Rapid prototyping FAQs

Rapid Prototyping Services to Create Solid 3D Model

What is Rapid Prototyping? It is a technology that takes a three-dimensional computer model and builds up a plastic-like part by "printing" layers of material one on top of another. Its speed and low cost allow design teams to confirm their new designs early and frequently in the process.

What do you make prototypes from? We create models using plastic (ABS). These materials are ideal for:

Conceptual Usage
Accurate representation of design details
Color printing

Will the prototype be durable? Yes. Plastic (ABS) models are functional and machineable.

What are the steps involved in prototyping?

What You Do
- Start with a 3-dimension computer model. Typically created in 3D CAD products like SolidWorks, Rhino, Pro/E, Mechanical Desktop.
- From 3D CAD, an STL file (or 3D printing file) is exported.
What Model-Ease Does
- Can create 2D and 3D drawings.
- Convert drawings to STL.
- The prototyping software then creates hundreds (or even thousands) of horizontal slices through the STL file.
- Starting with the bottom slice, the prototyping machine will print each slice upon the previous, until all the slices are printed, and the prototype is complete.
- A 3-inch tall part will be printed with about 750 slices, each about the thickness of a piece of paper.
- Infiltrate the part with epoxy.
- Cure the part.
- Ship to you.