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Traditionally, wind tunnel models are CNC milled from aluminum or steel, and take long time to fabricate. In their work “Low-speed wind tunnel testing” (considered as an essential guide in wind tunnel design) the authors quote tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars as typical cost for such models.
SLA is recognised by many in the design industry as the preferred method for Rapid Prototyping. However, times change and 3D Printing technology is now as good as, if not superior to, SLA.
At present, many companies choose to outsource their rapid prototyping to outside bureaus. This means that there is no capital expenditure required for in-house RP systems and that prototypes can be produced as and when required.
by Dr Phil Reeves – Principle Consultant, Econolyst Limited
We all take for granted the 3D solid modelling software on our desktops, and the ability to print quality rendered images whenever we want them at the touch of a button. However, it wasn’t so long ago that 3D CAD and colour printing was the preserve of only the largest corporations, with access to mainframe computers and powerful workstation. These organisations were also the early adopters of the digital model making technology that we now know as Rapid Prototyping (RP).
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“Having Objet internally is a big bonus. External prototyping of parts takes three days, but now I have my solution within one day. The ability to do ‘unofficial prints’ – when we spontaneously send a print for design – has changed the entire process flow of our product design.”