Sourced: Prototyping Services

For all of you aspiring inventors and product designers out there, here's some info on how to make your dreams a reality. Using rapid prototyping services, you can order a tangible example of your brilliant idea, often in less than a week.

Rapid Prototyping (RP) refers to a range of automated, high tech processes used to create a physical model, directly from your computer's virtual model (you will need a CAD program file). There are currently many prototyping methods being explored for a wide range of applications; for the sake of convenience I'll stick to those most commonly used and available in China.

CNC (Computer Numeric Control)
A common and cost effective process is CNC machining. This is a reductive process, meaning your prototype would be made removing material from the outside to create the desired form. Because it is a reductive process, it's not the best choice for automated hollow part production. Any material that can be machined (milled, sawed, drilled, etc) can be used in the CNC process: nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, brass, stainless steel, and more.



SLA (Stereolithography)
This was the first process developed and is still the most widely used today. It's a simple process using a laser to cure resin, layer by layer, resulting in a hardened plastic prototype. The results are less accurate than newer methods, but sufficient for most prototyping projects. If cost is a deciding factor, look into SLA; it’s a very inexpensive process.

SLS (Stereo Laser Sintering)
Similar to SLA but with a much larger variety of materials available, including plastic, metal, glass, or even ceramic. Essentially a laser is used to fuse a powdered substrate, layer by layer, creating a solid part out of the powder material.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Another popular process is FDM. It uses a machine similar to your desktop printer, except that it prints with a thermoplastic (liquid when it’s hot, hardens when it cools). Newer machines allow multiple materials to be used simultaneously, and can create highly detailed objects. Due to the speed and efficiency of these processes, a small, highly complex, fitting part can be made of strong, ABS plastic in a matter of minutes. FDM machines have advanced considerably over the last few years and are becoming the prototyping machine of choice for small to medium size businesses.



Chinese RP Service Providers
Most service providers prefer contact through Email or Skype. Email them and they'll give you a quote and turnaround time on your part. Generally they can make anything you want out of plastic or metal and get something back to you in 3-5 days (depending on its complexity). The more you order the cheaper it is; be sure to ask whether there’s a minimum order (usually around 1,000 RMB).

SunPE
Website. Email: sales@sunpe.com. Skype: ssp-sunpe. Mobile: +86 135 9088 3207 (Ms. Lulu).

RP World
Website. Email: info@rpworld.net. Tel: +86 10 8479 9100.

Acme Rapid Prototyping
Website. Email: prototype@126.com. Tel: +86 755 8148 8082 (Jacky Chen).

DIY
Of course there's always the option of going the DIY route and building your own RP machine on the cheap! Try Rep Rap or fab@home.