Designs can look entirely different on the paper as compared to how they look in 3D, in reality. When companies come up with designs for products, it can be helpful for them to see the product in a 3D model version instead of taking final decisions based on the drawing on the paper. This is one of the reasons why many foundries now offer rapid prototyping services to their clients. Rapid prototyping in metal casting simply means that the foundries do not create a mold or pattern until the prototype is approved by the client.
Here are 4 reasons why rapid prototyping can be useful in sand casting:
•One of the biggest reasons why prototyping has gained popularity in many industries is because it gives the decision makers a chance to see the design in 3D. Even if the design looked great on paper, a prototype can help them see the design in real life and decide if it matches what they had in mind. If it has some design defects, the design can be modified and a new prototype can be created to check the new design.
•Foundries do not create a mold for metal casting until the prototype is tested and approved by the client. This ensures that both the client and the foundry do not lose time and money. If a foundry does not offer rapid prototyping services and makes the pattern, it can be costly to modify the pattern. The fast turnaround time with rapid prototyping ensures that production is not delayed for a long time.
•When a prototype is shown to the client, he can make changes to the design. In fact, he can do so as many times as he wants until he is satisfied by the design. The prototype is a physical manifestation of the design and, in many ways, a true representation of how the design will look post production. It is easy to make changes to the design when the foundry offers rapid prototyping services. Most foundries now offer rapid prototyping services using latest technologies such as laser scanning, modeling, 3D printing, simulation, etc.
•Stainless steel casting is an expensive casting process. If the foundry starts production and the design defect is found at the later stages, it leads to a huge wastage of time and effort. With a prototype, the foundry can get the necessary approvals from the client to make sure that post-production the item will be exactly what they want it to be. Rapid prototyping is the best way to bring a design idea to life.
About the Company
Gamma Foundries is one of Canada’s leading sand casting companies. The foundry has been in existence since the 1950s and proudly meets the production needs of clients across the globe.