Difference between Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing

Posted by Marc Damman on February 29th, 2016

Rapid prototyping and 3D printing are both used for applications where you need to produce accurate parts to create an actual model of a new device. For certain applications, one may be better than the other. Rapid prototyping encompasses other manufacturing technologies and complex machinery, making it ideal for quick manufacturing of prototypes for various purposes like visual and ergonomic trials and the assessment of the device's functional performance.

3D printing pertains to the process of creating parts by joining materials per layer from a CAD file, unlike in a manufacturing process performed by a CNC machine where parts are built by subtracting material from a block material. 3D printing tends to be a more cost-effective method for producing prototypes, too, but it may be incapable of producing smaller parts. The majority of 3D printers are only able to create smaller parts that can roughly fit in a cube of about eight inches. Rapid prototyping machines can build larger parts, so you can build a larger prototype or make a model that is the actual size of the product.

Rapid prototyping can use more materials than 3D printers. Rapid prototyping machinery can handle specialty materials like metals, and 3D printers typically use plastics. Moreover, you can produce functional parts using rapid prototyping, making it suitable for concept modeling. A 3D printer may be easier and less complex to use, making it perfect for hobbyists. Professionals may prefer the more detailed results that rapid prototyping can provide.

The bottom line is that 3D printing is the simpler version of rapid prototyping, which can produce more accurate results. Hence, rapid prototyping is preferred in the computer, aircraft, and in the automotive sectors. One of the major industrial uses of rapid prototyping is building circuit board assemblies. Reputable electronic design and circuit board assembly service providers use rapid prototyping to help industrial, automotive, medical, aerospace, military, and telecommunications markets create accurate models or custom electronics for their unique needs. Companies that provide rapid prototyping services are TS 16949 and ISO 9001 certified, and they comply to ISO 13485 and AS 9100.

About the Company:

ADCO Circuits offers electronic design and circuit board assembly services to aerospace/military, telecommunications, automotive, industrial/commercial, wireless and medical equipment markets. They provide electronic designing, contract manufacturing, rapid prototyping and PCB assembly services in Michigan. They are an ISO 9001 and TS 16949 certified and compliant to AS 9100 and ISO 13485.