The Advantages of OEM Additive Manufacturing for Rapid Prototyping

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has revolutionized the way products are manufactured and designed, especially in the prototyping process where speed is essential. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are now realizing the benefits of using AM in their rapid prototyping process. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of OEM additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping.

What is OEM additive manufacturing?

OEM additive manufacturing is a process where original equipment manufacturers use AM technology to fabricate custom parts and functional prototypes. OEMs use AM to speed up the prototyping process, reduce the costs associated with traditional tooling, and improve the overall product design.

The advantages of OEM additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping

1. Speed

One of the most significant benefits of OEM additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping is speed. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, AM can create complex geometries without the need for tooling. This means that parts can be fabricated much faster allowing OEMs to accelerate their product development processes. AM machines can produce parts in hours, compared to the days or weeks needed for traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining or injection molding.

2. Cost savings

OEMs also benefit from cost savings with AM. Since no tooling is required, there is no need for expensive molds, fixtures, or dies. This allows OEMs to reduce upfront tooling costs, and also reduces the cost of design changes mid-prototyping. Traditional manufacturing methods require the manufacture of new tooling for every design iteration, resulting in significant costs, whereas AM allows for changes to be made quickly, with no need for new tooling.

3. Tailored parts

Another advantage of OEM additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping is the ability to fabricate custom parts that have unique geometries that are difficult or even impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. AM technology uses 3D CAD models to produce parts layer by layer, allowing for the creation of unique geometries and complex internal features. Additionally, AM allows for the use of different materials within the same part, creating custom solutions to specific product requirements. This flexibility allows for products that are tailored to specific applications.

4. Better design

Lastly, OEMs using additive manufacturing technology can improve the design of their products. Since AM allows for the creation of complex geometries without limitations, designers can refine products to make them more efficient, improving their performance. AM also enables designers to quickly test different design iterations before settling on the final design, improving the overall product design process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OEM additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping provides several benefits for original equipment manufacturers. It provides a fast and cost-effective way to prototype, while also allowing for the creation of tailored parts and better-quality designs. All these benefits help OEMs to accelerate their product development and stay ahead in today's competitive market. It is no wonder that more OEMs are now adopting additive manufacturing technology in their prototyping process.

oem additive manufacturing rapid prototyping

On-demand Rapid Injection Molding

Sigma’s rapid tooling service helps you to have the low volume to large volume plastic parts done, with no compromise on the material selection.

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Our rapid injection molding Application

Sigma Technik Limited's rapid injection molding service injects molten plastic materials into molds using injection molding machines and molds, and cools and solidifies them over a certain period of time, ultimately forming the required plastic parts. This manufacturing process is usually suitable for producing small and medium-sized plastic parts, which can obtain high-quality and precise parts in a short period of time.

Plastic Injection Molding

Injection molding is a common manufacturing process to produce low volume to large volumes of parts typically made out of plastic. The process involves injecting molten material into a mold and letting it cool to a solid-state.

Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding

Liquid Silicone Rubber is known as LSR, which is a process used to produce parts made from silicone rubber, widely used create products such as medical devices, automotive parts, baby care products, and many others.

2K Injection molding

2K injection molding is a manufacturing process in which two different types of plastic materials are molded together in a single operation to create a single homogeneous component. This process allows for efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality parts that can perform unique functions.

Overmolding and Insert Molding

Overmolding / Insert molding combines two or more materials into a single part, one of the material is usually soft and flexible, or metal. The purpose of overmolding/insert molding is to add functionality, improve grip, provide protection, or enhance aesthetics.

Mission And Vision

Rapid injection molding materials

ABS

ABS is a type of plastic with high strength, hardness, and toughness. It has good impact resistance and wear resistance, and is suitable for manufacturing shells, components, and models.

PC

PC is a transparent, high-strength, high-temperature resistant, and excellent electrical insulation material. It is suitable for manufacturing transparent components, electronic components, and automotive components.

PP

PP is a relatively flexible material with excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing containers, pipelines, baby bottles, etc.

PA

PA is a material with high strength, high rigidity, and wear resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing gears, bearings, brackets, etc.

POM

POM is a material with excellent wear resistance, toughness, and rigidity. It is suitable for manufacturing gears, bearings, pulleys, etc.

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What can we do?

Sigma Technik Limited, as a prototype production company and rapid manufacturer focusing on rapid prototyping and low volume production of plastic and metal parts, has advanced manufacturing technology, one-stop service, diversified manufacturing methods, on-demand manufacturing services and efficient manufacturing processes, which can provide customers with high-quality, efficient and customized product manufacturing services and help customers improve product quality and market competitiveness.

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Rapid Injection Molding FAQs

Burrs appear on the surface of the product, which affects its aesthetics and safety. The solution can be to adjust the parameters of the injection molding machine, such as temperature, pressure, speed, etc., or to perform post-processing, such as polishing, sandblasting, etc.

The warping deformation of the product is usually caused by unstable parameters such as temperature and pressure of the injection molding machine, or improper mold design. The solution can be to adjust parameters such as temperature and pressure, or to redesign the mold.

The occurrence of bubbles inside the product may be due to the high temperature of the injection molding machine and the high moisture content of the material. The solution can be to reduce the temperature of the injection molding machine, adjust the water content of the material, increase the pressure of the injection molding machine, etc.

The product size deviation is too large, which may be caused by material thermal expansion, mold deformation and other reasons. The solution can be to adjust parameters and optimize mold design based on material characteristics.