Rapid Prototyping

Take Your Project to the Next Level — Reduce Costs and Lead Times

Our rapid prototyping process allows us to skip conventional tooling by creating 3D sand printing cores and molds with our ExOne S-Max printers with our FDM printers. Rapid prototyping refers to the speedy production of a physical component, model, or assembly using computer-aided design (CAD) and additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. This process has many benefits, including decreased lead times, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to identify and make improvements quickly. This technology allows our projects to go from modeling to casting in a few days.

Hoosier Pattern employee working

Hoosier Pattern has you covered.

  • Need a casting in a hurry?
  • No time to machine a pattern or core box?
  • Maybe you want a couple of pieces of a new prototype or a variation of an existing casting?
Hoosier Pattern employee working

More about our process

Additive prototyping is a process that allows manufacturers to create physical models of products quickly and efficiently. It involves using specialized tools and technologies that enable the creation of prototypes with quick turnaround times, which can then be evaluated and tested before the final product is manufactured.

Faster turnaround times

One of the most significant advantages is the speed at which prototypes can be created. Traditional manufacturing methods can take weeks or even months to produce a single prototype, but with rapid prototyping, a model can be completed in just a few hours or days. This speed allows manufacturers to iterate and refine their product designs quickly, significantly reducing the time and cost of product development.

More flexibility

Manufacturing rapid prototyping also allows for greater design flexibility. With traditional methods, making changes to a prototype can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with additive prototyping, changes can be made quickly and easily, allowing designers to experiment with different design ideas and adjust as needed. This flexibility can lead to more innovative and successful products.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

At Hoosier Pattern, we use the modeling process for rapid manufacturing called FDM. FDM uses a nozzle to extrude melted material into a 3D shape. This method is ideal for creating prototypes, but the resulting prototypes may not be as solid or precise as those created using other methods.

There are several methods of manufacturing prototyping, each of which has advantages and limitations. Rapid prototyping will likely become an increasingly important tool for product development across various industries as technology continues to evolve.

If you have additional questions or inquiries about Hoosier Pattern’s 3D Sand Printing or want to learn more about this process and need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Additive Manufacturing Manager, Todd Yoder today.