Rapid prototyping with 3D Print

Rapid prototyping, or in Danish “Hurtig prototyping” or 3D prototyping, is not just limited to 3D printing. The process refers to iteration or incremental innovation through a design by quickly manufacturing physical prototypes and making minor changes at each step to improve it.

Traditional prototype techniques require weeks or even months to produce each iteration. 3D printing doesn’t. One of the most significant advantages of 3D prototyping is the speed at which they can be produced and the extremely low costs compared to traditional prototype development methods.

We fundamentally believe that 3D printing is the best solution for developing prototypes. When you need to develop your project and prototype in 3D printing, we have access to a wide range of efficient 3D printing materials and printers. From very affordable and faster solutions to more advanced prototypes of such high quality that in many cases, they can be taken directly from 3D printing for use.

If you’re considering buying a printer yourself, PC Mac has produced a good guide to printers in 2023, which you can read here.

We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the most popular filaments, which you can read here.

3D Prototype – We 3D model and print your idea

If you don’t have the courage, time, or desire to immerse yourself in the world of 3D printing, we at 3D Actions are available with all our best advice throughout the process. From design and development of the 3D model for prototypes, choosing 3D print materials, to the actual 3D printing.

You’re always welcome to upload your own 3D model on our website or contact us regarding your prototype and your thoughts, send an email or call 53 56 4400. We provide advice from the initial idea to the final 3D production.

If you still want to know more, we have written this guide for you about the many advantages of 3D printing.

Can 3D printers produce prototypes?

Yes, they can – and 3D printed prototypes are much more cost-effective and far quicker to produce than with traditional methods. If you ask us at 3D Actions, functional rapid prototyping is a part of the 3D printing future.

By using 3D printing to develop functional prototypes, compared to traditional methods, you can:

• Get started faster
• Get started more affordably
• Test performance and design early in the development phase
• Develop, refine, and perfect your prototype – at a pace you didn’t think possible
• Incremental development – refine each step from functional prototype to the next
• Go into production with full confidence and knowledge of your product

Why is 3D print rapid prototyping faster than traditional prototype manufacturing?
3D Rapid prototyping is faster because you get more speed for a cheaper price. For small to medium-sized projects, 3D printing is already faster today than many traditional manufacturing methods – and the development is rapid. This is true both in the evolution of 3D printers and the materials used for 3D printing.

Just think about the time it takes to create the tooling for injection moulds and castings with traditional manufacturing. The progress is significant, and we’re looking into a future where 3D printing can replace most of the production methods we use and know today.

Why is 3D printing the future?

3D printing, or additive manufacturing and incremental production, has the potential to democratise the production of goods. From food to medical supplies or large coral reefs. In the future, 3D printing machines can find their way into homes, businesses, disaster-stricken areas, and even outer space.

Which materials should you choose to 3D print your prototypes?
There are several materials to choose from such as: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PC etc. – each has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of price, elasticity, strength, and use. There are many well-known 3D printing materials to choose from, and new ones are constantly being introduced.

Here you can read our guide on using filaments for 3D printing and an overview of PLA (Polylactic Acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PETG/PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), Nylon, and PC (Polycarbonate).

Benefits of 3D printed prototypes

3D printing offers you more freedom than any other manufacturing technique. Because the model is created in 3D from a digital 3D model using 3D modelling software, you can easily create any designs you want, from the simplest to the most intricate. It’s possible to start any project from scratch, get a good visualisation, and adjust your 3D model whenever you wish.

Thanks to 3D printing, you can bring your 3D model to life by printing it to create a prototype or even a final product. Specifically, 3D printing is incredibly practical and fast since you don’t need to create a whole new mould for each iteration of your project.

3D Actions can guide you through the different iterations, ensuring that your 3D prototype matches your expectations for the final product. Contact us today to learn more.

Save money by 3D printing your prototype

As described in this article, 3D printing, compared to traditional manufacturing techniques, is extremely cost-effective. When using 3D printing, you don’t need to create a mould to get your prototypes and subsequent model.

3D printing assists you and your business in going directly to the result and advancing in the process – start your project today.

Save Time with 3D Printed Prototypes

With 3D printing, you can make as many iterations as you need – that’s why it’s called rapid prototyping in English, which directly translates to: Faster prototypes. The process is quicker because, instead of creating or moulding a form and waiting for the entire injection moulding process, the slower steps are skipped with rapid prototyping. 3D printing is perfect for quick prototyping and can help you accelerate your entire product development.

Test with Functional 3D Prototypes

As described here and in our guide, there are many different 3D printing materials available. By uploading your 3D model to 3D Actions online, you can directly utilise our 3D printing service. We also have access to highly advanced materials and are happy to advise on choices. It’s essential to choose correctly between production-adapted materials and those tailored for a 3D prototype, which we can assist with!

If you don’t have access to create your own 3D model, you can contact us here, and we’ll handle that part of the process for you. In fact, if you need to run tests, these materials will allow you to make the most of the impressive properties to produce advanced functional prototypes.

Order 3D Printed Prototypes from 3D actions

The process is simple: If you have your own 3D model, just upload your 3D file to our non-binding online price calculator, and you’ll get a price instantly!

If you don’t have a model, we can offer both design and development.

Questions or Comments on Prototypes and 3D Printing?

If you have questions or are unsure about how to start working with 3D prototyping or rapid prototyping, or if you’d like to learn more about how to get started using 3D printing in your own 3D process, you can contact us directly by email or phone.

If your primary interest is in 3D printing of custom miniatures or minis for your own tabletop role-playing game, D&D, Pathfinder, Warhammer 40k, or other games, you have the option to order them from us, or read our guide on miniatures here.