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The Key Differences Between Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing

Introduction:\

Rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the field of manufacturing and product development. While they share some similarities, it is important to understand that they refer to different processes with distinct advantages and applications. This blog post aims to explore the differences between rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing to provide a clear understanding of these two commonly used terms in the industry.

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Rapid Prototyping:\

Rapid prototyping, also known as 3D printing, is a process that involves creating physical prototypes directly from a digital design. It is a rapid and cost-effective method of quickly generating physical representations of a product, component, or part. The process starts with a 3D model created using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This digital model is then sliced into thin layers, which are sent to a 3D printer for fabrication. The printer builds the prototype layer by layer, using materials such as plastic, metal, or composite materials.

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Additive Manufacturing:\

Additive manufacturing, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various technologies, including rapid prototyping. It refers to the process of creating objects by adding material layer by layer, rather than removing material through traditional subtractive methods. Additive manufacturing not only includes 3D printing but also other technologies such as selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), and electron beam melting (EBM).

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Differences in Process:\

One of the key differences between rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing lies in their primary processes. Rapid prototyping focuses on quickly creating physical prototypes to test and iterate designs while additive manufacturing is a more comprehensive term that covers a wider range of manufacturing techniques beyond just prototyping.

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Material Options:\

Another significant difference between the two is the material options available. Rapid prototyping commonly utilizes a wide range of plastic materials such as ABS, PLA, or nylon. On the other hand, additive manufacturing offers a broader selection of materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, and even biodegradable materials.

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Applications:\

Rapid prototyping is widely used in multiple industries, including product design, engineering, and medical fields, as it allows for quick and cost-effective production of prototypes for testing and validation purposes. Additive manufacturing, with its diverse range of technologies and material options, has expanded its applications to include the production of functional end-use parts, customized products, and complex geometric designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods.

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Advantages and Limitations:\

Rapid prototyping offers the advantage of speed, enabling faster design iterations and reduced time to market. It also allows for cost-effective production of prototypes and easy design modifications. However, it may have limitations in terms of dimensional accuracy and part strength. Additive manufacturing provides the advantage of producing complex geometries with high precision. It also offers the freedom to customize and optimize designs for specific applications. However, it may be slower and more expensive than traditional manufacturing methods for larger-scale production.

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Conclusion:\

In conclusion, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing are two terms that are often used interchangeably but represent different processes within the field of manufacturing. Rapid prototyping primarily focuses on quickly producing physical prototypes for testing and design validation, mientras additive manufacturing encompasses a broader range of technologies and materials. These differences in process, material options, and applications make both rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing valuable tools in various industries, each with its own distinct advantages and limitations.

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difference between rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing

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.

  • No MOQ required
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  • 24/7 engineering support

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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About Us

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 Service Application

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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.