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When comparing the kinds of molding and machine press equipment to use be it stereolithgraphy, Rapid Prototyping or injection molding it is best to comprehent what prototypes are considered necessary and then locate the service providers that make use of each of them for prototype requirements that fit time and resources that is on hand.
In Rapid Prototyping the manner of manufacturing is computer based with laser utilization in tandem with the belief of What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). This fundamentally means that the shortened form of the prototype is as closely represented as possible to create the finished product. An Auto cad laser beam with keyboard computer controls allows an operator or editor to create the prototype.
Injection molding is the more usual technique which uses a machine molding cavity with a heating element and loaded with plastic crystals, introduces the hot plastic liquid into the mold cavity to cause to be the part of prototype shape. These are two processes used for manufacturing tools, parts and probably entire door molds for automobiles. There is one more procedure that is correlated to these two identified as.
The process of stereolithgraphy differs from Rapid Prototyping and injection molding in that is uses UV laser beams to do a layer additive process through the chemical chain reaction principle of polymerization. A UV curable liquid polymer resin is used to start the process and once it begins it must be controlled with a computer stop the reaction in the appropriate place and to get the shape required for the prototype. The 3 - D manufacturing process has been used for some time and is affordable for engineering processes needed to create parts.
Injection molding is however a more cost-effective method to create and manufacture prototypes and parts regardless of being a method that is mechanical in process. The part is made by pressure averaging 4-5 tons per square inch of the mold. The size and weight of an injection molding machine can vary from 5 tons to 6000 tons. These types of molding machines have been in the industry since their fabrication in 1858.
One might find that the time saved using Rapid Prototyping could be cost effective in the long run since it uses similar principles as stereolithgraphy and similar processes. But it is much quicker for a need of a moderate number of prototypes for each session and can use the additive layer molding process with liquid resin, metal or powder materials to create the prototype. The expertise is the future of the trade of parts and prototype manufacturing.
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Fusion Proto Manufacturing offers full service stereolithography, injection molding and rapid prototypingservices.