Selecting a Rapid Prototyping Process

Compare various 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding technologies to find a process best suited for your project

Content in this Article

Chart: Comparing Prototyping Processes Chart: Pros and Cons of Each Process Choosing a Process Summary

Using rapid prototyping to manufacture parts to test for component fit and function can help get your product to market faster than your competition. Adjustments in design, materials, size, shape, assembly, color, manufacturability, and strength can be made following the results of your testing and analysis.

Many rapid prototyping processes are available to today’s product design teams. Some prototyping processes use traditional manufacturing methods to produce prototypes while other technologies have more recently emerged.

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a common early step within the product development process that quickly iterates upon an initial design. During this phase of product development the designer or engineering team is primary focused on testing form, fit, and function of the product or component. Oftentimes this design will be what is called the minimum viable product, or MVP, since it contains only the essential features necessary to test and gain user feedback. Typically speed is of most value during this phase of product development, so quick-turn or digital manufacturing processes like 3D printing or CNC machining are preferred. This allows product designers to test multiple iterations, or designs, within a short period of time and finalize the design more quickly.

What are the Advantages of Rapid Prototyping?

The primary advantages of rapid prototyping are two fold. First, it ensures the product or component fulfills its design goals since it can be validated through user feedback or functional testing. Secondly, it helps minimize costs since teams do not need to make the capital investment into tooling or manufacturing equipment that would be needed for a production run of parts. Instead, lower volume, more affordable manufacturing processes like 3D printing, CNC machining, or injection molding with aluminum tooling can fulfill the manufacturing needs for rapid prototyping at substantially lower costs.

There are dozens of ways prototypes can be made. As prototyping processes continue to evolve, product designers are constantly trying to determine which method or technology is best for their unique application. This white paper explores the advantages and shortcomings of the major prototyping processes now available to designers. It provides process descriptions and discusses material properties of parts produced by each specific prototyping option. In addition, a helpful tree highlights key questions designers must consider when choosing a prototyping process. Ultimately, the goal is to help you select the best prototyping process for your product development cycle.

Comparing Prototyping Processes

Process		Description	Strength	Finish	Example Materials
SLA	Stereolithography	Laser-cured photopolymer	2,500-10,000 (psi) 17.2-68.9 (mpa)	Additive layers of 0.002-0.006 in. (0.051-0.152mm) typical	Thermoplastic-like photopolymers
SLS	Selective Laser Sintering	Laser-sintered powder	5,300-11,300 (psi) 36.5-77.9 (mpa)	Additive layers of 0.004 in. (0.102mm) typical	Nylon, TPU
DMLS	Direct Metal Laser Sintering	Laser-sintered metal powder	37,700-190,000 (psi)	Additive layers of 0.0008-0.0012 in. (0.020-0.030mm) typical	Stainless steel, titanium, chrome, aluminum, Inconel
FDM	Fused Deposition Modeling	Fused extrusions	5,200-9,800 (psi) 35.9-67.6 (mpa)	Additive layers of 0.005-0.013 in. (0.127-0.330mm) typical	ABS, PC, PC/ABS, PPSU
MJF	Multi Jet Fusion	Inkjet array selectively fusing across bed of nylon powder	6,960 (psi) 48 (mpa)	Additive layers of 0.0035-0.008 in. (0.089-0.203mm) typical	Black Nylon 12
PJET	PolyJet	UV-cured jetted photopolymer	7,200-8,750 (psi) 49.6-60.3 (mpa)	Additive layers of 0.0006-0.0012 in. (0.015-0.030mm) typical	Acrylic-based photopolymers, elastomeric photopolymers
CNC	Computer Numerically Controlled Machining	Machined using CNC mills and lathes	3,000-20,000 (psi) 20.7-137.9 (mpa)	Subtractive machined (smooth)	Most commodity and engineering-grade thermoplastics and metals
IM	Injection Molding	Injection-molded using aluminum tooling	3,100-20,000 (psi) 21.4-137.9 (mpa)	Molded smooth (or with selected texture)	Most commodity and engineering-grade thermoplastics, metal, and liquid silicone rubber

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Pros and Cons of Each Process

SLA	Stereolithography
	SLA is an industrial 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, process that builds parts in a pool of UV-curable photopolymer resin using a computer controlled laser. The laser is used to trace out and cure a cross-section of the part design on the surface of the liquid resin. The solidified layer is then lowered just below the surface of the liquid resin and the process is repeated. Each newly cured layer adheres to the layer below it. This process continues until the part is completed. Pros For concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex designs, SLA can produce parts with intricate geometries and excellent surface finishes as compared to other additive processes. Cost is competitive and the technology is available from several sources. Cons Prototype parts may not be as strong as those made from engineering-grade resins, so the parts made using SLA have limited use for functional testing. Additionally, while parts undergo a UV-cycle to solidify the outer surface of the part, parts built in SLA should be used with minimal UV and humidity exposure so they don’t degrade.

SLA

Stereolithography

SLA is an industrial 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, process that builds parts in a pool of UV-curable photopolymer resin using a computer controlled laser. The laser is used to trace out and cure a cross-section of the part design on the surface of the liquid resin. The solidified layer is then lowered just below the surface of the liquid resin and the process is repeated. Each newly cured layer adheres to the layer below it. This process continues until the part is completed.

Pros

For concept models, cosmetic prototypes, and complex designs, SLA can produce parts with intricate geometries and excellent surface finishes as compared to other additive processes. Cost is competitive and the technology is available from several sources.

Cons
Prototype parts may not be as strong as those made from engineering-grade resins, so the parts made using SLA have limited use for functional testing. Additionally, while parts undergo a UV-cycle to solidify the outer surface of the part, parts built in SLA should be used with minimal UV and humidity exposure so they don’t degrade.

SLS	Selective Laser Sintering
	SLS is one of five additive processes available at Protolabs. During the SLS process, a computer-controlled CO₂ laser draws onto a hot bed of nylon-based powder from the bottom up, where it lightly sinters (fuses) the powder into a solid. After each layer, a roller lays a fresh layer of powder on top of the bed and the process repeats. SLS uses either rigid nylon or elastomeric TPU powders similar to actual engineering thermoplastics, so parts exhibit greater toughness and are accurate, but have rough surface and lack fine details. SLS offers a large build volume, can produce parts with highly complex geometries and create durable prototypes. Pros SLS parts tend to be more accurate and durable than SLA parts. The process can make durable parts with complex geometries, and is suitable for some functional testing. Cons The parts have a grainy or sandy texture and the process has a limited resin choice.

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering

SLS is one of five additive processes available at Protolabs. During the SLS process, a computer-controlled CO₂ laser draws onto a hot bed of nylon-based powder from the bottom up, where it lightly sinters (fuses) the powder into a solid. After each layer, a roller lays a fresh layer of powder on top of the bed and the process repeats. SLS uses either rigid nylon or elastomeric TPU powders similar to actual engineering thermoplastics, so parts exhibit greater toughness and are accurate, but have rough surface and lack fine details. SLS offers a large build volume, can produce parts with highly complex geometries and create durable prototypes.

Pros

SLS parts tend to be more accurate and durable than SLA parts. The process can make durable parts with complex geometries, and is suitable for some functional testing.

Cons

The parts have a grainy or sandy texture and the process has a limited resin choice.

DMLS	Direct Metal Laser Sintering
	DMLS is an additive manufacturing technology that produces metal prototypes and functional, end-use parts. DMLS uses a laser system that draws onto a surface of atomized metal powder. Where it draws, it welds the powder into a solid. After each layer, a blade adds a fresh layer of powder and repeats the process. DMLS can use most alloys, allowing prototypes to be full-strength, functional hardware made out of the same material as production components. It also has the potential, if designed with manufacturability in mind, to transition into metal injection molding when increased production if needed Pros DMLS produces strong (typically, 97 percent dense) prototypes from a variety of metals that can be used for functional testing. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to design internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined. Mechanical properties parts are equal to conventionally formed parts. Cons If producing more than a few DMLS parts, costs can rise. Due to the powdered metal origin of the direct metal process, the surface finish of these parts are slightly rough. The process itself is relatively slow and also usually requires expensive post-processing.

DMLS

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

DMLS is an additive manufacturing technology that produces metal prototypes and functional, end-use parts. DMLS uses a laser system that draws onto a surface of atomized metal powder. Where it draws, it welds the powder into a solid. After each layer, a blade adds a fresh layer of powder and repeats the process. DMLS can use most alloys, allowing prototypes to be full-strength, functional hardware made out of the same material as production components. It also has the potential, if designed with manufacturability in mind, to transition into metal injection molding when increased production if needed

Pros

DMLS produces strong (typically, 97 percent dense) prototypes from a variety of metals that can be used for functional testing. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to design internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined. Mechanical properties parts are equal to conventionally formed parts.

Cons
If producing more than a few DMLS parts, costs can rise. Due to the powdered metal origin of the direct metal process, the surface finish of these parts are slightly rough. The process itself is relatively slow and also usually requires expensive post-processing.

FDM	Fused Deposition Modeling
	FDM uses an extrusion method that melts and re-solidifies thermoplastic resin (ABS, polycarbonate, or ABS/polycarbonate blend) in layers to form a finished prototype. Because it uses real thermoplastic resins, it is stronger than binder jetting and may be of limited use for functional testing. Pros FDM parts are moderately priced relatively strong, and can be good for some functional testing. The process can make parts with complex geometries. Cons The parts have a poor surface finish, with a pronounced rippled effect. It is also a slower additive process than SLA or SLS and has limited suitability for functional testing.

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM uses an extrusion method that melts and re-solidifies thermoplastic resin (ABS, polycarbonate, or ABS/polycarbonate blend) in layers to form a finished prototype. Because it uses real thermoplastic resins, it is stronger than binder jetting and may be of limited use for functional testing.

Pros

FDM parts are moderately priced relatively strong, and can be good for some functional testing. The process can make parts with complex geometries.

Cons
The parts have a poor surface finish, with a pronounced rippled effect. It is also a slower additive process than SLA or SLS and has limited suitability for functional testing.

MJF	Multi Jet Fusion
	MJF uses an inkjet array to selectively apply fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder, which are then fused by heating elements into a solid layer. After each layer, powder is distributed on top of the bed and the process repeats until the part is complete. When the build finishes, the entire powder bed with the encapsulated parts is moved to a processing station where a majority of the loose powder is removed by an integrated vacuum. Parts are then bead blasted to remove any of the remaining residual powder before ultimately reaching the finishing department where they are dyed black to improve cosmetic appearance. Pros MJF is fast—producing functional nylon prototypes and end-use production parts in as fast as one day. Final parts exhibit quality surface finishes, fine feature resolution, and more consistent mechanical properties when compared to processes such as SLS. Cons Currently MJF is limited to PA12 nylon, and SLS has better small feature accuracy (small feature tolerances).

MJF

Multi Jet Fusion

MJF uses an inkjet array to selectively apply fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder, which are then fused by heating elements into a solid layer. After each layer, powder is distributed on top of the bed and the process repeats until the part is complete. When the build finishes, the entire powder bed with the encapsulated parts is moved to a processing station where a majority of the loose powder is removed by an integrated vacuum. Parts are then bead blasted to remove any of the remaining residual powder before ultimately reaching the finishing department where they are dyed black to improve cosmetic appearance.

Pros

MJF is fast—producing functional nylon prototypes and end-use production parts in as fast as one day. Final parts exhibit quality surface finishes, fine feature resolution, and more consistent mechanical properties when compared to processes such as SLS.

Cons

Currently MJF is limited to PA12 nylon, and SLS has better small feature accuracy (small feature tolerances).

PJET	PolyJet
	PolyJet uses a print head to spray layers of photopolymer resin that are cured, one after another, using ultraviolet light. The layers are very thin allowing quality resolution. The material is supported by gel matrix that is removed after completion of the part. Elastomeric parts are possible with PolyJet. Pros This process is moderately priced, can prototype overmolded parts with flexible and rigid materials, can produce parts in multiple color options, and easily duplicates complex geometries. Cons PolyJet parts have limited strength (comparable to SLA) and are not suitable for functional testing. While PolyJet can make parts with complex geometries, it gives no insight into the eventual manufacturability of the design. Also, colors can yellow when exposed to light over time.

PJET

PolyJet

PolyJet uses a print head to spray layers of photopolymer resin that are cured, one after another, using ultraviolet light. The layers are very thin allowing quality resolution. The material is supported by gel matrix that is removed after completion of the part. Elastomeric parts are possible with PolyJet.

Pros

This process is moderately priced, can prototype overmolded parts with flexible and rigid materials, can produce parts in multiple color options, and easily duplicates complex geometries.

Cons

PolyJet parts have limited strength (comparable to SLA) and are not suitable for functional testing. While PolyJet can make parts with complex geometries, it gives no insight into the eventual manufacturability of the design. Also, colors can yellow when exposed to light over time.

CNC	Computer Numerically Controlled Machining
	In machining, a solid block (or rod stock) of plastic or metal is clamped into a CNC mill or lathe respectively and cut into a finished part through a subtractive process. This method generally produces superior strength and surface finish to any additive manufacturing process. It also has the complete, homogenous properties of the plastic because it is made from solid blocks of extruded or compression molded thermoplastic resin, as opposed to most additive processes, which use plastic-like materials and are built in layers. The range of material choices allows parts to be made with the desired material properties, such as: tensile strength, impact resistance, heat deflection temperatures, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Good tolerances yield parts suitable for fit and functional testing, jigs and fixtures, and functional components for end-use applications. A number of manufacturers, including Protolabs, use 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes along with turning to manufacture parts in a range of engineering-grade plastics and metals. Pros Machined parts have good surface finishes and are quite strong because they use engineering-grade thermoplastics and metals. Like 3D printing, custom prototypes can be delivered in as fast as one day at some suppliers. Cons There may be some geometry limitations associated with CNC machining, and it is sometimesmore expensive to do this in-house than 3D printing processes. Because the process is removing material instead of adding it, milling undercuts can sometimes be difficult.

CNC

Computer Numerically Controlled Machining

In machining, a solid block (or rod stock) of plastic or metal is clamped into a CNC mill or lathe respectively and cut into a finished part through a subtractive process. This method generally produces superior strength and surface finish to any additive manufacturing process. It also has the complete, homogenous properties of the plastic because it is made from solid blocks of extruded or compression molded thermoplastic resin, as opposed to most additive processes, which use plastic-like materials and are built in layers. The range of material choices allows parts to be made with the desired material properties, such as: tensile strength, impact resistance, heat deflection temperatures, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Good tolerances yield parts suitable for fit and functional testing, jigs and fixtures, and functional components for end-use applications. A number of manufacturers, including Protolabs, use 3-axis milling and 5-axis indexed milling processes along with turning to manufacture parts in a range of engineering-grade plastics and metals.

Pros

Machined parts have good surface finishes and are quite strong because they use engineering-grade thermoplastics and metals. Like 3D printing, custom prototypes can be delivered in as fast as one day at some suppliers.

Cons

There may be some geometry limitations associated with CNC machining, and it is sometimesmore expensive to do this in-house than 3D printing processes. Because the process is removing material instead of adding it, milling undercuts can sometimes be difficult.

IM	Injection Molding
	Rapid injection molding works by injecting thermoplastic resins into a mold, just as in production injection molding. What makes the process “rapid” is the technology used to produce the mold, which is often made from aluminum instead of the traditional steel used in production molds. Molded parts are strong and have excellent finishes. It is also the industry standard production process for plastic parts, so there are inherent advantages to prototyping in the same process if the situation allows. Almost any engineering-grade plastic or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) can be used, so the designer is not constrained by the material limitations of the prototyping process. Pros Molded parts are made from an array of engineering-grade materials, have excellent surface finish, and are an excellent predictor of manufacturability during the production phase. Cons There is an initial tooling cost associated with rapid injection molding that does not occur with any of the additive processes or with CNC machining. So in most cases, it makes sense to do one or two rounds of rapid prototypes (subtractive or additive) to check fit and function before moving to injection molding.

Injection Molding

Rapid injection molding works by injecting thermoplastic resins into a mold, just as in production injection molding. What makes the process “rapid” is the technology used to produce the mold, which is often made from aluminum instead of the traditional steel used in production molds. Molded parts are strong and have excellent finishes. It is also the industry standard production process for plastic parts, so there are inherent advantages to prototyping in the same process if the situation allows. Almost any engineering-grade plastic or liquid silicone rubber (LSR) can be used, so the designer is not constrained by the material limitations of the prototyping process.

Pros

Molded parts are made from an array of engineering-grade materials, have excellent surface finish, and are an excellent predictor of manufacturability during the production phase.

Cons
There is an initial tooling cost associated with rapid injection molding that does not occur with any of the additive processes or with CNC machining. So in most cases, it makes sense to do one or two rounds of rapid prototypes (subtractive or additive) to check fit and function before moving to injection molding.

Choosing a Process

Use the decision tree below to narrow down which factors are of highest importance to you based on where you are in the prototyping process, referring as needed to the definitions below this decision tree infographic.

Definitions

Definitions vary and may differ at different organizations, but the definitions below may be used as a starting point.

Concept Model: a physical model made to demonstrate an idea. Concept models allow people from different functional areas to see the idea, stimulate thought and discussion, and drive acceptance or rejection.

Prototyping Attributes
Speed: turnaround time to convert a computer file into a physical prototype

Appearance: any visual attribute: color, texture, size, shape, etc.

Assembly/Fit Testing: making some or all of the parts of an assembly, putting them together, and seeing if they fit properly. At the gross level, this checks for design errors, such as placing two tabs at 2 in. spacing and the mating slots at 1 in. spacing. At the fine level, this is a matter of minor dimensional differences and tolerances. Obviously, any test involving tolerances needs to use the actual manufacturing process or one which has similar tolerances.

Prototyping Attributes
Form: the shape of the part: features and size

Fit: how the part mates with other parts

Functional Testing: seeing how a part or assembly will function when subjected to stresses representing what it will see in its actual application.

Prototyping Attributes
Chemical Resistance: resistance to chemicals including acids, bases, hydrocarbons, fuels, etc.

Mechanical Properties: strength of the part measured by tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength, tear resistance, etc.

Electrical Properties: interaction of electrical fields and the part. This may include dielectric constant, dielectric strength, dissipation factor, surface and volume resistance, static decay, etc.

Thermal Properties: changes in mechanical properties that occur with changes in temperature. These may include thermal expansion coefficient, heat deflection temperature, vicat softening point, etc.

Optical Properties: ability to transmit light. May include refractive index, transmittance, and haze.

Life Testing: testing properties that may change with time and that are important for a product to remain functional throughout its expected life. Life testing often involves subjecting the product to extreme conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, voltage, UV, etc.) to estimate in a shorter period of time, how the product will react over its expected life.

Prototyping Attributes
Mechanical Properties (fatigue strength): ability to withstand large numbers of load cycles at various stress levels.

Aging Properties (UV, creep): ability to withstand exposure to ultraviolet light with an acceptable amount of degradation; ability to withstand extended applications of forces to the part with acceptable levels of permanent deflection.

Regulatory Testing: testing specified by a regulatory or standards organization or agency to assure parts are suitable for a particular use such as medical, food service or consumer application. Examples include Underwriters Laboratory (UL), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Agency (FDA), the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the International Standard Organization (ISO) and the European Commission (EC).

Prototyping Attributes
Flammability Properties: the resistance of a resin or part to ignition in the presence of a flame.

EMI/RFI Properties: the ability of a resin, part or assembly to shield or block Electromagnetic Interference or Radio Frequency Interference.

Food Rating: approval of a resin or part to be used in applications where it will come in contact with food while it is being prepared, served or consumed.

Biocompatibility: the ability of the resin or part to be in contact with human or animal bodies, outside or inside the body, without causing undue adverse effects (e.g., irritations, blood interactions, toxicity, etc). Biocompatibility is important for surgical instruments and many medical devices.

Summary

Prototype models help design teams make more informed decisions by obtaining invaluable data from the performance of, and the reaction to, those prototypes. The more data that is gathered at this stage of the product development cycle, the better the chances of preventing potential product or manufacturing issues down the road. If a well thought out prototyping strategy is followed, there is a far greater chance that the product will be introduced to the market on time, be accepted, perform reliably, and be profitable.

What is the best way to get a prototype made? The answer depends on where you are in your process and what you are trying to accomplish. Early in the design process, when the ideas are flowing freely, concept models are helpful. As the design progresses, a prototype that has the size, finish, color, shape, strength, durability, and material characteristics of the intended final product becomes increasingly important. Therefore, using the right prototyping process is critical. In order to most effectively validate your design, pay close attention to these three key elements of your design: functionality, manufacturability, and viability. 

If your prototype can faithfully represent the attributes of the end-product, it is by definition functional. These requirements often include such things as material properties (e.g., flame resistance), dimensional accuracy for fit-up with mating parts, and cosmetic surface finishes for appearance.

If your prototype design can be repeatedly and economically produced in a manner that supports the requirements of the end product, it is by definition manufacturable. These requirements include the ability to maintain the functionality of the design as described above, keep the piece-part cost below the required level, and support the production schedule. No matter how great a design is, it will go nowhere if it can’t be manufactured. Make sure your prototyping process takes this into consideration.

Finally, even if your prototype design is functional and manufacturable, it doesn’t mean anyone will want to use it. Prototypes are the only true way to verify the viability of the design in this sense. If your design can also pass the challenges associated with market trials (e.g., trade show displays, usability testing) and regulatory testing (e.g., FDA testing of medical devices), you’re well on your way to a successful product launch.