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:
- 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
- Scaling Down Your Model – when you scale your CAD model down, every detail will be scaled down. As a result, 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 .022” are not guaranteed to build)
- Assemblies – ensure that what is to be built as an assembly (or as one piece) is assembled in your file (you may not want a handful of loose pieces)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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 at times can 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
If you are interested in having a 3D model of your project for your next trade show, sales meeting or presentation contact us and we’d be happy to answer your questions and take you through the process.