Rapid Prototypes

SLS Rapid Prototypes for UPVC Window System (North America)

Designing and creating a new product is one of the most challenging tasks that a company undertakes. As technology advances the need to keep pace with current and future trends becomes a pre-requisite of the product development process. The advent of 3D modeling has taken a great deal of the uncertainty out of the design process however it is now feasible to have the extra assurance of having a dimensionally accurate, fully functional sample to test material properties and the products interface with other parts of an assembly detail before pressing the button on that expensive and time consuming tooling

Rapid Prototyping was developed to give product designers a quick, low cost example of their designs prior to committing to high value tooling which would be subject to long lead times. Initially prototypes were made from resin or wax which although offering a visual and dimensional preview of the final product, fell short of offering a functional option due to their fragility.

Laser Sintering techniques offer a radical step forward in Rapid Prototyping. Using CAD files to produce Nylon or composite Nylon prototypes that can be bent, drilled, sawn and even threaded, now offers the designer the option to test the “virtual” product before committing to the tooling program. Prototypes can be finished in a wide range of colours and in some cases can also have embossed logos. They are durable, attractive and give a good indicator of a plastic material’s performance in a real-life environment.

Resource Plastics has assisted many of their clients achieve a successful conclusion to a design project by using the Rapid Prototype technique. Initially used as a compliment to the design package offered to our clients, we now also offer Rapid Prototyping as a stand-alone service.

Some examples of the areas we have worked in are as follows:

• A rainwater system that could be assembled and fitted to a house for appearance and functional tests
  
• PVC window profiles produced as prototypes for assembly and fabrication testing prior to tooling
  
•  End caps for extruded profiles for fit and appearance
  
•  Spring tensioner
  
• Two-part assemblies for verification of fit and function (boxes and lids, snap together components etc
  
• Acoustic headphone ear pieces for comfort testing
  
• Decorative moldings for conservatories and summer houses
  
• Fully-functional lawn mower casings for geometry and safety testing
  
• New designs for the automotive and aerospace industry
  
• Cases for hand-held electrical devices
  
• Pre-production samples for exhibitions
  
• Road traffic signage
  
• Packaging and display cases
  
• One-off components as replacement or repairs to existing products

Resource Plastics offers its clients the opportunity to test dimensionally accurate, fully functional samples of their products beforecommitting to the final stages of the tooling program.  Submit your drawing or 3D model to us and receive a no obligation quotation for your Rapid Prototyping sample - an economical and essential component in today’s product development processes!