Getting a product to market, in the shortest time possible, is becoming increasingly more important, due in no small measure, to the worldwide pressure, resulting from countries with a low labour cost. Not only is it crucial to shorten the time, but it is vital to reduce or eliminate costly design errors.
Companies worldwide are discovering the benefits of using physical 3D models in their design and pre-production stages. Physical 3D models can be very quickly and accurately produced using your own CAD files. The models can be modular, so that you can determine how all the various componentry will fit together and whether there are any assembly issues that need addressing.
The amount of detail shown in the model can be varied, according to what decisions are required. This can vary from a simple mass model, to show the overall look of the product, through to a detailed physical 3D model of the finished product, with all the detail, including the proposed colour scheme being shown.
Physical 3D models are very accurate as they are produced directly from your CAD files, so they are essentially your 2D drawings, produced in a physical 3D format.
In any project, speed is an essential element and physical 3D models can play their part in helping to shorten the time to market. Your model or models can be produced in as little as 1 to 2 weeks, so you can produce a model at different stages of the preliminary design stages. The extra costs of producing multiple models will be more than offset by the improved and faster decision making by all parties. Overseas designers have reported that they have compressed their design cycle by as much as 25% to 30% and saved significant amounts on their tooling costs.
Physical 3D models are built with a binding agent and the finished model is infused with an epoxy resin. This makes the model very durable and able to shipped to anywhere in the world.