| A 3D printer is a type of rapid prototyping machine. It | | | | prototyping system. Just replacing a laser in a STL |
| creates 3-dimensional model that closely emulate the | | | | machine can cost $20,000, and filling a big container |
| appearance, feel and functionality of prototypes layer | | | | with photo polymer can easily cost more than $50,000. |
| by layer from StereoLithography (STL) data. Objects | | | | It is not as accurate as other types created. |
| are carefully built up inside the printer as thin layers, one | | | | Rapid prototyping machines are more accurate thus |
| on the other to build a working model. Although it has | | | | produce better output than 3D printers. But like I said |
| poor resolution compared to traditional rapid | | | | before, the difference is not that huge. The specs are |
| prototyping machines, nevertheless the difference is | | | | very similar for like-sized parts. |
| not that huge and it is much faster, more affordable | | | | It has limited material choices. |
| and easy to use. This technology is frequently used in | | | | 3D printers do not provide the same variety of |
| aerospace, architecture, automotive, footwear, | | | | materials as RP machines. But it is possible to make |
| industrial design, jewelry, dental and medical industries. | | | | sufficiently functional parts for many applications, and |
| Here are some agreed-upon characteristics of 3D | | | | the materials available are definitely appropriate for |
| printers in comparison with traditional rapid prototyping | | | | concept modeling. |
| (RP) machines: | | | | Advantages of using 3D printing technology |
| It is portable. | | | | - Create prototypes that are realistic and closely |
| 3D printers are small and compact thus they can be | | | | emulate the properties of target design. |
| used in an office environment. Most of it is limited to | | | | - Identify design errors in advance. This will give you |
| parts that will fit approximately in a cube 8 inches on a | | | | ample time to refine your designs. |
| side. On the other hand, rapid prototyping machines | | | | - You can immediately get feedback from your client. |
| provide a build chamber no less than 10 inches on a | | | | - Save time and cost by getting rid of designing, printing |
| side. Thus, RP machines are larger, always | | | | and gluing together separate parts made with different |
| free-standing, and often consume more electric power. | | | | materials in order to build a complete model. |
| It is easy to use. | | | | Lately, 3D printers have become financially accessible |
| Because 3D printers have smaller part size, they entail | | | | to small and medium sized business. The advent of |
| much less or even no training at all compared to RP | | | | Do-It-Yourself and open source 3D printers made it |
| machines. But simplicity comes at the expense of | | | | even more accessible to the public. These are easy to |
| flexibility. Unlike rapid prototyping machines, you may | | | | setup printers that cost less than $5,000 or even as |
| not be able to adjust or select many build parameters, | | | | low as $400. All you have to do is buy the kit which |
| or change them on the fly. | | | | usually consists of the hardware and the software |
| It is cheaper in price and maintenance cost. | | | | (sometimes this is free) part. You also need to have a |
| Including material, system maintenance, machine | | | | step motor, power supply, sliding rails, rollers and printer |
| depreciation, and labor, rapid prototyping machines can | | | | (if you can find used ones but still working, the better, |
| costs twice as much as 3D printers. These days, 3D | | | | otherwise you will have to buy one). |
| printers cost as low as $10,000 up to $25,000 | | | | The reasons for using a 3D printer are basically the |
| compared to other rapid prototyping machines that | | | | same as for using other rapid prototyping machines: to |
| cost at least $60,000. You can expect to spend | | | | verify and validate a design; to share information |
| hundreds to a few thousand dollars per year to | | | | across distances; to create prototype and all other |
| maintain a 3D printer, but it costs several more | | | | such functions. Only now you can afford to do it. |
| thousands of dollars each year to maintain a rapid | | | | |
