3D PRINTING SCALED DOWN MODELS
If you are looking for a way to clearly communicate your new idea, product or technology for sales presentations, investor meetings or trade shows, then 3D printing your model is the ideal solution. With our in-house technology we can quickly provide you with an economical, professional sales tool that can easily go where you go.
Before committing to the final design and the thousands of dollars often needed to manufacture and warehouse inventory, an SLS model will allow you to demonstrate your product, gain valuable feedback and sell your idea.
3D Printed Trade Show Models
3D Prototype Design is well known for our expertise in scaled down SLS models of large machinery, buildings and structures that are simply too big (or costly), to ship and display at trade shows. Our SLS nylon models are an ideal solution for your next show or presentation, as they can be passed around, touched and used for multiple demonstrations. We also been told by many of our customers that our 3D printed models had a direct impact on the success of their trade shows and sales.
Benefits Include:
- Savings of time and money (with your supplied CAD file you could have a model in hand for your next meeting or trade show)
- Portable and easy to transport (can be taken as carry-on, eliminates the risk of potential freight damage of full-size equipment)
- Significant cost savings on expensive shipping, logistics and set-up requirements usually associated with large equipment
- Clearly communicates your product (even if item is still in concept or construction stages)
- Set up your 3D printed trade show model in minutes which can start selling for you right away!
Scaled Down Models, Preparation
When scaling down a 3D CAD file for 3D printing models, there are a few important things to take into consideration. We’ve broken them down below in the following Q&A.
Something to consider, it can be beneficial to build your model in pieces and assembled after. This can allow models larger than the 3D build area to be built, provide the opportunity to create and assemble moving parts and at times can save money too! And because we are who we are, you can connect with us and we can discuss your specific needs and requirements.
Simplify Your CAD files
It’s ideal to remove details in your 3D CAD file that won’t be physically seen in the final 3D printed model (e.g. interior components or internal workings). This will not only help reduce the size of your file to make it more manageable, but can also make your part more economical to 3D print. With the SLS process, it will build the interior pieces even if they are visible and as a result take longer to build. Stripping away unnecessary details and components with benefit your model right from the start.
Scaling Down Your Model
When you scale your CAD model down, keep in mind that every detail will be scaled down. As a result, details such as small screws, bolts and other areas can get very fine and may not build. (a good rule of thumb for the SLS process; any details under .023” are not guaranteed to build) as a result, it’s best to keep this in mind. Another point to consider is that sometimes building your models cannot only make it easier to carry, but also likely more economical. And with our models, it’s incredibly rare that the coolness of what you’re putting on display is ever sacrificed just by making it a bit smaller.
Assemblies
When it come to assemblies, if you want something built all as one piece, then ensure your supplied file has all pieces attached in the CAD drawing as a solid, and supply it as one piece. If your file doesn’t have components attached to each other within the file, the machines don’t know you want it assembled, they won’t build attached, and you could in theory end up with separate pieces. If you want moving parts, see the next Q&A.
Working or Moving Parts
If you want parts to move, you’ll likely need to build components in separate pieces and assemble them after (just as you would the real thing). In that case, it’s best to create a separate CAD file for each part. That said, we can build living hinges and functioning springs as one piece! We find it helps when you think of your scale down model like an old school car model kit, where each piece is snapped or fit into the next to build the car. That’s what your scaled down model can be like. And keep in mind, one of the great things about 3D Prototype Design is that you can contact us and we can have a phone conversation to discuss your specific needs.
File Formats
All CAD files for 3D printing are converted into .STL format for both quoting and building purposes (if your file is larger than the build area or contains multiple parts, it may be best to send .IGS or .STP files). Sometimes an .STL file may be too large to send, or for us to even work with. If you feel that may be the case, please contact us in advance.
Building In Pieces
In some cases it’s beneficial to build your model in pieces and assembled after. This can allow models larger than the 3D build area to be created, provide the opportunity to create and assemble moving parts. And, sometimes it can even save money too.
Think Even Smaller
3D printing can create impressive models with great detail and as a result can often be built smaller than originally planned. Keeping your model within the 3D printing machine’s parameters or scaling down even less than that, can often save big money without compromising on the quality and effectiveness of your display.
FAQs
ANY QUESTIONS?
WE GOT YOU!
support you need.
What do I need to make a 3D printed part?
In order to quote or make a 3D printed part, you need to have a 3D CAD file drawing created. We do not offer drawing or scanning services. If you don’t have a CAD drawing of your part you should find a mechanical engineer/design to draw your part. See what is 3d printing.