In recent years, 3D printing has transformed the manufacturing landscape by providing innovative solutions to the problem of producing complex and durable components without high costs and lead times. Now, carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS) is redefining the production of high-resolution parts with engineering-grade mechanical properties and medical certification.
So, what are the advantages of using carbon 3D prototypes to meet different manufacturing needs?
1. Accommodating Complex Geometries
Carbon 3D is particularly well-suited for parts with uniform wall sections and minimal differential thicknesses within each part. This allows designers to create intricate designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods, thereby expanding the possibilities for innovation in product development.
2. Superior Material Properties
The carbon 3D printing process utilises engineering-grade materials that replicate the characteristics of traditional injection-moulded plastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, and TPU. The result is the production of robust and durable resin prototypes with exceptional mechanical properties, looks-like finishes, and resolution that aims to replicate traditional injection moulded material characteristics. These materials undergo a secondary thermal curing stage, creating a molecular structure that enhances strength in all directions, ensuring the prototypes can withstand rigorous testing and real-world applications.
3. Quicker Production Times
A significant advantage of carbon 3D printing is its ability to shorten production times. For example, the DLS process uses a photochemical technique that cures liquid resin into solid parts using UV light, eliminating the need for traditional tooling. As well as accelerating prototyping and production times, this also reduces the costs associated with tool creation and maintenance. Thanks to its exceptional efficiency, carbon 3D printing enables manufacturers to expedite the prototyping phase and quickly move to production, thereby improving their responsiveness to market demands.
4. Greater Flexibility For Complex Assemblies
Carbon 3D technology offers unparalleled design flexibility, making it ideal for components with complex geometries that are considered difficult or impossible to mould using conventional techniques. With greater freedom, designers can consolidate multiple parts into a single component, reducing assembly and potential product failures. Consequently, the manufacturing process will be simpler and the reliability and performance of the final product greater.
5. Versatility In Production Volumes
While carbon 3D printing is adept at handling both small-scale and high-volume productions, it is particularly advantageous for low-volume manufacturing runs, making it an excellent choice for customised parts or limited-edition products. Unlike large-scale production, carbon 3D printing is not constrained by financial and time investments. However, for one-off prototypes, alternative methods might be more cost-effective unless the specific material properties offered by this method provide distinct advantages for the application.
Find Out More
We, Complete Fabrication, are a company offering carbon 3d solutions which support low product start-up costs and a rapid time to market, giving manufacturers greater control of their product development and increased versatility to meet their customers’ needs.
For more information, simply sign up for our mailing list today!
