Prototyping solutions
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Use your prototypes for form, fit and mechanical testings
Imagine how much money you could save by performing all your tests on a functional prototype before going to production. In fact, prototypes are indispensable and should be seen as an essential phase in the product development process.
Materialise prototypes allow you to eliminate expensive modifications to the production moulds.
We offer several technologies that allow you to test your designs thoroughly:
Selective laser sintering
Fused deposition modelling
Vacuum casting
Tooling in aluminium moulds
R.I.M.
The polyamide material allows the production of strong, durable parts that can be used for extensive functional testing. Sintered products have mechanical properties comparable to those of injection moulded PA12 parts. Typical applications are snap fits, but it is also possible to produce working hinges. Polyamide parts with glass filling are perfectly suited for lighting elements and ventilation systems or products that encounter high thermal loads.
Massive technical Laser Sintering prototypes like e.g. engine blocks can be installed in the vehicle for form and fit testings.
Parts up to 700x380x580mm containing the most complex geometries can be built in one piece, which gives them more solidity.
Read more about selective laser sintering in our technology overview on this website
Material properties are one of FDM's greatest strengths: FDM uses thermoplasts, some of which being ABS and polycarbonate. They match the properties of the intended production material. An ABS prototype has up to 80% of the strength of injection moulded ABS meaning that it is extremely suited for functional applications.
Read more about fused deposition modelling in our technology overview on this website
Vacuum casting is a copying technique typically used for the production of small series (10 to 20 copies) functional plastic prototypes.
A broad range of polyurethanes with different physical properties enables the production of prototypes to be used for functional testing under different conditions including mechanical load, thermal load and chemically aggressive environments.
Read more about vacuum casting in our technology overview on this website
Aluminium tooling is a fast and cost-effective method generating production quality components in drastically reduced lead-times.
The technology allows Materialise to offer prototype tools in no time.
As delivery times can take up to 16 weeks and more, traditional tool making remains one of the slowest and most expensive steps in the injection moulding business. Consequently, only the more conservative ideas could ever make it to the market, because the smallest of mistakes or issues can be very costly. Aluminium tooling allows a designer to experiment more and to launch ingenious and daring products. By using aluminium mould tools, you can have your fully functional prototype in the production material in no time and moreover, there is no need to worry about unnecessary costs...
Read more about injection mould tooling in our technology overview on this website
Since R.I.M. is the ideal solution for small series of large components, it is mostly used by the car industry.
The automotive business is very demanding and requires the highest quality and fastest lead times for its prototypes.
R.I.M. delivers models (quantities from 10 to 2000) in less than 3 weeks, which can immediately be set into action for the first road tests.
Read more about injection moulding in our technology overview on this website