Rapid Prototyping
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Rapid Prototyping Services

A common question we often get asked is : what is rapid prototyping?

 

Rapid prototyping is a relatively new concept. Essentially, it is a process which creates prototypes quickly and cost-effectively in order to visually and functionally evaluate an engineering product design.

 

So, before a product goes into full production, you can have some physical representation to help identify any potential flaws or benefits.

 

Rapid prototyping can be used at any stage of the product development cycle and can be repeated as many times as necessary throughout the design process.

3D Rapid Prototyping

Our rapid prototyping services are made using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data.

 

Construction of the part is usually completed using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Over the last couple of decades additive manufacture has moved from a specialised activity understood by a few to a mainstream process.

 

There are many different forms of AM, including 3D printing.

 

Nordell offers 3D printing services through the Nordell Xiamen office in China, providing a quick method to evaluate a new design before manufacturing the tool.

 

3D Printing is a low-cost method of producing moulds compared to conventional techniques, offering a flexible and efficient solution, and reducing the time it takes to design and move to production. 3D printed moulds are much cheaper to make than conventional moulds, without the relatively high upfront cost however are only suitable for low to medium volume production.

 

If higher commercial volumes are forecast, we would recommend a modular tooling option or for high volume, mass production then conventional tooling is required.

 

Advantages of Rapid Prototyping

 

There are many advantages to rapid prototyping, including:

 

  • A reduced design & development time
  • It allows greater flexibility when it comes to developing and modifying customizable elements
  • Development costs can be a lot cheaper
  • Higher Ups can visualise the product a lot easier compared to digital design concepts
  • Designers can better understand the product and make more informed decisions when adapting
  • It leads to an improved and increased user involvement

 

Contact Nordell

 

To find out more about Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing, contact technicalenquiry@nordell.co.uk or fill out the form below.

Our Robust Development Process:

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Concept & Requirements

Discovery
  • Discovery meeting or project/enquiry file review, for discussion to fully understand the product application and project performance, quality, timescale and budget requirements.
  • Provisional assessment of risk or variance to expectations, with brief to customer on initial observations and recommendations for approval prior to offer.

Design for Manufacture

Investigation and Development
  • Offer & Project Commercialisation.
  • Standardise materials, colours, number of parts, Inserts and build Operations.
  • Product and Design exploration with Sector cross pollination.
  • Initial FMEA & Control Plan.
  • Project Management.
  • Report & Proposals to Client.
  • Prototype and review.

Product Tooling Design & Manufacture

Tooling and Sampling
  • Design Freeze with 2D drawings & 3D files.
  • Tool Design GA customer approval.
  • Tool Manufacture.
  • Product & Tool identification standard for asset and labelling.
  • Product ERP structure, Centre selection, Bill of Materials and route standardisation.
  • Product materials procurement.
  • Production trials scheduling.

Product & Tooling Trials

Sampling
  • Customer update.
  • Tooling and production trials.
  • T1 Sample submission.
  • Review, Tune & Development.
  • Tooling and Production Trials.
  • T2 Sample submission.
  • Sampling Review.

Product Part Approval

Verification and Validation
  • PPAP Product Part Approval Process.
  • First Article Inspection reports.
  • FMEA review.
  • Tooling Review.
  • Pilot production requirements.
  • Tooling Acceptance.

Product Approved

Industrialisation
  • Transfer to commercial teams.
  • Product can be scheduled against production requirements.
  • Delivery terms reviewed (VMI, KANBAN).
  • Review.

Complementary Rapid Prototyping Services

Product Testing

Meeting the highest specifications all the time

Find out more

Plastic Injection Moulding

24 hour production backed with a 50 year heritage.

Find out more

Modular Tooling

Lower cost options for low to medium volumes

Find out more
Interested in working together?
No matter what stage you are at in your thought process, make contact with our team today to discuss your project.
call us

Phone: +44 1903 235 765

Customer service

Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 17:30 & Friday 8.00 - 12.00

Email: customerservice@nordell.co.uk

New Business Enquiries

Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 17:30 & Friday 8.00 - 12.00

Email: enquiries@nordell.co.uk

Technical Enquiries & Design Support

Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 17:30 & Friday 8.00 - 12.00

Email: technicalenquiry@nordell.co.uk

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CONTACT US

CALL US: +44 1903 235 765
EMAIL: enquiries@nordell.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH

CONTACT US

CALL US: +44 1903 235 765
EMAIL: enquiries@nordell.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH
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