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Rapid Prototyping using 3D Printing
Rapid prototyping is a process by which you can quickly create a scale model of your new product using additive manufacturing. You can then use this scale model to explore and test the functionality of your proposed product, ensuring that it behaves as you expect. Over consecutive iterations, you can refine the product’s performance and appearance. 3D printing allows you to prototype quickly, which in turn brings the product to market faster. Through our fast turnaround 3D printing service, you can often have multiple iterations of your product manufactured within the same week.
Examples of 3D Printed Prototypes
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Functional Prototypes
With functional prototyping, you can test different designs for your product until you achieve the desired effect. Some factors to consider include model density, flexibility required, tolerances and component fit. You can test all these factors using a 3D printed prototype.
Here is an example of the multiple iterations we developed to bring The Third Thumb project to life. Multiple design and model print settings were tested before arriving at the final version of the product.
Aesthetic Prototypes
The look of your product is another important point. You can test multiple aesthetic choices quickly using 3D printed prototypes, such as colour, material and design variations.
Material Test Prototypes
With 3D printing, you can manufacture your prototype in a range of materials. As well as PLA bioplastics, we also offer 3D prints in wood, brass, copper, steel and bronze composites.
For more flexible prototypes, we offer rubber-like TPU materials with various Shore Hardness such as NinjaFlex. We can also 3D print with high durability materials like Polymax (20% stronger than ABS), and high temperature resistant materials, among others.
Strength & Durability Testing
Test the quality of your product by destroying it! We can 3D print prototypes for strength, stress, and durability testing. And don’t forget to test those tolerances to ensure a good fit.
How to Order: Our 3D Printing Process
1. Upload & Analysis
Upload 3D model(s) and our automated system will inspect and analyse them for 3D printability
We support .stl, .obj, .step (.stp), .iges (.igs), .3mf, .dxf and .zip (compressed for easier upload) up to 195 mb per file and up to 30 files max.
Note: Some 3D models may need manual review or amending before an order can be finalised. Contact us if you need conversions or mesh correction.
2. Set Preferences
Choose material, colour, resolution, density, lead time and quantity. View our portfolio.
Turnaround Times
Standard (2-3 Working Days // 5pm Cut-Off)
Express (1-2 Working Days // 3pm Cut-Off)
Weekend (Premium // 5pm Friday Cut-Off).
Delivery
Free Royal Mail Tracked 24® Delivery with all orders. We also offer Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm® and Motorcycle Courier within London.
3. Cost
Our ordering system will generate an exact price per model based on your preferences.
Tip: You can amend your preferences which will re-calculate the cost in real-time. Note: Any discounts on your account will be applied at checkout.
4. Checkout
You can pay securely online using credit/debit cards. If requested in advance we can also accept Purchase Orders and Bank Transfers for larger purchases. All orders come with a VAT invoice.
5. Production
On receipt of payment, your order will enter production and we will keep you updated on the order progress.
Note: If there are any particular issues with your order we will contact you to discuss.
6. Receive
You order will be shipped out once its completed 3D Printing. A tracking code will be emailed to you. All parcels are sent tracked.
By submitting 3D Content through Email or via our Website, the User grants Champion 3D a non-exclusive, royalty free worldwide non-transferable license (i) to review the 3D Content on the basis of technical specifications (including but not limited to checking for any technical errors); and (ii) to use the 3D Content for the manufacturing of the 3D Print in order for Champion 3D to fulfil the Order placed by the User.
Common Materials for Prototyping
PLA
PLA (Polylactic acid) is a non-toxic biodegradable plant-based bioplastic. Strong, durable and versatile, it is available in a vast array of colours. It produces an excellent surface finish and is perfect for architectural 3D prints. We use only Premium PLA from ColorFabb (Netherlands) and Filamentive (UK).
PolyMax™
PolyMax™ is an advanced 3D printing filament produced with Polymaker’s Nano-reinforcement technology, to deliver exceptional mechanical properties and printing quality. PolyMax™ is 20% stronger than ABS and is a far greater material.
NinjaFlex (TPU)
NinjaFlex Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a rubber-like flexible, abrasion resistant thermoplastic, that is used in a number of manufacturing processes for both consumer and industrial use. In certain blends it can become very soft, but TPU material offers many benefits and features.
Popular Colours for Prototyping
Black or Matte Black
White or Matte White
Light Grey
Blue
Yellow
Red
And many more...
Some of our clients
