Square holes? No Problem!
The limitations of standard machining have limited product design for years. Geometry that has been historically difficult or impossible to build; like holes that change direction or an unrealistic overhang or square interior cavities, is possible and actually simple to construct with 3D printing. One of the latest shifts in product development is the impact of 3D printing on rapid prototyping. 3D printing allows ideas to develop faster than ever, shrinking the process from what might have been months to a matter of days, many times at the fraction of the cost of traditional tooling. Printing a production ready prototype is a way to save money, mitigate risk, and test ideas quickly which can lead to better products and less expensive dead ends.
At our April Open Door Meeting, Justin Smart will present options for prototype development, with a focus on the advantages of 3D printing for prototype design as well as for manufacturing end use parts for low to medium production levels.
