Navigation
Rapid prototyping, also known as additive manufacturing, has made significant progress in the manufacturing industry. It has made it possible to create complex physical models and components using various materials such as plastic, metal, or composites. Rapid prototyping ensures quick production of these models to help manufacturers make informed decisions about the final product, including the design, ergonomics, and performance. This article discusses the application of small-batch production in rapid prototyping processing and how China’s rapid prototyping manufacturers are capitalizing on this.
One of the manual processing services provided by V1 precision model is small batch production. Many of our customers believe that the prototype is to verify the appearance or function and structure of the model samples, and the processing requirements are generally not too much. The quantity is between 1 and several sets, but it is not. This kind of demand only represents the majority of prototype production customers, but some customers will have a small batch of prototype production demand, which is between hundreds and 10000 sets.
1、 Lower cost for small batch production
Some products of plastic materials can be reproduced in small batches by hand, or can be produced in large scale by using steel molds. However, the mold cost is very high when opening the mold. If there is no demand for large quantities of products, the high cost of mold opening will greatly increase the production cost of our products. These increased costs will reduce the competitiveness of our products in the market. I believe that this result is certainly not what we want. Secondly, because the number of small batch production orders is too small, the mold factory with no profit will not accept them. Even if we want to open the mold for production, we cannot find a processing factory willing to accept orders. However, small batch production is a very cost-effective business in the prototype factory. Even if the profit is slightly lower than the customized prototype, the prototype factory is also very willing to accept it. On the customer side, although the production cost of a single product has increased, the total production cost has decreased.
2、 Shorter production cycle in small batches
The production cycle of steel mould is relatively long, ranging from about one month to several months, which does not include the time required for modification and adjustment. The small batch of prototype customization can be put into production as soon as 1 day. The small batch production service provided by V1 precision model can flexibly select the appropriate processing method according to the customer’s order quantity and product requirements, so as to quickly solve customer needs. To seize the first opportunity for our product launch.
3、 Small batch production can flexibly control costs
We can’t guarantee that new products will sell well after being developed. If we rush to open the mold for mass production, in case of poor sales, we will lose nothing. However, the market can be flexibly adjusted through the small batch production of the prototype, and the launch test can be carried out according to the market demand. If the market feedback is good and the demand is strong, we can carry out small batch production and supply while preparing for mold opening for mass production. If the sales volume is not good, we can also stop production in time and adjust the products according to the feedback from the consumer market.
How is rapid prototyping used in batch production?
Overview
Rapid prototyping is used for small-batch production to create physical models of the product in question. These models are used for testing, ensuring that the final product is as per the desired specifications. Small-batch production is used for testing, as it is efficient and offers quick feedback, which can be used to make informed decisions about the product. Rapid prototyping is useful for testing out small-batch production lines, allowing the manufacturer to create different prototypes to test and refine the design before finalizing the product.
Benefits of Small-Batch Production Using Rapid Prototyping
Small-batch production has several benefits when it comes to using rapid prototyping, such as:
- Cost-Effective: Small-batch production is less expensive than full-scale production, making it a viable option for testing.
- Quick Feedback: Testing small-batch production lines offers quick feedback, allowing manufacturers to make changes and refine the design rapidly.
- Easily Customizable: Small-batch production lines can be customized according to the specifications of the product, making it easier to test and refine.
- Efficient Testing: Small-batch production lines are efficient and allow for testing of various designs and options, without the same level of risk as full-scale production.
What are rapid manufacturing and prototyping, and what are some applications?
Rapid Manufacturing (RM)
Rapid manufacturing (RM) refers to producing end-use parts from CAD models using various additive and subtractive technologies. The aim of RM is to minimize traditional manufacturing barriers such as time, cost, and minimum order quantity (MOQ), among others. Rapid manufacturing offers a streamlined process for production without compromising quality. Manufacturers can create molds for parts, which can then be used to create components for various products. Rapid manufacturing is useful for resolving supply chain challenges and optimizing production efficiency.
Rapid Prototyping (RP)
Rapid prototyping (RP) is the technology used to create physical parts or models from a CAD design. RP offers manufacturers the ability to test products in the early stages of product development. The process involves the creation of a 3D model of the product, either by using computer-aided design (CAD) software or 3D scanning. The model is then printed layer-by-layer using various materials, such as plastic or metal, to produce a physical prototype. Rapid prototyping is used in several industries, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare.
Applications of Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping
Rapid manufacturing and prototyping have several applications, including:
- Creating prototypes for new products or product lines.
- Producing end-use parts, functional components, or consumer-ready products.
- Manufacturing parts with complex geometries, such as turbine blades or aerospace components.
- Optimizing the supply chain by enabling additive manufacturing to take place as close as possible to the final client destination.
- Producing medical devices, surgical tools, and prosthetics.
