7 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Metal Prototype
Why Should We Choose Metal Prototypes for Your New Projects?
Metal Prototypes might be difficult to be produced, and typical small-batch manufacturing is simply not cost-effective. Still, prototyping manufacturing are an integral part of the process.
Sheet metal prototyping is one of the typical fast prototype fabrications which is widely used in different products. It can be manufactured into shells, bodies, brackets and other metal components. With the improvement and innovation of various sheet metal technologies, prototype companies have more suitable material options to adapt to changing trends to meet customer needs.
To understand why material selection plays an important role, you must understand certain factors before selecting materials. Such as material cost, environmental factors, material mechanical properties and its physical and chemical properties and so on.
Once you’ve delved into these factors, you can relate them to your products and goals to understand and determine which materials are best for your custom prototypes manufacture.
In addition, you should also make a prudent decisions when choosing a prototype manufacturing companies and deciding to work with it.
Here are some tips to help solve this problem:
Hardness of Metal Prototype Materials
Hardness is the ability of a metal to withstand deformation when subjected to load, impact, or wear, and it is measured in terms of a material’s resistance to scratches, bounces, and indentations. This property can be critical for rapid prototypes that can withstand load and wear. Titanium, stainless steel, cast iron, brass and bronze are some of the metals with high hardness.
Purpose and End Use of Metal Prototype
We need to have a clear goal and end use for how the product will be used. When you get to reimagine a product with a new perspective and purpose, you can come up with a different perspective that can even extend the life of the product. Therefore, it is a crucial step to consider which other parts the component will interact with. At the same time, we have to think ahead of time under what conditions the rapid sheet metal will be used.
Shapes of Metal Prototype
With technological advances in manufacturing, different materials are easy to customize. We need to think about whether the desired prototype parts needs to be customized like complex linear form or basic bending design? Learn about the properties and qualities of different materials such as stainless steel, tool steel, aluminum, copper and titanium, and identify compatible procedures and materials to determine if they will produce the expected results.
Some types of sheet metal are easier to bend than others. For example, most aluminum grades are very ductile. Therefore, Aluminum parts prototype is also very popular for prototype manufacturers china. The benefit of easily bendable sheets is that you can combine individual parts.
Special Quality of Metal Prototype
Think about the conditions that might affect the sheet metal prototypes. Because Some metals are more resistant to corrosion and can withstand elements such as water and oxidation. Also we should consider galvanic corrosion, as it can occur when dissimilar metals come into contact with each other.
Size of Metal Prototype
What is the size of the rapid prototyping you are designing? Each manufacture prototype process can produce a specific length of metal. For example, roll forming can produce parts up to 16 meters long. Therefore, please consider the size and especially length of the prototype sheet metal to determine the best material and process.
Requirements and Run lengths
You must consider the impact of initial cash flow management as well as the long-term return on investment that the material will provide. Do the calculations and see the estimated annual units you will need and whether the materials you choose will balance the return on investment.
Amortization of tooling costs will bring you the best return on investment. Therefore, you should consider this aspect before you zero out the material.
Talk to Service Providers
A reputable rapid prototype companies can review your project for free. They provide tips on choosing the best materials and workmanship, taking into account your project requirements and keeping your best interests in mind.
Therefore, it is important to obtain valuable guidance from experts and custom metal manufacturers before starting the process.
Conclusion
Want to learn more about how to choose the correct rapid prototyping for your project? Please feel free to contact us today.