The chance that an abstract CAD model of a
part or assembly
will be perfect the first time is virtually zero. It is a certainty,
however, that the plastic injection mold will
match the CAD model exactly - mistakes and all.
WinTech Design recommends that a Stereo
Lithography Apparatus (SLA) prototype be made of all "model
finished" new plastic designs. SLA's can then be assembled
with other client-supplied standard components and approach the elusive "perfect" fit. This process more than pays
for itself as an alternative to expensive mold changes.
WinTech facilitates the SLA prototyping by supplying
CAD files and material specifications directly to the
SLA vendor (such as Solid Concepts, Inc., https://www.solidconcepts.com
). SLA models
typically cost from $80 to $500 depending on size and can be made in
high resolution or high strength materials.
