Rapid Prototyping

What is a Rapid Prototyping ?

Rapid Prototyping is a fast manufacturing method that produces a model of a 3-dimensional computer aided design utilizing 3D printing technologies. Our engineers are processing your CAD-data to a physical object without detours with Nexa & Zortrax 3D printers. The relevant data interface in this process is usually STL, but our printers are working with a wide range of other data formats. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Our engineers will choose the most suitable manufacturing method from our portfolio for your desired object.

Rapid Prototyping services in UK?

As your reliable partner PLG Engineering, we are manufacturing 3D printed objects with the SLA- / FDM- / DLS- Technology with Nexa & Zortrax printers in the United Kingdom. Our office is in Nottingham, that is why we are proudly representing your 3D printing partner in the West Midlands region.

Rapid Prototyping services worldwide

Rapid Prototyping services are changing the manufacturing industry worldwide. Let us overcome the limitation of our in-house services by introducing the PLG Engineering Manufacturing Network. Our reliable partners are supporting our production capabilities with their service. Especially our predecessor Poligon Engineering, who is contributing HP’s MJF Technology, as well as other low-volume manufacturing technologies such as CNC-Machining, Silicone –/ Aluminium– and Reaction Injection– Moulding. Plus, the PLG Engineering Manufacturing Network that opens your door to conventional production methods located in other markets. Contact us directly to get the best prices for our 3D printing services.

Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing

Rapid Prototyping can be fulfilled with additive manufacturing processes (commonly 3D printing) and conventional processes such as subtractive (Milling, Grinding, Turning) or compressive (casting, compressive sintering, moulding). Consequently, Rapid Prototyping (=RP) is the general term for the manufacturing process and 3D Printing is the utilized manufacturing method.

Rapid Prototyping Companies

As a Rapid Prototyping Company in the United Kingdom, we are offering 5 different manufacturing technologies locally. With the support of our PLG Engineering Manufacturing Network, we are able to provide you all RP services with one partner. Please contact us, and our engineers will consult you with your production decision.

Rapid Prototyping & Stereolithography (SLA- or STL-Technology)

Rapid Prototyping with the SLA Technology is also known as Laser-Stereolithography (LS) or Photopolymerisation. As it implies, it is RP technology using photochemical processes. By being exposed to a moving laser beam, a viscous photopolymer is cured in layers. The printing process starts with a movable build platform, that is positioned in a reservoir filled with polymer resin. When the resin is touched by the laser, it polymerizes because the chemical monomers in the resin form cured polymers. After this process, the build platform moves one layer further and a coater deposits a new layer of resin onto the previous layer. By repeating this process, the 3D printer creates the body of a 3-dimensional object. Then, the printed product has to be removed from the resin pool and the supporting structure needs to be separated.

Theoretically, this is one of the most exact AM processes and it can produce almost any product. Thus, it serves to create developing prototypes, medical models, computer hardware or other applications with excellent surface finish.

Rapid Prototyping & Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM-Technology)

Rapid Prototyping with the FDM Technology is also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) or Fused Layer Manufacturing (FLM). It is a 3D printing process with continuous filament of a thermoplastic material. The extrusion head conveys striped plastic raw material. Then, the material is heated until it melts. The computer-controlled extrusion head forms the first layer of the component by pouring the material in drops on the build platform. The head moves in two dimensions while depositing a horizontal and the build platform moves vertically to begin a new layer. When manufacturing overhangs, the printer forms a separate support structure, that has to be removed from the part after completion.

Rapid Prototyping is one of the most widespread 3D printing processes and mostly found in affordable end-user printers. As a local re-seller of Zortrax 3D printers, we are experienced in setting up and using all machines in the UK. Contact us for a professional consulting

Production & Selective Laser Sintering (SLS-Technology)

Rapid Prototyping with the SLS Technology is also known as Laser Sintering (LS). It is an additive manufacturing process that uses computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software and a laser beam to sinter powdered material. The build chamber is heated below the fusion temperature of the material and filled with inert-gas, creating the perfect atmosphere for the production process. Then, a coater spreads a layer of polymer powder on the build platform. The layer scanner system exposes all relevant component cross-sections to light, thus sintering the powder. Afterwards, the platform moves by the thickness of a layer and the process repeats itself.

After the creation of the object, it needs to be cooled down in a controlled manner to minimize any warping. Our engineers are experienced with all technologies and happy to help you selecting the most suitable production process.

Rapid Prototyping & Multi-Jet-Fusion (MJF-Technology)

The MJF Technology is also known as Multijet Modeling (MJM). It is an additive manufacturing process that applies tiny liquid droplets to a layer of polymer powder. It increases or suppresses the heat absorption of the powder. An integrally working infrared source melts the material accordingly and creates the shape of the 3-dimensional object.

Like in the SLS-Technology, the UV-light cures the raw monomers. The difference are the liquid droplets that are changing the heat absorption of the powder. This opens the possibility of manufacturing sharp edges in combination with high-quality surface finishes. After the creation of a thin layer, the printer repeats the process by jetting new layers that are cured with UV light until the component is completely formed.

Thanks to the photopolymer, Polyjet is able to produce tiny features and fine textures. Thus, it is the perfect choice when details in surface finish are most relevant. Contact us or our predecessor Poligon for any information about HP’s Multijet-Fusion.

Rapid Prototyping & Selective Laser Melting (SLM-Technology)

The SLM Technology is also known as Laser Metal Fusion (LMF-Techn.) or Laser Beam Melting (LBM-Techn.). It is a Rapid Prototyping Technology (for metal parts) that is similar to the SLS Technology. This additive manufacturing technique creates highly complex parts directly from 3D CAD data. The software on the computer slices the 3D data into thin 2D slices. Each of these sections will act like a blueprint for the SLM-machine. Inside, the high precision laser is conducted to metal powder particles to create thin horizontal 2D metal layers. For overhangs, a removable metallic support structure is required. This process is reserved for materials such as Titanium, steel, cobalt-chrome, inconel and aluminium. A variety of functional metals are available to print components, from prototypes to low-volume production series of up to 20000 units. SLM is the perfect choice for durable and functional metal-prototypes.

Rapid Prototyping Applications

Concept modelling applications

Rapid Prototyping processes a solid model of a designed project within a few hours to hold the design in your hand. Thus, it provides an opportunity to analyze the concept model and start marketing efforts before mass-production started.

Functionality applications

Through Rapid Prototyping you can test the design’s functional properties. The prototype consisting of equal material can be checked mechanically with crash or pull tests, as well as chemically. Testing before the actual mass production minimizes your company’s risk of failure.

Production supportive element applications

Rapid Prototyping generally produces supporting parts for assembly processes. It opens the possibility of producing individualized objects. Thus, we can manufacture your parts faster and more economically compared to conventional methods.

Last user part applications

Rapid Prototyping helps you to create individualized custom order productions in lower units for a reasonable price. This application helps your company to produce fast and without molding-investment.

We offer customized solutions to help your business grow and achieve its goals.

We not only care about your business but also your dreams. That’s why we do our best to work together and turn your ideas into reality.

Advantages of Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping saves time & money.
Explore projects quickly on a physical level.
Communicate projects effectively with clients & customers.
3D printing opens the possibility of producing complex parts at once.
Prevent mistakes in design and functionality.

Important Factors of Rapid Prototyping

In some cases, costs per unit might be higher than using conventional methods.
Some applications cannot be realized with the original material.
RP might reveal hidden problems before the serial production.