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product development

What Custom Manufacturing Solutions Can Turn Your Design into A Physical Prototype Faster?

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Your product may be able to beat the competition to market if you use rapid prototyping to build components and test for component fit and function before putting the product on the market. After completing your tests and doing your analysis, you may make modifications to the design, the materials, the size, the form, the assembly, the color, the ability to be manufactured, and the level of strength.

Product design teams in today’s world have access to a wide variety of rapid prototyping techniques. In the production of prototypes, certain prototyping procedures use time-honored manufacturing techniques, while other technologies have just lately come into existence.

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Within the context of product development, rapid prototyping is a frequent early phase that involves rapidly iterating upon an original concept. The product designer or engineering team’s major emphasis during this phase of product development is testing the fit, form, and working of the product or component. This design will often be what is referred to as the minimum viable product, or MVP since it consists of just the most important elements that are required to test the product and get feedback from users. During this phase of product development, speed is often the most valuable asset, so quick-turn or digital manufacturing technologies like CNC machining or 3D printing are typically selected. Because of this, product designers can test several iterations, also known as designs, within a short amount of time, which speeds up the process of finalizing the design.

CNC Machining Services

Machining via computer numerical control (CNC) is a kind of subtractive manufacturing that requires a milling machine operated by a computer. It is one of the most typical methods used in the prototype of prototypes. Blocks of metal, plastic, or wood may be used to fabricate items with this method, which also involves the removal of layers.

Makers of prototypes use CNC machining services since it is a quick and cost-effective method for customers who need just a few prototypes. Furthermore, CNC machines can cut through a wide variety of materials, making it much simpler to create accurate components with a high production rate and great surface finishes. You may use this approach to build pieces with a high level of detail using a process known as rapid prototyping.

3D Printing Services

Engineers looking for rapid prototyping solutions often turn to 3D printing as their primary resource. The designers can print the customized pieces in a range of metals and polymers at a low cost and very short amount of time.

It is a form of manufacturing known as additive manufacturing, and it mixes many layers of different materials to make prototypes. After that, designers may utilize these components to identify any issues and make adjustments before moving to mass manufacturing.

SLA 3D printing (also known as stereolithography) and SLS 3D printing are the two types of 3D printing services used most often (Selective Laser Sintering). These processes result in surfaces with varying degrees of smoothness and various mechanical qualities. Let’s take a detailed look at each of them.

Rapid Tooling

The process of rapid tooling is also referred to as prototype tooling. Designers use this technique in the process of making molds for various components. Vacuum casting and rapid injection molding are two examples of the procedures included in this technology.

Rapid tooling allows you to manufacture molds for your prototype out of various rubber, metal, or plastic materials, giving you a lot of design flexibility. Rapid tooling is the ideal choice to consider when you require more than one hundred batches of a prototype. In addition, you can construct small batch orders, which can then be used for marketing, product assessments, and the creation of processes.

product development

Benefits of Rapid Prototyping

For businesses to maintain their position as market leaders in today’s economy, they must continually innovate and launch new goods. Because of this, rapid product development and innovative thinking are very necessary for the success of a firm. Because of this, rapid prototyping has evolved into an essential component of developing new products.

The following are some of the advantages:

  • A more practical rate of product development

When businesses use rapid tooling, CNC machining, or 3D printing, they can generate bespoke components and prototypes considerably more quickly than before. As a direct consequence of this, the client’s ability to introduce new goods is facilitated by the shortened timescale for product design and development. Additionally, design teams can more rapidly explore and develop ideas.

  • Decreased Expenditures on New Product Development

Efficiency in both time and money may be achieved via rapid prototyping. With the same piece of machinery, it is possible to produce several designs and components out of a variety of materials, hence reducing both production time and material costs.

  • Enables the Conduct of Comprehensive Tests

The ability of designers and engineers to evaluate the functioning of the final pieces before they are created is one of the benefits of having a prototype. With rapid prototyping services, manufacturers can construct intricate designs employing a diverse range of components. By employing only low-volume prototypes, they cannot only extensively test and evaluate ideas but also reduce the number of design defects.

  • Effective Methods for Analyzing Materials

Before beginning manufacturing in large quantities, it is important to determine which materials will provide the product with the greatest results. Engineers can experiment with various materials, such as aluminum, plastic, or silicone, using 3D printing, CNC machining, and rapid tooling. This helps them identify which material works best for their application. They also can pick the materials that will work better for the product that the end-user will use without incurring any additional fees.

  • There Is Less Danger

When a corporation begins the final production process, having a prototype ready to go reduces the amount of risk that the company is exposed to. The manufacturer can make low-volume units for testing with the assistance of rapid prototyping before going all out, which requires significant financial commitments. Any modifications to the plan may be included in the early stages of creating the prototype, should those be necessary.

A business specializing in rapid prototyping may bring design concepts to life for market research and functional testing by using a variety of materials and technologies. In addition, these technologies can deliver individualized components and prototypes in the quickest amount of time conceivable.

To assist the design of your product, we provide you with rapid prototyping services and production options. Your concept will be brought to life via the creation of prototypes and genuine end-user goods, which will accelerate the process of bringing your items to market. In addition, our skilled group of designers will produce high-quality models of the design in the shortest amount of time feasible.

 

 

additive manufacturing prototype service

Additive Manufacturing Is Different from Traditional Manufacturing

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Additive manufacturing is a strong force transforming the way parts and products are manufactured across a wide range of sectors. Many believe it is difficult to detect the difference between additive manufacturing and more traditional production processes. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the differences between additive manufacturing and other traditional manufacturing methods. For that’ let’s first start with the features of additive manufacturing that makes it different from traditional manufacturing methods physically.

What is it about Additive Manufacturing that distinguishes it physically?

Additive manufacturing is a technique that involves building up layers of material to create an item. On the other hand, subtractive manufacturing procedures are common in traditional manufacturing. It is possible to fabricate the desired form by subtractive producing components from a large block of material. Using a subtractive method to cut the wood into usable forms, for example, is a very basic example of how to do anything.

Even though all additive manufacturing includes the layer-by-layer construction of things, there are many distinct forms of additive manufacturing. Companies utilize fused deposition modeling to swiftly build plastic components, whereas direct metal laser sintering links layers of metal powder together to create more complex metal parts.

Creating Complex Geometries

The fundamental physical difference in how items are created via additive manufacturing results in some significant functional variations. Of these functional distinctions, the most significant is the ability to produce complicated geometries using additive manufacturing, which would be difficult or impossible to do with traditional production processes. These complicated geometries are often stronger and lighter than their conventionally made equivalents, a significant advantage.

One of the most important aspects of additive manufacturing’s capacity to produce complicated geometries more quickly and easily than traditional production processes is that it avoids the extra expenditures that are generally involved with producing more complex products. When using traditional techniques, it is common for a very complicated item to cost much more to manufacture than a relatively basic part. However, with additive manufacturing, the procedure is the same regardless of the complexity of the manufactured component. As a result, the increased expense is no longer a consideration.

additive manufacturing prototype service

Other Differences in Functionality

Another significant functional distinction between additive manufacturing and traditional manufacturing techniques is that additive manufacturing produces far less waste material than traditional manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing employs just the amount of material required to construct an item, resulting in very low levels of waste.

When we remove a material waste result from a subtractive manufacturing process, we are rendering it as trash. Materials wasted by printing parts that need support structures will still account for a significant portion of the total material waste.

Traditionally, businesses have had to create each component of an assembly separately and then put them together afterward. As an alternative, we may integrate manufacturing and assembly processes into a single process with the help of 3D printers. It is also feasible to print whole moving assemblies using additive manufacturing techniques.

The fact that additive manufacturing may be utilized to build bespoke items readily is a last significant functional distinction between additive manufacturing and other production processes. Mass production processes, which are now in use by many corporations, produce enormous quantities of similar items while leaving little potential for individualization.

In contrast, since they can print items in any configuration from scratch, 3D printers are ideal for creating unique goods. Normals, a firm that sells customized earphones tailored to the shape of each customer’s ears, is one well-known example of a brand that uses this feature.

Differential Requirements for the Equipment

When it comes to the technology that we utilize to make additive manufacturing possible, it varies from traditional production processes in several ways. Traditional manufacturing processes may often include numerous phases, each requiring special equipment. In metal machining, for example, the operations of turning, milling, and drilling are typically performed in conjunction to produce a completed metal item. In additive manufacturing, on the other hand, a single device is responsible for all stages of the creation process.

Therefore, additive manufacturing is less labor-intensive than traditional manufacturing. Using 3D printers to build components, operators may work with no monitoring since the process is automated. A distinct expert employee is required to run each unique machine in traditional production instead of modern manufacturing.

Differences in Business Applications

Increased access to entrepreneurship and product creation is made possible with additive manufacturing. Businesses can prototype and manufacture their goods with a single piece of equipment, rather than investing in a whole factory set up, thanks to 3D printers. Indeed, thanks to the proliferation of rapid prototyping service companies that have popped up in recent years, small businesses are now able to take advantage of additive manufacturing without facing the high initial expenses associated with owning the required equipment.

Customization is a simple approach for companies to offer value while also improving the customer experience. It has also enabled numerous firms to develop customized items for their clients due to the relatively easy customization that can be accomplished via additive manufacturing. Furthermore, 3D printers greatly minimize the expenses associated with personalization.

Conclusion

So, that’s what makes additive manufacturing different from traditional manufacturing. Decentralization is, without a doubt, the most significant distinction between additive and traditional production. Localization allows us to install 3D printing equipment that enables additive manufacturing on a smaller scale instead of huge, centralized facilities. With this concept, firms may reduce the length of their supply chains while also lowering the expenses connected with transportation logistics.

As an added benefit, decentralized manufacturing is advantageous for firms that operate in distant areas, such as oil companies, since this style of manufacturing allows for the provision of replacement parts much more swiftly than is feasible with centralized production. These fundamental distinctions distinguish additive manufacturing from the vast majority of traditional production methods.

 

titanium machined Lidar device part

Why Are Machining Titanium Parts More Advantage Than 3D Printing On Some Titanium Projects?

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3D printing & CNC machining are the two most often employed processes for prototype and low-volume manufacturing. However, because both approaches to manufacturing are fundamentally different — one is additive, while the other is subtractive — determining the best manufacturing method for your application is critical for streamlining product development, increasing efficiency, and ultimately producing higher-quality parts.

This article will compare 3D printing versus CNC machining and provide some recommendations on choosing the best process.

CNC vs. 3D printing

3D printing & Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining may provide several advantages when creating functioning prototypes and finished items. While both depend on computer-aided design (CAD) data and use various materials, the similarities stop there.

Apart from its high strength-to-weight ratio, titanium is very resistant to corrosion — caused by seawater, chlorine, and acids — and is non-toxic in large quantities. It makes it especially advantageous in the medical field, where implants and other medical equipment are often used.

Why use titanium?

Titanium, despite its high price, is a very popular material. Titanium is used for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • Superior tensile strength
  • Corrosion resistance
  • An advantageous strength-to-weight ratio
  • Ductility
  • Excellent machinability
  • Alternatives for surface treatment
  • Recyclable

Titanium is often utilized in aerospace, automotive, and medicine for these reasons.

Titanium aerospace components include engine, airframe, rotor, and compressor blades. Indeed, aerospace is the primary driver of titanium production: two-thirds of all titanium produced globally is used in aircraft engines and airframes.

Titanium components are used in the medical field for surgical implants (such as long-term hip replacements) and tools. Additionally, wheelchairs and crutches are made of metal.

Why is titanium CNC machined?

Machining is usually the optimum production technology for producing the most precise and cheapest titanium components. To appreciate why to consider the alternatives. The tips of titanium cnc machining process as below:

The Tips of Titanium Machining

Manufacturers seldom cast titanium components. It is because heated titanium interacts severely with oxygen, and a large proportion of the refractory materials used in casting include trace quantities of oxygen.

While rammed graphite casting — employing an oxygen-free graphite cast — is a solution, it results in components with a very rough surface roughness that is unsuitable for most medical, aeronautical, and industrial applications. Titanium pieces may also be made using lost wax casting. However, this necessitates the use of a vacuum chamber.

Titanium 3D printing materials may be processed using a few different 3D printing procedures, including Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Direct Energy Deposition (DED). However, these 3D printing equipment are prohibitively costly, and several sectors have yet to certify 3D printed titanium for safety-critical end-use components. A more recent method is to employ additive manufacturing to create titanium components.

In comparison to other methods, CNC machining is an accurate, safe, adaptable, and cost-effective method of fabricating titanium components.

Consider the following factors before you start machining titanium:

Heat buildup

When compared to more common metals like aluminum, titanium is more complex to work with and fabricate.

Galling

Compared to titanium alloys, commercially pure titanium is more susceptible to galling and built-up edges.

Workholding

Because titanium and its machinable alloys are less stiff than other metals, they need a firm grip during CNC machining.

The differences: CNC machining Vs 3D printing

Labor requirements

CNC machining necessitates using a qualified machinist to change the tools, specify the cutting path, and reposition a component to get the desired form.

3D printing, on the other hand, is an automated process that requires significantly less effort. Naturally, the file must be prepped for printing (including converting to STL and determining the best orientation), but the whole procedure should take no more than 30 minutes. Once the file is created, and the printer is set up, no intervention is necessary until the component is finished.

Production time

Various variables may influence production timeframes in both methods. The amount of the material for the component and its height are important aspects of 3D printing. Some features also need support structures, adding 5% and 15% to the printing time.

Cost

One of the benefits of 3D printing is its ability to produce complex components at a cheap cost, which is why it is increasingly being used in metal applications. The converse is true with CNC: the more complex the product, the slower the machining process and the more labor required, resulting in higher prices.

Other variables might influence manufacturing costs, such as material costs (CNC and 3D printing) and the cost of maintaining or replacing machines (CNC).

CNC machining technology

Dimensional accuracy and part characteristics

CNC produces structurally sturdy and dimensionally particular products because it cuts a part out of a solid block of material.

The sequential, layer-by-layer process of additive manufacturing, on the other hand, often results in weaker components than CNC. Metal 3D printing presents a unique set of challenges, with porosity resulting in inconsistent component strength.

 Material waste

CNC may generate a lot of waste since it takes material from the block that cannot be recycled.

Compared to CNC, 3D printing generates much less waste (between 1% and 3%), with certain technologies like Binder Jetting and SLS allowing any remaining material to be reused.

 Part size

Since CNC machining works with material blocks, it can manufacture large-scale parts relatively easily. Smaller parts and components work better with 3D printing, which is why large-scale AM systems are gradually making their way into the market.

 Post-processing

The surface polish of CNC-produced parts is excellent, and no further post-processing is usually necessary.

However, the post-processing  of 3D printed objects is virtually always required, depending on the technology used (removal of support structures, depowering, cleaning, polishing, etc.). To remove a batch of components’ support may take anything from 5 minutes to many hours, depending on the part.

  Conclusion

To summarize, no method is flawless or universal. While both techniques are capable and valuable, the most suited will depend on the material, geometric complexity, production volume, and budget. To determine the best option for your specific project, we recommend contacting a local or international agency seeking guidance. If you want to produce in-house, consider the equipment at your disposal and determine if it is suitable for the work at hand

3D printed shoe

3D Printing Service Is Boomed Today

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Three-D printing is a process by which a solid object is fabricated from a digital model. Designers upload CAD files to 3D printers, which create a solid 3D object. The most common materials used for 3D printing include plastic and metal, though they can be printed with other materials as well. Cutting-edge bioinks are now being used in 3D printers, including human cells and gelatin. These cutting-edge materials can help create complex models of tissue. The use of edible materials has also become widespread.

The technology has revolutionized production systems. For example, it allows for quick prototyping and adaptation. By printing parts in layers, it is possible to create intricate shapes, enabling rapid prototyping and production. A large spool of filament can be used to create over 200 smartphone cases, for example. A high-quality model can also reduce the cost of prosthetics and improve their fit and durability. Its many benefits go beyond just prototyping, though.

The Benefits of a 3D Printing Service

The technology’s main advantage is that it is cheap. Unlike manufacturing processes where large quantities of materials are expensive, 3D printing allows individuals and businesses to cut costs and produce bespoke parts. The technology is also highly versatile and can produce complex objects with complex geometries. This technology is important for many industries, including aerospace, since it can help design lightweight, complex parts. The process can also reduce fuel consumption and reduce environmental impact while advancing the prototyping process.

3D printed shoe

  • Custom Products

Although 3D printers are still commonly used in factories and design studios, they are increasingly found at home by hobbyists. It is a growing phenomenon and will continue to grow over time. It is also an excellent way to improve the quality of custom-made products. Its popularity has been boosted by the rise in recent years. There are many different types of applications that you can create with it. If you’re a professional designer, 3D printing can help you with your designs.

  • The Application In The Medical Industry

In addition to manufacturing, 3D printing can be used for many other purposes. It can be used to make prosthetics and implants. Surgeons can also use it to create hearing aids and other custom-made items. For example, they can use a 3D-printed model to repair broken bones. And 3D printing can also be used to create human body parts and tissues. The future of manufacturing is limitless, and it can help you in many ways.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of 3D Printing

The advantages of 3D Printing are vast. The process enables designers to create more complex models and to use advanced materials that are often light and strong. The process has revolutionized almost every industry from fashion to architecture. It is also used to produce prosthetic limbs, implants, and organs. The following are some of the advantages of 3D Printing. This article will explain the different types of 3D printers and what they can and cannot do.

The most common use for 3D printing is to make prototypes. With this technology, a company can test new designs and ramp up development. Unlike with other manufacturing methods, there are no costly prototypes or proprietary tools required. This makes 3D printing a great tool for rapid manufacturing. Besides prototyping, 3D printing is also ideal for industrial applications. It saves money by cutting down on the time it takes to make an object.

  • The Advantages of 3D Printing

Some of the advantages of 3D printing include the ease of replicating objects, high-quality parts, and customized designs. Several other benefits of 3D printing include the ability to use advanced materials and lightweight construction. While the initial cost of 3D printing may be high, it will be worth it in the long run. And while 3D printing has the potential to change nearly every industry, it’s crucial to understand how this technology works.

The process of 3D printing uses very little material. The only time it produces waste is when the product needs to be post-processed. Because the process is additive, it can be used for a wide range of applications. The list of materials that can be used for 3D printing continues to grow. Many industries, including the aerospace industry, are already using 3D printing. This process is especially useful for prototyping and creating lightweight, complex geometries.

Although some 3D printing technologies require supports, they can produce parts with high geometric complexity that traditional manufacturing methods cannot match. NASA, for example, has used this technology to reproduce the fragile artifacts of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Archaeologists are also using 3D printers to create replicas of fossils and other items. The process is so fast and accurate that it’s used in medical research as well.

  • The Disadvantages of 3D printing

The disadvantages of 3D printing include its size and durability limitations. The main disadvantage of 3D printing is that it is limited to non-structural parts. For structural parts, however, a CNC machine is a better option. This technique allows a company to produce industrial-level parts in a single day instead of weeks. It also saves a lot of money. For instance, it’s possible to print a large-scale model in a single day, whereas CNC machining requires a week.

The Bottom Line

The advantages of 3D printing over traditional manufacturing include a reduced cost, improved precision, and flexibility. The process of conventional 3D printing produces parts with non-structural characteristics, such as jewelry. While it can be more cost-effective than subtractive manufacturing, it’s still not a substitute for CNC machining services. In addition to improving manufacturing quality, CNC machines can also produce parts with higher tolerances. Despite the limitations of additive manufacturing, the process has many advantages.

 

purchase rate

The Development Status Of Rapid Prototyping In China

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Technological innovation, industrial production, new product development and shortening the development cycle, including artificial intelligence, 5G construction, these are already inseparable from rapid prototyping technology. The development of this type of technology in the West is nearly half century earlier than that in China.  with the development and application of new materials today, CNC machining and 3D printing have become popular all over the world. So, what is the status quo of China prototype technology development? We analyze from the following perspectives:

purchase rate

3D Printing

This production process was first introduced from the West, but currently Chinese prototype manufacturers have been constantly innovating and improving, and have produced many printing equipment that meet the needs of different industries, and the cost is very low, ordinary people can buy, for example: one set Ordinary 3D printing equipment can be purchased for 300USD, which can print models in many colors using PLA and TPU materials.

Since 3D printing is very autonomy, you only need to import the CAD model of the part (STL format), and you can print it yourself. For prototypes with complex shapes, it can save a lot of time, and does not require traditionally manufactured tools, chucking, and positioning. From this perspective, such a process is very suitable for the intelligent and unmanned production of Industry 4.0. However, there are not many 3D printing metal materials in China at present. Many prototype companies do not have such capabilities. Even if they are available, they will be enormous expensive. Moreover, the surface of the printed metal parts is relatively rough. Chinese suppliers prefer to use CNC to mill the metal parts. This processing technology has been very mature and professional in China.

CNC Machining Services

This kind of processing technology is the choice of most suppliers in China, including lathe, milling, grinding, EDM, etc. This is because the early labor cost was relatively low and the raw materials were cheap.At that time, CNC was only used for mass production. Later, it was accompanied by with the rise of rapid prototyping, people find that it can also play an important role in it. From CAD drawings to the end parts, it can be completed quickly in a short time.

Today, people have higher and higher requirements for CNC machining, so high-speed cutting and high-precision technology have developed rapidly and are widely used in high-end CNC machine tools. High-speed cutting has high processing efficiency, high precision, and low unit cost. Apply new machine tool kinematics theory and advanced drive technology, optimize the machine tool structure, adopt high-performance functional parts, lightweight moving parts, and reduce motion inertia. In high-speed machining, high speed, medium cutting depth and fast feed, and multiple strokes are more advantageous. With the support of tool materials and structure, it has developed from single tool cutting high-speed machining to comprehensive high-precision machining. As one of modern advanced manufacturing technologies, it has been more and more widely used. Aerospace, automotive, and mold manufacturing, coupled with the country’s emphasis on manufacturing, have pushed the technology forward.

Rapid Tooling

  • Silicon mold: currently it has become one of important rapid manufacturing processes for plastic parts low volume production, due to the process of making mold fast and easily ,in particular ,it could save money hugely to compare with the traditional steel mold ,for those people who want to get the products ready urgently ,no better process than this one .

 

  • Rapid injection mold: in the beginning ,Chinese prototype manufacturers prefer to use aluminum mold ,rather than steel mold ,because it’s more cheaper .However ,the tooling life is short ,and the quality of injected parts are not enough good, So aluminum mold is going to die step by step ,at least ,right now it rarely see people to make aluminum mold,in contrast, Steel mold is still the trend,although the molding time is a bit long .

Surface Finishing

Today ，Chinese government is very strict with the management of environment protection，so there are many anodized shops ,chrome plated shops..etc that are being demanded without pollution production，cleaning room, using the healthy original material. Thus, the quality of finished parts have been improved as well. In the meantime ,the government stuff often visit these shops to make sure and supervise the daily work is going well .

The Skills of Technician

Currently regarding of the skills of technician ,it is becoming less and less in China ，almost all prototype companies are eager to hire the technician who is an enthusiastic and motivated,talented ,smart and hardworking .However ,this situation is very harder, because more and more young people are not willing to join this sector .This is a big problem and challenge we have to face .Some entrepreneurs are adding the salary and reduce the work time to attract those excellent technician to join them . And also , some companies even hire the engineering member with vast experiences and knowledge who is phenomenal in the industry can be part-time job. Thus, they can help to make the training, technological guidance, and teaching job .

prototype industry in China

Conclusion

Due to be with rapid economic development, China has become the second largest economy in the world. Chinese government is more and more serious with the traditional manufacturing industry and technological innovation, to support and encourage enterprise reform and innovation constantly, even provides subsidies for some high-tech enterprises, So We believe that rapid prototyping technology will make great development and continuous progress in the future .

low volume manufacturing

What Prototypes Should Be Created in CNC Rather Than 3D Printing?

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CNC milling technology has been around since the 1950s when MIT debuted it. CNC prototyping is, in essence, the inverse of 3D printing. Three-dimensional printing has entered the mainstream, altering people’s perceptions about printers. As customers grow more familiar with 3D printing, they frequently struggle with the new technology’s complexity. Although 3D printing may still appear innovative, new printers are emerging as a viable alternative to existing CNC routers in production situations.

This article intends to assist readers in evaluating the value of 3D printers compared to CNC machines in terms of precision, materials, cost, quality, efficiency, and speed.

A CNC router can effectively manufacture big, heavy, precision-crafted items that it can use for:

  • commercial and industrial machinery
  • machines
  • engines

CNC machines can manufacture huge numbers of a particular product using various materials, but they can also generate small items, generally at a higher unit cost.

A 3D printer’s versatility allows it to switch between projects swiftly. Because of 3D printing’s flexibility, it may use technology to create one-of-a-kind, bespoke designs for specific clients.

While designers and other creative professionals that prefer producing one-of-a-kind items use 3D printing as a helpful tool, many artists and other creative types prefer working with more limited options. New technologies have leveraged the versatility of 3D printers for usage in medical and dental settings, allowing for the creation of personalized goods that fit specific patients.

Size

CNC routers can scale between big and tiny outputs. The output generated by a CNC router is determined by the machine’s capabilities and the raw material utilized in manufacturing.

3D printers, on the other hand, employ an additive layering technique that renders them unsuitable for large-scale production. Existing 3D technology can produce small, personalized products up to bigger objects the size of a small refrigerator.

Even though 3D printers will most certainly grow to manufacture larger things, they will most likely fall short of the broad capabilities provided by prototype machining.

Furthermore, the time required to print big items restricts the technology’s scalability and practicality.

Materials

CNC routers are now producing heavy-duty outputs composed of high-density metals with great tensile strength. Precision parts utilized in engines, aircraft, manufacturing machines, and other high-intensity situations are among the CNC outputs.

The majority of 3D printers employ additive processes to produce items made of specialized polymers, resins, metals, and other materials. Because of the unique materials used in the printing process, 3D components typically lack the strength required for usage in demanding environments such as airplanes, automobiles, and manufacturing machines.

Instead, the materials used to print 3D things are ideal for making prototype models and consumer-grade items for home and personal usage.

3D printers will never generate the same-quality output as CNC routers in the future, but infinite possibilities are on the horizon.

Precision

When compared to the maximum outputs from 3D printers, CNC prototype delivers greater surface quality. It may send CNC-produced components directly to their destination, but 3D printer output typically needs additional processes to complete a task. As a result, 3D printing is less efficient than CNC processing.

low volume manufacturing

Speed

CNC machines begin by machining a material block to satisfy design parameters. When speed becomes an issue, CNC machines can sacrifice precision for speed, allowing operators to regulate production time.

The time required to 3D print something from nothing using additive printing technologies generally takes longer than the time required to remove material from a block of existing material.

Traditional 3D printing employs a time-consuming technique to build layers of material that progressively become the final result.

The 3D printer, like a paper printer, influences print speed – a quicker printer is necessary to enhance the pace of production.

3D printers, even at their best, cannot keep up with CNC prototype machining. Even when a 3D printer has completed its work, the result requires further attention before using it. Because of the wide range of available 3D printers and materials, comparing production times to CNC mills is difficult.

In general, CNC manufacturing outperforms 3D print projects in terms of speed.

Price

The variations between CNC prototype machining and 3D printing technology make per-part comparisons problematic. Although economic factors may play a role in deciding whether to utilize a CNC router or a 3D printer, comparisons are frequently made in broad strokes.

When utilizing CNC machines to make a specific item, small numbers generally have a higher unit cost, but big batches become more cost-effective. As a result, CNC is an excellent solution for mass manufacturing.

When creating modest numbers of an item, the uniform cost of each unit produced is advantageous; but, when producing vast quantities of an item, the consistent cost per unit might become an issue.

The increased cost of sophisticated CNC outputs is frequently due to the greater number of tool paths necessary, the smaller cutters utilized, and the time required to accomplish those operations.

However, regardless of the complexity of the units created, 3D printing operations cost the same.

Advantages:

A benefit of one technology is frequently a drawback of another.

Let us see the key benefits of both the technologies one by one:

Machining with a computer numerical control (CNC)

  1. A diverse range of materials for manufacture.
  2. The ability to pick the resolution of manufacturing in return for increased speed or cost savings.
  3. Superior surface quality and accuracy
  4. Price remains constant independent of product size or volume.
  5. Low-cost equipment and supplies.

3D modeling and printing

  1. Simple to prepare and for an operation.
  2. The price of a part is unaffected by its complexity.
  3. To produce a wide variety of finished goods using intricate, complex, and intricate-complex patterns in an unlimited number of combinations.
  4. Price remains consistent independent of batch size.
  5. The ability to easily switch between production jobs

Conclusion

To some extent, CNC technologies and 3D printing have capabilities that overlap, but they both have characteristics that make them appropriate for particular applications.

CNC prototyping is often best suited to applications requiring complex, high-precision products manufactured from widely available materials.

3D printers’ features make them excellent for creating prototypes, visual justifications, and custom-designed goods.

 

Medical Device Prototyping

CNC Machining and 3D Printing Shape the Future of Medical Device Industry

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Medical Device Prototyping

The production, medical appliances, and prosthetic industries have a rich, long, and successful history of collaboration. However, the goals of medical revolutionaries to cure the human body inside are only as feasible as their capacity to accomplish them, in the last stage of manufacture, when invention, reliability, and innovation come into play, past unheard-of medical findings.

These two techniques are used in medical devices and prosthetics

Prosthesis and medical implants are among the most astounding technologies that enhance life and, in some circumstances, save a life. One of the significant successes of medical history is repairing and replacing vital processes when the human body cannot do so. As innovations in that field continue, innovations in materials, efficiency, and technology have maintained manufacturing at the forefront of these advancements. CNC machining and 3D printing are two essential techniques in medical devices and prosthetics. Here’s how it’s done.

CNC Machining in Medical Industry

CNC machining has had a huge effect on high-precision and close-tolerance production, maybe more than any other technology. In addition, the capacity to use computerized coordinates (supported by highly qualified and specialized machine operators) opened the path for progress in many areas, from aviation to architecture and medicine, of course.

Accuracy and precision are, of course, vital to the success of medical devices and prostheses. For devices built for seamless interactions with the human body, little or no margin for mistake lies, whether it’s to ensure a perfect fit for prothesized devices or to need great precision, to minimize interference in other essential body systems for internal implants.

The variety of materials that may be CNC machined also contributes significantly to the process’s importance in the medical profession. Medical implants and prostheses can address a wide range of demands, and as such, they have varying requirements for strength, flexibility, and other characteristics. The capacity to CNC make mechanical- and production-grade pieces from the most rigid materials ensure that a device’s or piece’s integrity, adaptability, and strength are never in doubt.

Scalability is another area where custom machined medical component has had a significant impact on medical device manufacture. CNC machining can be too expensive in such instances. Even specialized features, such as prosthetics, can be made with standardized components, such as fasteners and hinges. Internal Implants, on the other hand, maybe suited for broader, less-customized manufacture. CNC manufacturing may be extremely beneficial in these situations since it can produce key components in large quantities at a substantially cheaper cost than short runs or less-scalable techniques.

CNC medical components

Before making an option with 3D printing , you could also consider the following benefits of CNC machining:

  • A diverse selection of materials, including production-grade plastics and metals
  • Highly scalable for scenarios requiring standard parts or components
  • Unrivaled precision
  • Quick manufacturing after the development and setup steps get done (these stages can require longer lead times for initial production runs)

 3D Printing and the Medical Industry

Prosthetics is a major field where 3D printing has had an impact. Whereas CNC machining can be time-consuming and prohibitive for a one-of-a-kind, a highly personalized product like a prosthetic, 3D printing can give significant savings and economies in such areas. Unlike CNC machining, which necessitates a lengthy design creation and programming procedure, 3D printing only necessitates downloading a CAD drawing to the machine.  Lead times can be shortened from months or weeks to nearly nothing by scanning, uploading, and printing.

Even before those material advancements, 3D printing continues to improve in that area. 3D printing, which gets typically linked with polymers and prototype-grade production, is becoming more capable of handling metals as well. 3D printing has progressed well beyond the stringy skeletal parts that people may connect with the method for the many scenarios where rubber and other polymers are ideal for use. The additive manufacturing technology on which 3D printing gets based can produce solid, durable, high-strength rubberized components, prostheses, and implants that can and have withstood even the most rigorous wear and tear.

3D printing has a great deal of promise before the end. Today’s medicine seems to be about to come when scientists and physicians create technology and materials that they can use to print tissues, skin, and even inner organs in 3D. Here is an outline of the benefits, advantages, and possibilities of 3D printing:

  • CAD-based 3D printing allows for shorter lead times and, in some situations, faster manufacturing than CNC milling.
  • The ability to create medical-grade, sturdy, and solid components, rather than just prototypes
  • Medical discoveries of the future will be based on the frontiers pushed by 3D printing today.

Will 3D printers eventually replace CNC machining?

Today’s 3D printing technologies are incompatible with hard steels and other materials, and they lack the efficiency and mechanical strength required for large-scale production. As a result, 3D printers are unlikely to replace CNC machining shortly. Machining is still one of efficient methods of producing medical components. And, with the proper rapid manufacturing partner, it can significantly reduce its few constraints. We provide precision machining services for some of the world’s largest medical OEMs, generating new designs for optimum manufacturability and client success.

Connect with us now to learn more about our CNC manufacturing capabilities and how they help position your production for success. For further information about 3D printing and processing compared to traditional production, please contact us.

 

Medical device prototyping

The Contact of Prototype Manufacturing in Medical Industry

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Apart from printing 3D models, industrial rapid prototypes and other models for different industries, additive manufacturing has evolved substantially in medical industry. Because this technique offers personalized solutions, it has a great impact on health. If you want to know some of these advances, we show you the most interesting medical device prototyping innovations with 3D technology.

Medical device prototyping

Some Advances in 3D Printing for Modern Medical Industry

Since its inception, the ease of printing 3D models and other designs has found a fertile field in medical device to give less expensive and more efficient alternative treatments. With the development of materials, technologies and techniques, many people can now turn to medical device  innovations with 3D technology such as:

  • 3D printing and biological materials.

Progress in this area is unstoppable. From blood vessels to connective tissue to skin printing, the usefulness and expansion of this innovative technology in the medical field is enormous. Hearing aids, prostheses, bones and even ears can already be produced with 3D printers.

  • Uses in optogenetics.

This cutting-edge technique is used to stimulate groups of neurons in the brain. Genetics, virology and optical study are mixed in this scientific and experimental branch. Great advances are being made in this regard by treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and it is proven to be really effective against disorders and ailments such as insomnia or anxiety. Light is the protagonist of this innovative medical technique functioning as an inducing agent. You can learn more about this technique in the following link.

  • Hybrid operating rooms.

Hybrid or smart operating rooms are often equipped with sufficient technology to perform diagnosis and intervention. High-quality images, intraoperative tomography, and MRIs are present in the same room, thus optimizing the operating process. The use of these operating rooms minimizes the risks of patients, who are normally transferred between different rooms, makes it possible to diagnose and intervene at the same time, it is less invasive and it allows patients to recover faster, spending less time in the hospital.

  • Customized drugs.

There are many patients who need a large amount of medical device to cope with their ailments. Since standardized doses do not work the same for everyone, 3D drug delivery appeared. Dr. Min Pu and his team developed an algorithm that analyzes the person’s data to create the precise dosage and print it out using special software.

  • Preparation and 3D training.

Faced with the challenge of doing very specific or complicated operations, the study of the human body has had to evolve. Using MRIs and CT scans, surgeons can create high-resolution 2D and 3D images. With the help of virtual reality programs, they prepare their procedures with more precision and detail.

  • Use of microchips in clinical trials.

Research in medical industry is being accelerated thanks to pieces that are no more than a thumb but are of enormous utility. The so-called microfluidic chips, in addition to speeding up research, reduce the use of research animals.Its function is the movement of microscopic amounts of chemical elements through cell cultures of lungs, livers, kidneys or hearts. These technological innovations in health make it possible to test combinations of active principles on a wide variety of cell types and study the relationships produced.It is a very efficient method and one that optimizes research. By selecting stem cells from the patient, the specific effects of drugs can be observed without side effects or useless treatments.

  • Wearable technology in the medical

The improvement in the relationship between the professional and the patient and the acceleration of diagnostic times are some of the advantages of the use of wearables. That is, garments or accessories with built-in devices that collect and transmit relevant information. Some examples of technological innovations in the form of wearable are the following.

  • Smart clothing to monitor body data.

T-shirts, gloves, helmets or bracelets can become information collection systems of a cardiovascular nature, for example, vital for the analysis and monitoring of patients. Monitoring stress or anxiety in users allows to detect, control and diagnose in a much more effective way. Another example is the bras that help detect breast cancer.

  • Smart glasses.

Numerous brands are producing their own version of this technology. Perhaps the best known are the Google Glasses. The uses of this type of technology are very varied, they can be used both to visualize data, as in the case of professionals, and to help you fall asleep, in the case of glasses from the company Sana Heatlh. There are also projects for smart lenses that prevent glaucoma.

  • Digital pickups.

Also known as the e-pill, it is a possible technological revolution in the medical industry. It consists of an edible sensor that controls the presence of the pill in the body through a receptor patch. The information is sent to a mobile app and the implementation of this system can lead to significant structural health savings.

3D printing prototype model

The Importance of 3D Printing Rapid Prototyping In Industry

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A few weeks ago we presented you with the latest figures from UYEE, it mentions that the adoption of 3D printing technologies has increased by 65% ​​compared to 2016. In less than 3 years we have seen growth substantial in its use. Even so, many companies still have doubts about its implementation, what technology is best for production and above all, what are the steps to follow in order to adopt rapid prototyping services printing in industrial manufacturing.

The step from rapid prototyping service to the development of final parts is something that is being achieved thanks to the rapid evolution of 3D printing technologies, currently additive manufacturing is already considered a means of production for multiple companies. The important thing is to know how to identify which technique is the most appropriate and how to incorporate this technique into production.

The UYEE Company is an advisor and consultant specialized in helping companies to choose the best technological solutions in both hardware and printing materials. Afterwards, carrying out preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance actions periodically. Which ensures the success of the technology implementation, and allows real monitoring of its benefits.

3D printing prototype model

What kinds of benefits does 3D printing have in industrial manufacturing?

When it comes to talking about why adopt 3D rapid prototyping service printing, there are things that we already have clear, the savings in time, costs and materials. But it is always important to detail the real possibilities of 3D printing in industrial manufacturing. Some of the main applications are:

  • It allows the creation of rapid prototyping service, which facilitates the development of new products, and accelerates their time to market.
  • It allows the automation of projects, as it is implemented in the production lines. Maintaining repeatability in part development.
  • They are complemented by other technologies, such as robotics. It can be implemented for you’re to develop the robot’s claws, in the grippers and in other parts that suffer wear due to its use.
  • Efficiency in the assembly line, increases production speed, reduces costs and allows the integration of a flexible manufacturing system.
  • Manufacture of short / medium series, allowing reduction in manufacturing times, and at the same time increasing the time dedicated to innovation and development.
  • Savings in storage costs, reduction in the investment of parts storage. 3D printing gives you complete freedom to print just-in time.

The most relevant 3D printing technologies for the industry

It seems clear that a productive system as versatile as 3D rapid prototyping services printing, in which the same team can be capable of manufacturing anything from high-precision and low-cost surgical instruments to an aircraft turbine, would represent a significant change for most manufacturing industries. Many of us who have been working with 3D printing technologies for years believed we predicted the magnitude of such an event, although looking at it now in perspective, I can assure that we fell very short.

3D printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing, is changing the way most consumer goods are conceived, produced, and distributed. Products that previously required weeks or months to be designed, rapid prototyping and manufactured, can now be launched to the market in a matter of days, which represents an immense saving of time and capital for any manufacturing industry, not forgetting how valuable an early testing of the interest of consumers towards said product and the advantage that this gives them over their competition.

  1. Photo polymerization Technologies:

Photo polymerization is the oldest 3D printing system around. It basically consists of the selective curing of a liquid photopolymer in a tray using various methods. The 3 most common types of photo polymerization are: SLA (Stereo lithography) or Stereo lithography, DLP (Digital Light Processing) or Photo polymerization by Ultraviolet Light and Photo polymerization by photon absorption.

3D printing technologies have countless applications depending on the sector to which they are intended, although I can summarize them, according to the use of the parts manufactured by this technique, such as or, in the case of equipment for this purpose, “production of final parts with highly detailed structural and aesthetic finishes”.

Thanks to their low production cost and the appearance of open source-based SLA and DLP printer models, such as the well-known B9 Creator, or the innumerable low-cost models such as those marketed by form labs, these 3D printing technologies have acquired a lot of notoriety in sectors such as jewelry, dentistry, miniatures, reproductions and, of course, in rapid prototyping services for various industries.

  1. Powder Bed Fusion Technologies:

Powder Bed Fusion 3D printing technologies basically consist of a layer of powder (of the material with which you want to build) to which a source of thermal energy is applied that melts with the programmed layer shape until the desired object is formed.

CNC Prototype

Does CNC Prototype Have An Advantage To Compare With 3D Printing?

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Although these two rapid prototype processes are still in force in the current market, there are many manufacturers that have techniques that are of their preference .Choosing the right technique for creating pieces that will be part of an object or system is a decision that manufacturers have had to make throughout history .This type of decision has caused two impressions on them, the first is that it has definitely facilitated their work, being completely right in offering the correct solution for their product development. On the other hand, clients face the difficult task of choosing the correct technique, because there are so many.

CNC Prototype

What The Status of Two Processes ?

Everyone has had to choose, and this is achieved through the comparison between the various existing techniques. For these manufacturers who have found themselves in this position sometime in their lives, they know that deciding on many factors depends, so they cannot avoid making comparisons between one process and another. There are currently two processes topping the list in manufacturers’ favorites are CNC Prototyping and 3D Printing processes ,what’s more ,they are current booming .As product designers ,they must be very familar with both processes.

At present we can say that, of the most advanced processes that exist, two situations can be quite similar , or at least from the point of view of many of the clients who seek these services, the ones that stand out the most are the CNC Prototype and 3D Printing. We can say that both share a characteristic, and that is to try to be more precise and economical, so that the creation of parts through them is quite clean, fast and efficient.However ,you can not say which one has advantage or disadvantage absolutely .Because in most cases ,it mainly depends on the material ,finish, and the part of shape and other factors .

What Are Different of Both Techniques ?

Although the techniques have a couple of things in common, they are oriented in different ways, however, there are those who still have some confusion. As both techniques share some characteristics and objectives, it is natural that many people come to think of mistresses as if they were the same, and even come to think that they offer the same advantages to manufacturers, but, it does not make much sense to create 2 techniques that are exactly the same except for their name, right?

Well, knowing that it is not logical to think that both are exactly the same, you can definitely determine the advantages that CNC prototyping services can have over 3D Printing. Let’s clarify something, prototype machining and 3D Printing are opposite techniques that seek a common goal. Why do we say they are the opposite? Well, because in one the material is added layer by layer (3D Printing) while in the other, the material is subtracted until reaching the ideal part with the CAD model design.

Under this premise, we can perhaps say that a piece can be created from the right amount of a material, as is done with 3D Printing, but the truth is that this system is ideal for creating custom pieces, those that are at an earlier stage in their production process .This means that choosing the 3D Printing method for the mass creation of a part may not be the fastest, most efficient and safest option.

Why Choose CNC Prototype ?

In CNC Machining, the machines involved in the process are very precise, but they also work very quickly and efficiently, creating the part in a single work station, where it will take its final shape in a very short time, and quickly in its place there will be another quantity of material waiting to take the desired shape.The most important is that the product material is almost no limted to machine ,in reality world ,there are many materials that can not be printed yet .

The CNC rapid prototype is a much more successful process than any other, even than 3D Printing, which focuses more on observing little by little how the part is approaching the final shape, pouring layer upon layer. This is one of the reasons why more and more manufacturers are turning to CNC prototyping services , as it provides the best results in record time, and this undoubtedly expands the capacity of the manufacturer, who will surely require these services en masse.

Although for many manufacturers there are still doubts regarding both processes, some like UYEE have made the wisest decision .Some manufacturers have already solved the question about which process is better than the other, such as the UYEE Company, which has specialized in the branch of  Prototype Machining, further diversifying its processes and also its products.

Conclusion

For most of metal parts manufacturing which from automotive ,aerospace are big size with high precision and finished requirements ,usually prototype cnc machining is a better option .However ,for some of products from jewelry industry which are small and irregular shape, only producing it with 3D printing .So which one has an advantage , it mainly depends on the dimensions ,shape ,and application.Anyway ,both technologies are welcomed in the marketing at present .

Big PP prototype

How Do We Make Big Polypropylene Plastic Prototype By CNC Machining ?

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Obviously this is a very successful case what we ever encountered for a big plastic machining to be a single one piece. All details as following:

PP Material Performance

PP (Polypropylene) is a crystalline polymer. Among the commonly used plastics, PP is the lightest, with a density of only 0.91g/cm3. Among general-purpose plastics, PP has the best heat resistance, and its heat distortion temperature is 80-100°C, which can be boiled in boiling water. PP has good stress crack resistance and high bending fatigue life ,light weight, good toughness, and good chemical resistance.

The Application of PP in Prototyping Sector

In rapid prototyping field ,Usually PP parts are made as a single one ,no gluing .That would lost the features and performance of material if PP part split during manufacturing process .No matter big or small part .For simple part ,it’s easy ,but for complex part, that would be high demanding to manufacturer ,from CNC programmer to the operator .It demands high handling ability , especially for a big PP part with complex structure and external shape .As following,we would like to give your a case that we ever made it succesfully for one of our automoive customers.here showing is the size of CAD model (694*413*83 MM).

PP CAD Model

The Option of CNC Machining VS 3D Printing

Like this big and complicated PP part that is not often seen. In West ,perhaps most prototype manufacturers to choose 3D print to make it . However, due to the specification of PP material features ,3D printing can not demand the requirements of customer. It’s the best option to machine the block material ,it’s the same as the product injection ‘ s material ,unlike 3D printing’s .The customer only wanted 6 pieces ,obvious molding is impossible to consider from the economical factor . So machining PP is the only one option for this project .

What You Need to Know For Machining The Big PP Block

We got an order from one of our customers who is from automotive field, the CNC plastic prototype of material is white PP. the size is : 695*413*83mm. It’s a complicated job .We were facing a big challenge after checked out the CAD model .The customer hopes to receive the prototype within 8 days delivery time ,but we thought that’s impossible ,so the customer agreed to postpone two days after discussed .The next we started proceeding the order .Firstly ,We started making the CNC program ,it almost cost 9 hours ,because the programmer needs to clarify each step and take related cutter tools ,and consider the cutting rate for a not hard plastic work piece.Second, be prepared and get ready for CNC machining ,the operator was constant control of cutting speed ,and changed the cutter tools when machining a certain surface.However ,the biggest challenge is how to lock the workpiece with screws to prevent the deformation of the workpiece during the cutting process and the tool from overcutting. So our engineering team had to come up with a solution to solve it .Otherwise ,probably the machining process will be failing.

PP prototype

How to Fix The Problem Caused By Machining ?

After processed half of the whole manufacturing ,we observed the part become deformed .The operator immediately turned over another side to go ahead with machining ,in the meanwhile ,exchanged the tool fixture ,and speed the cutting rate. It cost 26 hours to get it done by CNC machining .For such a big prototype part ,it’s out of shape a bit since the special performance of PP material ,the customer can understand ,and said it’s acceptable .Because it won’t affect the mounting and test. They praised our work after received the CNC prototyping part.

Conclusion

In order to get a wonderful prototype .What you need to consider is not only manufacturing method ,which one is the most optimal,but also analysing on the material option .It’s very crucial to understand the material performance and applicaltion .During production process , the factors of human beings will play an important role in ,such as: skills ,experience,details.

3D printed shoe

How Rapid Prototyping Technology lead the fashion?

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3D Printed the Dress

A 3D printed dress that apparently might seem completely made of fabric, at first glance it appears soft and sinuous, able to move and sway just like any cotton dress. In reality, this is an incredible result obtained thanks to the use of a new creative process, conceived by the Nervous System design studio.

Kinematics, the name of the project, combines origami techniques with new approaches to 3D printing, experimenting with the most advanced rapid prototyping technologies .In fact, we start with the 3D model of a dress made with any CAD and it is composed in blocks, triangular segments of various sizes. It is possible to control the size, position and quantity of the triangles with a design tool based on Javascript and view in real time how the changes will have an impact on the polygonal artifact.

3D printed dressThe designer Jessica has made this technique even more advanced, inserting buttons, expertly modeled on the triangles, making the clothes even easier to put on and take off. The result is amazing, as her dress moves adhering perfectly and flowing just like it was made of fabric. Thanks to the 3D scans of the model’s body she managed to get a perfect fit. She worked with a prototype manufacturer to optimize the print quality and aesthetics, thanks to the attention to every detail her garment was recently acquired by the Museum of Modern Art.

Her creations range from abstract forms to clothes and objects, from which emerges a great interest in experimenting and using always different materials. Her latest collection, “Wanderers”, presented at Euromold represents a further demonstration of how 3d printing represents one of the most concrete examples of how rapid prototyping technology can look continuously towards the future.

Why a shoe made with 3D printing?

It is a real race for innovation, the one that has involved the major world sportswear brands such as Adidas, Nike, New Balance 3D printed shoeand Under Armor, in the new technological concept, capable of combining 3D printing and shoes. Each of these multinationals has proposed a prototype of a shoe with a plastic sole made entirely with 3D printing techniques, and the future holds many other innovations.The application of rapid prototyping logic to the world of footwear seems to be an ideal solution for the most common problems .The first thing that comes to think of a shoe is the first fundamental advantage: the size. Surely many of us will have found themselves having to make a difficult choice, especially in terms of half sizes and compatibility with foreign measurement systems.

If the future linked 3D printing and shoes inextricably, all these problems would be eliminated, and each of us would have the shoe with a sole molded on the sole of the foot. In addition to the size, a 3D printed and therefore completely customized shoe would represent the definitive solution to some postural difficulties . So this style rapid prototyping service is cost effective.

Some foot malformations lead the patient to have to choose specific footwear in order to reduce pain and discomfort. Designing a model starting directly from the foot would fix all these problems .The combination of 3D printing technology and shoes is definitely a revolution that guarantees double satisfaction. On the one hand, customer happiness, for complete and subjective personalization, on the other hand, that of the company, capable of significantly reducing warehouse and storage costs.