3D printing with real value in the trial production discussion

2023-12-13 11:51:40

What is a 3D printer?

It is the 1 kind of equipment that uses molten resin or powder resin to make models created by 3DCAD or 3DCG into real objects.

Advantages and disadvantages of 3D printers

The progress of 3D printers has not stopped, but there are advantages and disadvantages. Most of the shortcomings will be eliminated in the next generation of devices.

Advantages

The model of the 3D CAD design can be printed (molded) as-is.

The material can also be selected as desired.

Shapes that cannot be processed by ordinary processing methods can also be printed (formed).

Disadvantages

It is not suitable for parts that require precision and strength like mechanical parts.

The printing time is long and not suitable for mass production.

For successful printing, modeling-related know-how is required.

Advantages of 3D printers in trial production research

For projects that cannot be verified by the digital trial production inspection of 3DCAD, actual trial production is required, which can give full play to the true value of 3D printers.

① Short delivery time of trial products

In order to cope with the current trend of shortening the development cycle, the delivery time of the trial products must be shortened. Unlike normal trial products, the 3D printer can omit the creation and arrangement of drawings, and thus can obtain trial products in the shortest time.

Can provide a variety of design (shape, material differences, etc.)

Since trial errors will occur repeatedly during development, it is best to be able to use multiple design schemes for trial discussions in advance. As long as the 3D printer has a 3D CAD model, it can be printed immediately without going to the trial manufacturer to order, which can also reduce the trial production cost.

Make up for the shortcomings of 3D printers through trial production discussions.

3D printers have shortcomings such as insufficient precision and strength, but they can be compensated by additional processing. The surface of the newly printed product is very rough and cannot be used as a model sample, but it can be processed by additional processing (cutting or polishing). In some cases, it is possible to solve the strength problem by adding a reinforcing rib to the shape of the part only when the trial production is discussed. In this way, unlike quantitative products, trial products can be made in conjunction with 3D printers.

Summary

Early 3D printers were not popular at all because they were not yet at a level that could be used for design verification and mass-produced parts. However, the progress in the past 20 years has been remarkable, enabling the use of a variety of materials and achieving high dimensional accuracy. If we can solve the problems of operating costs and mass production, perhaps 3D printers can replace machine tools.