Where can I get an affordable rapid prototype made from plastics?

Question

I'm looking to have a rapid prototype made for a product I'm working on. I can't seem to locate the resources online. I'm thinking either CNC machined from plastic? Maybe one of those laser prototyping machines with the vat of liquid? Heck, even a plastic printer? Any ideas anyone!

I'm looking for a company to perform this task at an affordable rate.

Answer 1

You mean you haven’t heard about the plastic printers?
They use ink jet printing technology to lay down a series of plastic beads to form any 3D image. When heated the plastic melts slightly to join together forming any plastic shape desired, within range of the printer size of course. Then you can take the plastic prototype and use the lost wax casting method to make a metal mold for production.

The technology is being investigated to create artificially grown organs made out of the person’s own stem cells to grow the desired organ to the size and shape needed for implantation, with no chance of rejection, into the subject. The only problem is that they can’t form the tiny capillaries yet. However, it should work for you needs. Either buy the printers yourself or find a company that will do the job for you. All you need is a CAD drawing of it.

Another option is to use a printer that cuts a plastic model out of a block of plastic with a laser.

Printers:
http://www.metaltags.com/psystem.htm
http://www.architecture.yale.edu/dmonline/Equipment/abs-printer/abs3dprinter.htm
http://www.architecture.yale.edu/dmonline/Equipment/abs-printer/abs3dprinter.htm
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2524432.ece

Company to do the printing:
http://www.printplace.com/?source=AdWords&cid=General-Printing-Terms&adgrp=Plastic&advar=0&gclid=CPav2Z7y2I8CFRqwOAod9Vq36w
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/peripherals/ricoh-makes-plant+based-plastic-printer-178686.php
http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/06/06/ricoh_makes_plantbased_plastic.html

CNC or Computer Numerical Controlled Machines come in laths or mills, also routers and plasma cutters:
http://www.directindustry.com/tab/numerical-control.html
http://motion-controls.globalspec.com/Industrial-Directory/cnc_manufacturer
http://www.kdcapital.com/CNC_Machine_Tools.html
http://www.mfgquote.com/?source=adwords&keyword=Manufacturing+Supplier&gclid=CMGKpIv12I8CFTyKOAod5n5Q7g
http://www.buyerzone.com/industrial/cnc_routers/qz_questions_846.jhtml?_requestid=288991
http://www.cnc-machine-controls.com/?gclid=CNWe6Yb12I8CFQlCgQod9hZh1Q
http://www.torchmate.com/?gclid=CPON3IH12I8CFUV0OAodDQfH8w
http://www.desktopcnc.com/mfg_pages/ameritech.htm

There is also plastic injection molding: http://jankeproducts.com/new_page_3.htm?gclid=CJTi6cD12I8CFTyKOAod5n5Q7g

Answer 2

Look in the Yellow Pages for Prototype Shops.

Answer 3

We are the people who do rapid prototyping for a living.Just send us your CAD file.And we can give you a satisfactory answer.You can know more about us via:www.dadesin.com or send us an e-mial via:[e-mail]

Answer 4

Try your local university or technical college. Many of them have 3-D printing technology these days. They are usually willing to help out local inventors.

Answer 5

look for machine shops in your area, if they don't have that capability they will be able to refer you to someone that does.