Plastic Prototypes – Just like the real thing

Rapid prototypes that work Rutland Plastics has an Objet Connex 350 one of the world's only 3D printers able to combine different materials within a single 3D model. You receive plastic prototypes as close as you can get to the final manufactured product. Material Possibilities By combining two standard materials in varying proportions it is possible to offer a choice of 123 different materials made up of both standard and composite materials. Materials that simulate polypropylene, ABS, transparent (similar to acrylic), high temperature (thermal resistance up to 90C with high impact) and a wide range of rubber-like materials from Shore 40A to 95A are all available. The final prototypes can be painted, drilled, machined and even chrome-plated. The main advantages of this process are: Different materials within one model eliminating the need to print separate parts using different materials and then assemble them. Create greyscales and tones. This also means it is possible to simulate printed text and signs on a model. Combine rigid with rubber-like material. It is possible to simulate over-moulded and two-shot injection moulded parts in a single build. Applications The prototypes that Rutland Plastics produces are suitable for full testing, not only cutting time-to-market but also reducing the risk of making costly alterations to a mould tool at a later date. Low volume production. The high resolution 3D print process can be an economically viable method of producing small numbers of parts. Also under development is the printing of mould tool cavities. This could be a more cost effective approach than traditional tooling when a part is to be produced in 10's rather than much larger quantities. Rutland Plastics Ltd Tel: 01572 723476 email: enquiry@rutlandplastics.co.uk www.plasticprototypes.co.uk