xiehe model

With the advancement of science and technology, the rapid development of CAD and CAM technology provides better technical support for the manufacture of prototype models. The popularization of CNC machining centers (CNC), engraving machines, CNC milling machines, laser forming machines and post-processing equipment has enabled the production of prototypes to be accurate and fast in the true sense.

Due to the limitations of various conditions, most of the work of the early prototype model was done by hand, which made the processing period of the prototype model long and it was difficult to strictly meet the size requirements of the appearance and structural drawings, so its appearance or structure was reasonable. 

3D printing

At present, the application of 3D printing has been very extensive, and both plastic and metal printing are available. However, because the materials of 3D printing are still to be improved, the future is a trend. At present, because 3D printing materials cannot withstand high temperature, they can only do some work to verify the structure, and the materials are too brittle. Many refined post-processing methods still need to be completed by other mechanical processing methods.

CNC (CNC machining)

The advantage of CNC machining is that it can very accurately reflect the information and material properties expressed in the drawings, and the surface quality is high, but the technical requirements are high. At present, the production of prototype models based on CNC technology has become an industry and is the mainstream of the prototype manufacturing industry. The prototype mentioned in the industrial design industry generally refers to the prototype model made by CNC machining.

The typical processing process of the prototype industry can be roughly divided into 9 processes, which are receiving drawing files, pre-analysis, CNC programming, CNC machining, manual correction, polishing and grinding, spraying and silk screen printing, manual assembly, quality inspection and delivery, etc.

Previously, more than 95% of the prototypes were formed by CNC machining, but in recent years, more and more customers choose 3D printing. Why is this so?

1. Improved prototyping speed

Prototypes are mainly used to quickly inspect product design defects, so time is critical. Shenzhen Xiehe Prototype Factory has advanced equipment guarantee, 1 minute automatic quotation, price comparison, self-service ordering, and follow-up order status at any time; more than 300 printing equipment, the fastest delivery in 24 hours.

2. Reduced labor costs

3D printing does not require experienced programming engineers like CNC machining, and does not require professional care of the equipment during the molding process, as long as the drawing file is imported for operation, and the processing time is estimated accurately. Through 3D printing, there is no need to manually clean the corners, thereby reducing labor costs, and the cost of making prototypes will naturally decrease.

Of course 3D printing isn't perfect either. The first is the limitation of materials. Unlike traditional CNC machining, ABS, PC, POM, aluminum alloy, brass, etc. are all available.

The current 3D printing materials are generally brittle, and the buckles inside the structure are easily broken after repeated assembly. Secondly, the surface finish of 3D printing is not as fine as CNC machining, usually there are layers, which need to be smoothed with sandpaper, which also increases the grinding time. At the same time, the 3D printing material is weak in high temperature resistance, and it is easy to deform when the oven temperature exceeds 50 degrees celsius.

3. Solve the difficult problem of traditional CNC machining with complex structure

In the past, parts with a slightly complex structure needed to be disassembled and processed, and then bonded with various glues. This method would firstly reduce the accuracy of the parts, and secondly, the product strength through bonding would also have a greater impact;

No matter which way the prototype is presented, early exploration and communication are very important. Only by combining the design with the mass production landing process, and doing sufficient verification and communication in the early stage, the prototype production effect can be multiplied with half the effort. Sharpening knives does not cut firewood by mistake. Pre-research is done during design and development, and it will be more realistic and reduce risks in the subsequent mass production process.

Shenzhen Xiehe Prototype Factory Industry specializes in product design, prototype, laser forming, rapid mold, parts processing, 3D printing, sheet metal, and can provide customers with one-stop service from product design to prototype verification, mold manufacturing to small batch production of products, At the same time, it can also provide customers with individual services in each link. The company has senior professional and technical personnel, advanced processing equipment, perfect quality control system, and provides customers with high-quality product production services with professional skills. Whether it is the production of structural prototype or appearance prototype, it is crucial in the process of product production and promotion. The design of the product is checked by the prototype to check whether the appearance and structural design are reasonable. It is the most intuitive way to find out the problems in the early stage. It provides a visual inspection basis for subsequent mass production and avoids the risk of direct mold opening.