Additive manufacturing (better known as 3D printing) is a modern marvel that even in its youth is changing the face of manufacturing and product development.
Why Prototypes Matter
At SPARK, our product development process is bespoke to you. We don’t require you to sign off on a lifesize prototype before moving into the production phase—but to say we highly recommend it is like an accountant saying they highly recommend tracking your expenses. Or a lumberjack highly recommending that you run that way.
ACEO 3D – Printing In Silicone
Partner Spotlight: Spectrum Metal Services
Several years ago SPARK had the opportunity to work with ADI Engineering (now Silicom Ltd.) on a project for Intel. The success of that project has led to an ongoing partnership between between SPARK and Silicom. However, that partnership may have never been possible if not for our strong relationship with Jason Jenkins and Spectrum Metal Services in Midlothian, VA.
Partner Spotlight: Applied Rapid Technologies
Your Prototypes: Proof of Concept vs Beauty Model
So, you're in inventor- an entrepreneur- and you have a hardware based product idea. Nice! You think it through and decide it's time to push yourself ahead of the crowd. You do your due diligence to select a product development firm, forming a relationship and setting up a contract. In the plans are up front prototyping and revised/educated design to follow.
3D Print Quick Tip: FDM & Threaded Inserts
When designing screw bosses for plastic injection molding, certain parameters must be taken into account such as wall thickness, coring, draft, etc. When prototyping with 3D printing, especially with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), these bosses can become finicky and delicate features to work with.