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RAPID
Prototyping

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Rapid prototyping redefined:

1. Send 3D data

2. Receive an offer

3. Order parts

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maxnext – Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping

cheap & fast!

✓ Design and production in just a few days. ✓ First samples available within 24 hours ✓ 3D printing / XXL 3D printing ✓ Fully automated series production

I don't have any 3D data. Can maxnext create it?

Write us an e-mail with your idea and we will design / construct your product.

How does a rapid prototyping project work at maxnext?

It's simple: send us your 3D data and we will provide you with a suitable best price offer within a short space of time. After production, we send the finished prototypes with a tracking ID. This way, you always know where your components are.

Quality features: This is different with us!

In short:

Product development, mold making & manufacturing under one roof. This guarantees short routes. Not only does this save you money, but it also makes you independent of long & fragile supply chains.

Which industries does maxnext already serve?

Right across the board: from A for automotive to Z for pet supplies. Whether simple components or complex technical assemblies made of high-performance plastics.

Over 25 years of manufacturing experience guarantee the best results for your project. Request a quote now!

Is there a personal contact person?

Yes, that is important to us! You will get a personal contact for your rapid prototyping project.

We accompany you in our factory from development to series production.

I look forward to your inquiry! Let’s start now!

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From simple 3D printing to complex prototypes for medical technology. Everything is possible!

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What is rapid prototyping and how does it benefit my business?

In the past, the design and development of a new product could take months or even years. But thanks to rapid prototyping, it is now possible to drastically speed up this process. Rapid prototyping is an innovative manufacturing process that allows companies to create high-precision prototypes quickly and easily. As a result, rapid prototyping has revolutionized the manufacturing process for many companies and industries. In the past, prototypes often had to be created by hand, which was not only time-consuming, but also led to inaccuracies. With rapid prototyping, we can produce prototypes directly from CAD data in just a few days. This not only saves time, but also ensures that the prototypes are more accurate. Also, rapid prototyping makes it possible to create multiple iterations of a prototype, which can help improve the final design. So, if you’re looking for a way to speed up product development, rapid prototyping with maxnext is definitely worth considering.

The advantages of rapid prototyping explained in more detail

Of course, the biggest advantages of rapid prototyping are its speed and simplicity. Rapid prototyping is much faster than traditional manufacturing processes, which means companies can bring their prototypes to market faster. With maxnext’s rapid prototyping, you can have your first samples within a few days. And the preparation of offers is also extremely fast. Simply upload a drawing and you will receive a quote from us in record time!

But rapid prototyping has a variety of other advantages for companies. The following are the most important of these:

No more expensive and time-consuming tools required

Rapid prototyping with maxnext is an indispensable tool for all companies and individuals who want to develop new products quickly and efficiently. Thanks to this technology, the prototyping process is now easier and cheaper than ever before, as expensive and time-consuming tools are no longer required. By creating accurate models with a short lead time, rapid prototyping can save both time and money. Errors and inaccuracies can be detected much better and faster by the physical model, which is also associated with high time and cost savings. Also, the ability to quickly create many different geometries with the same rapid prototyping device can help ensure that the final product is the best possible option. If you’re looking for a way to get your product to market faster and save money, rapid prototyping is worth considering.

Earlier and faster fault detection possible

The trial and error process is an important part of the design process, but it can be costly and time-consuming. With rapid prototyping and 3D printing, this process can be much faster and less complicated. By detecting and correcting errors in the design at an early stage, the costs of revising the design and modifying the tools in the subsequent manufacturing process can be significantly reduced. Rapid prototyping from maxnext allows you to design and manufacture new parts in just a few days, allowing you to get your product to market quickly and efficiently. Rapid prototyping is therefore an invaluable tool for any company that wants to improve its efficiency and competitiveness.

Better feedback possible through interaction with real models

The quickly created, real-world models significantly increase the motivation and commitment of the project participants. Physical models can be viewed and reviewed much more accurately and in more detail than would be possible on screen. In this way, the project participants can provide clear feedback for improved implementation. The ability to see and touch the product of their work is a powerful motivator for project stakeholders, and the feedback provided by the physical prototypes is essential for fine-tuning the design. Therefore, maxnext’s rapid prototyping leads to higher motivation and better feedback throughout the design process.

Resources are conserved and the environment is relieved

In the additive manufacturing process, parts are produced by applying layers of material instead of traditional machining methods such as milling, turning or grinding. This results in significantly less waste, which conserves resources, saves costs and relieves the burden on the environment. In addition, rapid prototyping can be used to create more complex shapes and designs that would not be possible with other methods. So it is not only more environmentally friendly, but also opens up new possibilities for product design.

Designs can be changed quickly and easily or individually produced in small batches

With traditional manufacturing methods, it can be expensive and time-consuming to produce new parts in small quantities. Rapid prototyping is therefore particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the budget or manpower to invest in traditional manufacturing methods, or that offer personalized or customized products. With rapid prototyping, companies can create and test prototypes without having to incur the high costs of traditional manufacturing. It also allows companies to respond quickly to customer feedback and change their products accordingly. With rapid prototyping, companies can have the best of both worlds: high-quality, personalized products that are produced quickly and efficiently. Thanks to rapid prototyping, companies can remain flexible and respond to the individual needs of their customers.

Where does the term rapid prototyping come from?

Rapid prototyping describes a set of techniques for quickly producing a scale model of a physical part or assembly using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data. The design of the part or assembly is usually done using additive manufacturing processes or “3D printing”. The first rapid prototyping technique was invented in the 1980s and has continued to evolve ever since. Today, there are dozens of different rapid prototyping technologies that are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Despite the wide range of technologies available, all rapid prototyping processes have some things in common. First, there must be 3D digital design data for each part or object to be manufactured. This data can be created with any CAD software package. If you don’t have 3D data, maxnext can create it for you. Write us an e-mail with your idea and we will design / construct your product.

Once the design is complete, the data must be translated into a format that can be read by the rapid prototyping machine. This translation is usually done using special software called “slice” software. The slice software breaks down the 3D design data into layers that can be read by the rapid prototyping machine. The thickness of these layers is typically about 0.1 mm (0.004 inches). The rapid prototyping machine then reads the slice file and creates the part or assembly layer by layer. The three most common technologies for rapid prototyping are stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Each of these technologies uses a different method to create the layers. In SLA, a light-sensitive resin is cured layer by layer with a laser. After each layer has hardened, the build platform is lowered and another layer of the liquid resin is applied. This process is repeated until the part or assembly is finished. SLS uses a laser to fuse small plastic and metal particles together layer by layer. Also with SLS, after melting each layer, the build platform is lowered and more powder is added. This process is repeated until the part or assembly is finished. The FDM process uses a filament of plastic or metal that is melted through a heated nozzle and extruded layer by layer onto the build platform. Again, the build platform is lowered after each layer has been applied and the process is repeated until the part or assembly is finished.

Which rapid prototyping technology is best?

In total, there are currently more than 30 different rapid prototyping technologies. Each of these processes has its own advantages and disadvantages, but what they all have in common is the ability to produce high-quality parts quickly and efficiently. We have briefly summarized the most common and important rapid prototyping technologies with their respective advantages and disadvantages in this section:

Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA is considered the oldest rapid prototyping process. With the help of an ultraviolet laser beam, liquid synthetic resin is cured. Stereolithography is considered to be extremely precise and enables the production of high-quality surfaces. At the same time, however, the parts produced with stereolithography have a comparatively low mechanical load capacity. The process is mainly used for the production of individualized parts and products. In recent years, technological advances have led to the development of new rapid prototyping processes that are more versatile and offer greater resilience. These processes are increasingly being used in a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are two processes that use a powdered starting material that is melted and then formed layer by layer to the desired geometry. These processes are ideal for the production of functional models, small batches and even metal parts. SLS and SLM have the disadvantage that they are relatively slow procedures. In addition, the manufactured parts are not as stable as those produced with other processes, such as FDM. Finally, both SLS and SLM are relatively expensive processes.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or Fused Layer Modeling (FLM)

The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) process is comparable to a hot glue gun, and is therefore also known as an extrusion process. A thermoplastic is heated and extruded layer by layer through a nozzle to create the desired object. The most common plastics used in rapid prototyping are ABS and PLA. The parts produced using the FLM process have a high mechanical and thermal load capacity. One disadvantage of the method is the relatively rough surfaces and the comparatively low level of detail. Nevertheless, the FDM/FLM process is a fast and efficient way to create prototypes, and its advantages outweigh the disadvantages in many applications.

3D Powder Printing Process

In 3D powder printing, a large number of polymer gypsum layers, each one tenth of a millimeter thick, are bonded together in full color. This full-color color makes 3D powder printing particularly popular for exhibition and display models. By layering the gypsum powder, virtually any shape can be built, allowing complex parts to be produced with features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using other methods. The disadvantages of 3D powder printing are the high price, long printing times, and delicate nature of the manufactured parts.

3D milling

3D milling is typically used for the production of large components made of plastic, foam, ureol, or PUR sheets. The process is considered extremely precise and economical. To produce a three-dimensional object, a machine with at least five controlled or controllable axes is required. The milling head can usually be swivelled to reach any point of the workpiece. The workpiece to be machined is positioned on a driven turntable, so that every point of the workpiece can be easily reached.

Vacuum casting

Vacuum casting is a process in which liquid plastic is pulled into a mold by a vacuum. This process is often used to produce small, complex parts with a high degree of accuracy. The parts that are made using the vacuum casting process are usually strong and stable. Also, vacuum casting is often used for prototypes to be presented to customers or investors, as the resulting plastic parts are very similar to the final product. However, the parts are also relatively expensive to produce.

PolyJet

The PolyJet process is a 3D printing process that uses a variety of materials such as plastic, rubber, elastomers, and metals. In this process, ultra-fine layers of liquid photopolymer are injected onto a building plate. The material is then solidified with UV light. The PolyJet variant is particularly suitable for the production of realistic prototypes. With this technology, it is possible to create prototypes that are very similar to the final product, making it an important tool for product development. Also, the fast turnaround time of this process means that designers can revise their designs quickly, saving time and money in the long run. The PolyJet process has some disadvantages compared to other 3D printing processes. One of them is the high cost of the materials used in this process. Finally, post-processing parts printed with this technology can be difficult and time-consuming.

blow molding

Blow molding is a process for the production of hollow bodies made of plastic. In this process, the plastic is melted and then pressed into a mold. The mold is then cooled and the plastic solidifies. The resulting object is then removed from the mold. Blow molding is widely used to make bottles, containers, and other hollow bodies. We use the latest advances in injection molding technology to produce high-quality blow molded parts from various thermoplastics such as ABS, PET, POM, PC, PA, PP, PS, and PEEK. And because we are a direct manufacturer of blow molded parts , we can offer you the best possible price for your project. Whether you need a few prototype parts or thousands of production parts, maxnext is your one-stop-shop for all your plastic needs.

What are the areas of rapid prototyping?

Originally, the term rapid prototyping was used exclusively to describe processes for the rapid production of samples, models or prototypes with the help of generative processes. Digital and three-dimensional design data had to be available for production at all times, and the development of a data interface was necessary for implementation. This was used to precisely describe the object geometries, which can then be used by the rapid prototyping systems.

Today, the terms “rapid tooling” and “rapid manufacturing” are sometimes used interchangeably to describe rapid prototyping, but there are some key differences between the two. Rapid tooling refers to the rapid production of tooling using the same process as rapid prototyping. In contrast, rapid manufacturing is used to produce actual working end products. This difference is important because it means that rapid prototyping is not necessarily aimed at producing a final product. Rather, it can be used for preliminary tests or for small-scale production. Rapid manufacturing, on the other hand, is about producing a ready-to-use end product. Therefore, rapid manufacturing is often used for the production of larger quantities or for individual pieces. Although both rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing are useful methods for quickly manufacturing prototypes or products, they serve different purposes and have different areas of application.

For which industries is rapid prototyping particularly interesting?

In a fast-paced world, companies need to be able to adapt quickly to change in order to remain competitive. Rapid prototyping is a technology that makes it possible to design and manufacture new parts in just a few days. This makes them an invaluable tool for all companies that need to react quickly to changes in the market. maxnext combines the experience of more than 25 years of injection moulding and guarantees the best results for your project. From A for automotive industry to Z for pet supplies, we have worked for almost every industry. Whether it’s simple components or complex technical assemblies made of high-performance plastics – maxnext offers the expertise and know-how to achieve high-quality results in every area!

Rapid prototyping in the automotive industry

Rapid prototyping is particularly interesting for the automotive industry because it allows car manufacturers and suppliers to test new designs quickly and easily. This ensures that the products are of the highest quality and meet all safety requirements before they are placed on the market. In addition, rapid prototyping can be used to produce customized parts for individual vehicles, which can help increase customer satisfaction.

Rapid prototyping in the architecture and construction industry

The architecture is one of the most popular applications for rapid prototyping. The technology allows for the creation of highly detailed and complicated prototypes that can be used to test various design concepts. Rapid prototyping is also becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, as it allows for the quick and easy production of accurate 3D models of buildings. This can be very helpful in the planning and design phase of a project, as it allows architects to get an idea of what a building will look like before work begins on site. In addition, rapid prototyping can also be used to produce small building models that can be used for marketing purposes or as souvenirs.

Rapid prototyping in mechanical engineering

In mechanical engineering, rapid prototyping is used to create prototypes with relatively high complexity. Rapid prototyping offers an economical alternative to conventional manufacturing processes, enabling prototyping to be produced in a fraction of the time it would take to manufacture using traditional methods. In addition, rapid prototyping can be used to produce small batches of parts that can be used to test the feasibility of a design before it goes into production. Therefore, rapid prototyping is a valuable tool for engineers who need to create complex prototypes quickly and efficiently.

Rapid prototyping in the medical sector

In recent years, rapid prototyping technology has become increasingly popular in the healthcare sector, where it is used to produce prostheses and implants. Unlike traditional machining methods that take a lot of time to design and produce, rapid prototyping can produce finished products within a few hours. This not only saves time and money, but also enables patients to receive treatment faster. As the technology evolves, it is likely that rapid prototyping will have an even greater impact on healthcare in the next few years.

RAPID Prototyping