Rapid Prototype Blog

Kaaks:

Stereolithography is a process used to take virtual 3D designs, generated using 3D CAD software, and from them produce physical 3D objects known as SLA models.
These SLA’s can have a number of uses:
They can be used to perform physical fit & function evaluation of new assembly designs.
They can be ‘finished’ (lightly sanded) to a high quality surface finish, then painted. The finished parts can be handed to prospective customers to demonstrate new designs, or be photographed and included in promotional material.
They can be used by motorsport teams to make scale models for testing aerodynamics in wind tunnels etc.
The SLA models them self are very expensive when compared to a mass produced Injection moulded part. But their use can save a company far more money, in the long term, for example:
Highlighting design errors before any mass production tooling is made. Tooling mod’s are expensive time consuming
By winning new customers because an SLA model can allow them to visualise a prodct gain confidence in it before any investment in tooling has been made.
Allowing designers to evaluate various new concepts and discard the bad ideas & develop the good ones.
The main advantage of stereolithography is that allows you to get your products to market faster.