You need to 3D print an industrial design prototype. How can you ensure it meets your standards?

In the development phase I will use our in-house resin printer to test and mock up the concept . Once I’m close to the final design I will out source the prototypes to an external supplier who have a far superior machine ensuring accuracy in a material close to specified production material.

I found this to be a very interesting question to respond to. The six postings on this topic have all been spot-on. The steps in these six postings are a set of work instructions on how to produce high-quality/high-tolerance 3D printed parts. If there is anything I could add, I would simply say after performing the six steps which is how I performed work, is that I tend to be a little finicky about cleanliness and printers. My team and I kept the work areas virtually spotless, trying to set the best example possible. That's my only contribution, as again, I think I'm in lockstep with all of the 6 categories

This is one of the most important to take into consideration before going into 3D printing. Knowledge about 3D print technology will help for decision

In the early stage of prototypes , designer / engineer/ maker , should try to consider what are the things that they want to validate as early as possible such as general dimensioning and tolerance ,in this case it is influenced by certain aspects such as how fast/ how easy is it to retrieve their prototype from the 3D printer , and just like any other manufacturing machine, what are the preventive measure to protect them selves from harm. By doing so , makers would then know which printer would be suitable for their specific case.

I think this is a good high level explanation of how and why to 3D print your designs during the evaluation process. So to stay basic If I'd add one more as #7: If none of your in house equipment can deliver on the ultimate needs of the model or part, linking with a reputable AM service bureau can help get you access to technologies you perhaps do not have or cannot afford yet, have 3D scanning, geometric or topology optimization software, metal printing that commands special training, and unique finishing options that may also demand special equipment. While this option may cost more than in-house at the time, it may speed the design to reality, especially if the end part may be considered for AM manufacturing instead of traditional means.

I strongly suggest using software to verify that you have adequately supported your workpiece. For all print, but especially resin prints, orientation of your print is huge consideration as well. Thinking about drainage and ways to prevent trapping liquid resin is crucial to the success of a print.

Besides, like in the choice of 3D print method of material; once we decide to use the 3D prints method like SLA, FDM, SLS, ... there are some parameters that we needs from these 3D printers to our design especially printing precision that we will add for tolerances and games for an assembly for example. It will help, to get an accurate 3D product more accurately

Paying special attention to overhangs and small features is key when designing for 3D printing. Also, taking into account your infill and wall settings while printing can help strengthen critical areas. Finally, take into account your stress points and which direction your layers are being printed. Prints are more likely to crack between layers than across them.

Ensure a seamless 3D printing process by fine-tuning your design to address potential issues like warping and overhangs, utilizing CAD tools or slicers, and verifying compatibility through platforms like Shapeways or Sculpteo.

For quick prototypes of parts, I usually have a less focused post processing routine. I check the overall size, and look for ways to optimize for the next iteration. My general assumption is that I will need to dial in my setup for each specific printing job, so I expect to run a few tests to get my settings just right.

Test printing, especially for a new printer is very important. We should know also properly the printer if we own one. Accuracy also depending on how the 3D printers have been maintained. 3D printer maintenance should be done because 500h prints are totally different from 48h prints

Additionally, regularly maintain your 3D printer, ensuring optimal performance, and consider experimenting with different printing parameters to fine-tune the settings for improved precision and quality in your prototypes.

Additionally, explore experimenting with different finishing methods and coatings to achieve the desired surface texture and durability for your prototype, ensuring a polished and professional final product.

Furthermore, seek feedback from potential users or stakeholders to gain valuable insights, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process that goes beyond your own assessment, and use iterative testing to refine your design for optimal performance and user satisfaction.

Furthermore, seek feedback from potential users or stakeholders to gain valuable insights, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process that goes beyond your own assessment, and use iterative testing to refine your design for optimal performance and user satisfaction.

Having knowledge in 3D printers technology, and materials for 3D printing are one of the basic knowledge to be enhanced if we plan to use 3D printers for prototype even if for production. Being familiar with, usign it frequently help in mastering it.

In my experience with 3D printing projects, when printing a piece for the first time, it is crucial to review both the material and the machine tolerance to avoid surprises with the final dimensions. It's also important to note that for designs requiring structural support, I recommend conducting a stress analysis with the selected material to ensure it meets design requirements before printing. Personally, ABS has proven effective in situations requiring strength, despite affecting detail quality in some printers. For designs emphasizing aesthetics, PLA is an excellent choice.