| Prior to 3D printing technology, prototype models were | | | | and technology were able to afford them. This |
| typically a very time consuming process. Draftsmen | | | | restricted the ability of the small to medium firms to |
| and modeling craftsman would create a 3D model out | | | | compete on bid work that required prototyping as a |
| of wood, clay, polymers, resins or other materials to | | | | specification in the contract. |
| bring an architect’s or product designer’s | | | | Fortunately, as the technology has improved, the cost |
| drawings to a live mock up. For small items, the | | | | of these 3D desktop printers has come down out of |
| prototype would be modeled to size. For large objects, | | | | the stratosphere. Smaller organizations are now able |
| such as buildings and developments, the prototype | | | | to afford this prototyping technology that enables them |
| would be drastically scaled down. | | | | to have the same competitive edge that was |
| Regardless of material and project, this was a | | | | previously enjoyed by larger firms. They are now able |
| painstakingly slow process. The advent of the 3D | | | | to emulate even the most intricate of designs with the |
| printer has enabled a prototyping capability in much | | | | same level of precision. Rapid prototyping is now a |
| less time. The technology employs the use of inkjet | | | | capability of even the smallest firms as the 3D printers |
| print heads that apply an adhesive to which | | | | are now within their budgetary expense allotments. |
| multi-layers of resin powder are distributed. An | | | | Additionally, because the 3D printing allows for creation |
| alternate methodology utilizes a fused application of | | | | of rapid prototypes of the original design, the labor cost |
| molten polymers. Many manufacturers of these 3D | | | | savings of manual modeling has been alleviated. The |
| printers offer them in either the powdered resin or | | | | savings in labor well outweighs the purchase cost of |
| melted polymer versions. | | | | the 3D printer itself. With the capability of rapid |
| Being able to replicate a design using the 3D printing | | | | prototyping of even mechanical design functions, the |
| technology is almost naturally compatible with CAD | | | | smaller organization can readily produce models for |
| (computer assisted design). Because of the ability of | | | | client presentation and review. |
| these printers to capture micro detailing, prototypes | | | | With the lowered cost of 3D printers, combined with |
| with intricate components are easily captured, printed | | | | the functionality, lowered labor costs and the ability to |
| and ready for assembly. As the technology is | | | | rapidly produce prototypes, the expense of the printing |
| continually being developed, the end results have | | | | unit itself is no longer prohibitive. Smaller companies that |
| consistently improved. | | | | have been waiting for the appropriate time to invest in |
| Previously, as with most new technological | | | | the 3D printing technology should take notice that the |
| developments, the original introduction of these 3D | | | | time for consternation is over. The purchase of a 3D |
| printers into the market was price prohibitive for most | | | | printer to enable your rapid prototyping needs is now a |
| small to medium companies. Only the larger firms | | | | business expense that is warranted to give your |
| with room in their budgets for expensive equipment | | | | company the creative design edge. |
