Rapid Prototyping is a disruptive technology all set to redefine the manufacturing industry. But how well do you know about it? This presentation highlights 3 important things that you should know, if you are actually planning to use this technology in near future.

2.  A manufacturing technique to develop custom
designed products with great speed and flexibility
 A method where product is developed by printing the
material layer-by-layer
 An easy-to-use technology for product manufacturing
 Helpful in reducing material wastage
 Not new and has been in the market since last two
decades
 Useful to develop sample products for testing and
visualization
Rapid Prototyping is….

3.  A process that can be easily executed by simply
pressing the print button
 A part of mainstream manufacturing due to
inaccuracies in surface finish and strength
 Inexpensive and requires skilled workforce both for
software and printing needs
 A replacement of subtractive manufacturing such as
CNC machining
Rapid Prototyping is Not….

4. Important Things to Know About RP
There are 3 important things to know
more about this technology, if you are
seriously planning to develop products
through Rapid Prototyping.
Software For Rapid Prototyping
CAD Modeling Process
1
2
Design Optimization3

5.  Software technology plays a crucial role in rapid prototyping process.
 The use of software spans across the 3D printing / Rapid Prototyping lifecycle, including
Software for Rapid Prototyping1
Sourcing
ideas
Designing
the model and
providing
formatted data
to printers
Monitoring
and managing
the printing
process
 Software serves as an important link, enabling interfaces between computers and printers.
 Allows entire 3D printing ecosystem to function efficiently.

6.  According to PwC, printing a part require 4 different software to ensure accuracy, reduced
cost and quality.
Software for Rapid Prototyping1
Software is also
required to actually
print the part and
monitor the process
to make print runs
successful.
Optimizing the
geometry using
software to suit the
printing process and
reduce material
wastage.
The design process
where an exact 3D model
of the product is prepared
that will be printed,
considering proper
dimensions and
geometrical accuracies.
Sourcing the model
from 3D libraries or
through 3D scanning
techniques, both
requiring software
platforms to perform
operations.

7.  Unlike conventional modeling processes, developing 3D models for rapid prototyping requires a
different approach.
 Things to consider in CAD modeling
1. Resolution of the geometry
 Too high resolution will consume more time to load and simultaneously print the part.
 On the contrary, a low-res model would develop prototype with poor quality.
CAD Modeling Process2

8. 2. Resizing Dimensions
 The geometry to be printed is material-sensitive and hence, the dimensions should
accommodate the same.
 Example: Plastic parts would expand or contract during heating and cooling applications,
requiring the dimensions of holes and other features to be resized to avoid errors during
assembly.
CAD Modeling Process2

9. CAD Modeling Process2
3. “Watertight” Geometry
The geometry to be printed has to be thoroughly inspected for any open spaces and must be
converted to “watertight”, to avoid errors in printing.
4. Part Density and Strength
 3D printing provides honeycomb structure for thin walls to improve its strength and reduce
weight.
 For products that need a negative air gap, the thickness of the body should be increased
subsequently to impart the required density and strength to withstand against structural
loads.
 Thin features in the design that are below 0.30” usually do not get printed and the product
printed will be of no use. As such, changes in the geometry must be done prior to printing.

10. Design Optimization3
 Design optimization is a key to successful and cost effective utilization of rapid prototyping
technique.
 Reducing material wastage during printing process remains a vital strategy.
 Engineers have to identify a design that uses minimal support material that can also be
removed easily once the part gets printed.
 Identify the balance between part density, strength and surface finish, and accordingly
choose the material, printing speed and printing technology.

11. Key Takeaways
 Rapid prototyping is a promising manufacturing technology for building complex products cost-effectively.
 4 software platforms are required to successfully develop products through RP.
 CAD modeling process requires different approach, considering material properties and printing capabilities.
 To ensure cost-effective prototype development, use of material should be optimized.
About Us:
 Hi-Tech is an engineering services providing company, specialized in providing rapid prototyping solutions,
right from 2D drafting, 3D modeling and additive manufacturing for products from diverse industrial domains.
With clients spread from all over the globe, we provide vital design support to manufacturing companies en
route to digital transformation.

12. Contact us
Tel: +91.79.4000.3252
Email: info@hitechcaddservices.com
Website: www.hitechcaddservices.com
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