iBoske | Selecting a rapid prototype method for plastic parts

Create a Decision Tree

Jay Matthis

1

0

Follow

What is the size of your part? Small (pen cap, nose cone, etc). Large (Dymo or XACTO electronic enclosures).
How many duplicates do you need? 1-20. >20.
What will the parts be used for? Functionality or other tests where material properties are important (drop test, flex test, etc). Determine fit and assembly or functionality test where only geometry is important). Visualization only.
How fast do you need parts? 1 week or less. 2-3weeks. 3 weeks.
Soft tool injection molding (aluminum or high temp resin), CNC machining.
1 cavity injection mold (P2 Steel).
Do you have access to a bench top mold press? Yes. No.
Bench top Injection molding.
CNC Machining, FDM, PolyJet, SLS.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
SLA, PolyJet.
FDM.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
PolyJet, Cast Urethane or SLA (sanded).
FDM or SLA.
What will the parts be used for? Functionality or other tests where material properties are important (drop test, flex test, etc). Determine fit and assembly or functionality test where only geometry is important). Visualization only.
How fast do you need parts? 1 week or less. 2-3 Weeks. 3 weeks.
Soft tool injection molding (aluminum or high temp resin), CNC machining.
1 cavity injection mold (P20 Steel).
Do you have access to a bench top mold press? Yes. No.
Bench top Injection molding.
CNC Machining, FDM, PolyJet, SLS.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
Cast Urethane, PolyJet, Soft tool injection molding.
SLA.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
SLA.
FDM.
How many duplicate parts do you need? >20. 1-20.
What will the parts be used for? Functionality or other tests where material properties are important (drop test, flex test, etc). Determine fit and assembly or functionality test where only geometry is important). Visualization only.
How fast do you need parts? 1 week or less. 2-3 weeks. 3 weeks.
Soft tool injection molding, CNC Machining, FDM, PolyJet, SLS.
Soft tool injection molding , CNC machining.
1 cavity injection mold (P20 Steel).
Does the surface finish need to be smooth. Yes. No.
Cast Urethane, Soft tool injection molding, PolyJet.
SLA (sanded), PolyJet.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
PolyJet, SLA (sanded).
FDM.
What will the parts be used for? Functionality or other tests where material properties are important (drop test, flex test, etc). Determine fit and assembly or functionality test where only geometry is important). Visualization only.
How fast do you need parts. 1 week or less. 2-3 weeks. 3 weeks.
Soft tool injection molding, CNC Machining, PolyJet, SLA.
Soft tool injection molding, CNC machining.
1 cavity injection mold (P20 steel).
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
Cast Urethane, Soft tool Injection Molding, CNC machining, PolyJet.
Cast Urethane, Soft tool Injection Molding, SLS.
Does the surface finish need to be smooth? Yes. No.
Cast Urethane, CNC machining, PolyJet.
Cast Urethane, CNC Machining, SLS.