CAD Rapid Prototyping is a great way to go from CAD design to prototype in no time. Rapid prototypes are often seen as the first step of the product development cycle. The reason for this is that rapid prototyping allows you to create physical models of your designs and then gather feedback before committing significant resources into creating an actual production part. With that said, rapid prototyping can be an extremely valuable tool for any engineer who needs to create an object from scratch and wants it ready to use as quickly as possible. Rapid prototyping can be done with either 3D printing or CNC machining – both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. However, designing rapid prototypes in CAD can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
In this blog post, we will discuss five tips for designing successful rapid prototypes using CAD software!
Tip 1: Design for the specific CAD prototype process in use.
The first tip when designing for rapid prototyping with CAD is to know the process that will be used in production. Rapid prototypes through stereolithography (SLA) and additive manufacturing, like FDM or SLA, are becoming more popular in industrial design than ever before. The reason for this popularity is because these methods allow engineers to quickly create a prototype of their CAD designs with little to no post-processing required. However, in some cases, engineers may need to create prototypes for the specific process they will be using (CNC machining, SLA Rapid Prototyping). The reason for this is that different Rapid Prototype processes require different design considerations.
Tip 2: Consider latticed or hollowed interior sections.
One of the most important design considerations for Rapid Prototypes through additive manufacturing is that they will often need to be printed as a single object with little to no post-processing. This means that any interior section of your CAD model will need to have sufficient wall thicknesses and structural support in order not only to survive production but also maintain its shape without any significant post-processing.
You can accomplish the latter through one of two options – either designing your model with latticed or hollowed interior sections, respectively. Latticing allows you to create internal walls in Rapid Prototypes without sacrificing structural integrity while also creating an aesthetically pleasing design feature inside your CAD models. Meanwhile, adding a hollowed section to Rapid Prototypes is a great way to save both material and time.
If you’re not already familiar with these design considerations, then it’s important that you incorporate them into your Rapid Prototype CAD designs as early as possible!
Tip 3: Prioritize what you are prototyping.
The third tip to consider when Rapid Prototyping with CAD is that it’s important to prioritize what you are prototyping. When rapid prototyping parts, engineers can save time and material by designing only the geometry they need for their prototype rather than the finished product itself. This means that if your Rapid Prototype needs a mounting bracket or an attachment point, you should create those sections first. This will allow the prototype to be used as a functional part while also being produced in less time and with fewer materials!
Tip 4: Be sure to use 3D CAD design software.
Fourth, rapid prototyping designs require the use of a robust and flexible software package capable of producing complex geometries quickly and efficiently. Many engineers suggest using an additive manufacturing-specific plugin that provides tools specifically optimized for Rapid Prototyping with CAD to save time on your project. However, even if you aren’t designing for rapid prototyping with CAD, it’s important to use a software that allows you to change your prototype models quickly and easily. This will allow for revisions in the design process without sacrificing time or material!
Tip 5: Follow standard conventions when designing rapid prototypes in AutoCAD.
Following rapid prototype industry standards will save both time and material on your Rapid Prototyping CAD designs. For example, adding tabs to parts will allow them to be easily removed from the build platform without sacrificing quality or strength in production. This is something that should always be included when Rapid Prototyping with CAD!
Conclusion
Rapid prototyping is a powerful tool that engineers can use to quickly turn CAD models into a reality. Although rapid prototyping requires different design considerations than standard manufacturing, it doesn’t have to be difficult! With the right tools and know-how, anyone can Rapid Prototype with CAD today!