Machining, 3D Printing, and Injection Molding: Which is right for your prototype?
In the medical device industry, before a product is realized, there are generally multiple prototypes made. This can get very expensive. With the technology of 3D printing becoming more and more available how do you know if that's what you want to use for your prototype? Should you have it machined? What about injection molding? What’s the most cost effective? What will get to you faster? Today I will discuss the pros and cons of all 3 methods. First of all let’s look at 3D printing. 3D printing is explained as such: “ The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. ”. There are obvious pros to this. Making only a couple of pieces is relatively cheap. ...