further processing or additional mechanical costs when developing existing products or creating new ones.  

Designers can create novel shapes and more complex structures without any limitation, which greatly differentiates us from traditional manufacturing in time and cost constraints.

Reduce the launch time to the market

Rapid prototyping expedites product development, allowing manufacturers to start production early and bring faster return. With volume additive manufacturing, we can quickly build accurate and functional prototypes and launch to market earlier. Rapid prototyping also helps companies for product testing and user feedback, promote the design and finally improve the product.

Optimize productivity

Any development issues highlighted at this stage will reduce production time and cost, giving the manufacturer the opportunity to make the necessary adjustments. We can also produce multiple parts as a single component by volume additive manufacturing and it can reduce the assembly time and extra tools and make the cost and quality in control when starting production.

Lower weight and less waste

The development of software technologyallows complex digital pressure analysis and component load. This data allows you to remove the non-bearing bearing material from the product and reduce weight without destroying the internal structure and strength. Volume additive manufacturingis ideal for creating lattice structure that provides necessary support and reduces the total weight of the product and the materials required. This is extremely efficient because the material is added only when necessary. 3D printing can minimize waste by reducing the traditional process flow and thus significantly save cost, especially when using expensive materials. 

User validation and testing

We are able to create more functional prototypes for the wide range of field trials while improving sintering and casting process.

The flexibility of these processes to work in development prototypes allows for further evaluation, thus constructively reduces risk-at a lower cost.

Small batch production

In the past, to achieve cost-effective producing, companies had to mass-produce products to keep the investment to the minimum. 

However, due to the rapid prototyping processsuch as Selective LaserSintering (SLS), we can now create products that simulate the look and feel of injection molding without the additional investment. Now designers have more choices to consider the material properties, to break the production constraints of many production molds.

Post-treatment evaluation

The mould in rapid prototyping has a short life and some do not even need one, which allows continual changes and modifications without further cost. The manufacturer can conduct control tests on some batches of the released products, and improve the design based on the initial feedback.

We at Aix are dedicated to offer solutions using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping with small batch production. We have consistently invested in talent, skills and technology and have made significant progress in production and development and in a wide range of industrial projects including automotive, oil and gas, aerospace, medical and nation defence.