At OhmniLabs we like to try different ways of prototyping to help us move faster with testing and developing new products. 3D printing has always been our top mean for prototyping and production. On the other hand, thermoforming is a common manufacturing process that we want to test and see if it is suitable for our prototyping needs. Thermoforming appears in everyday products including packaging, trays, bins, and disposable cups due to its aesthetic flexibility to form very organic shapes. Hobbyists like to prototype using vacuum forming machines, a simplified version of thermoforming, because they can replicate complex shapes at a much lower cost compared to other processes. While the market price of a vacuum forming machine is around $2,500, we believed we could build our own with a $300 budget.
(Image source: Autodesk)
The biggest misconception for 3D printing is that anyone can easily design parts and print them instantly. Even with recent advances in consumer level 3D printing, 3D printing has yet to allow anyone to print parts without already having experience or spending the time to learn about the process. This guide breaks down the essentials on how to design parts, if you are new to 3D printing or are struggling to achieve good results.
1. 3D Printing Is Super Fast
(Image source: NewPro3D)
3D printing objects has become faster in recent years and there are several companies working on 3D printers which make parts in minutes rather than hours. Compared to traditional high-volume manufacturing methods such as injection molding or casting, 3D printing is relatively slow on a part production rate basis.Since 3D printers work layer-by-layer with filaments, powders, or resins, they tend to take hours to produce single parts.
Do you hate how long it takes for your 3D printer heated bed to reach temperature? Want to save on energy costs of your 3D printer? Add insulation to your heated bed! We have tested a few common and inexpensive materials that can be used as 3D printer heated bed insulation. Insulation not only saves you time and money but will improve the consistency of your heated bed surface.
Additive manufacturing using commercially available 3D printers gives us the ability to quickly produce and iterate our designs. Since we are using these end use products, it is critical to understand the consequences of using such machines and associated materials. This week, we focused on understanding the effect temperature has on two types of common 3D printer filaments, PLA and PETG.