Based on Metalstar’s past experience, if one wants to start a business in the prototype industry and quickly establish industry knowledge, it is necessary to focus on the following core basic knowledge, covering three core dimensions: technology, supply chain, and quality:
1. Core process and application scenarios of prototype
Prioritize mastering mainstream prototype craftsmanship: 3D printing (SLA/SLS/FDM, suitable for rapid prototyping of plastics), CNC machining (suitable for metal/high-precision plastic prototypes), vacuum replication (suitable for small-batch plastic prototypes), as well as laser cutting and CNC bending for sheet metal prototypes. Clarify the precision (e.g., CNC can achieve ±0.05mm), cost (3D printing is better for small batches than mold making), and delivery cycle (3D printing can ship within 24 hours at the fastest) of different craftsmanship. Be able to match the optimal solution according to customer needs, such as choosing 3D printing for R&D trial production and laser cutting + bending for small-batch trial production of sheet metal.
2. Material characteristics and selection logic
Be familiar with commonly used materials for prototypes: plastics (ABS, PC, PA, corresponding to different strength/temperature resistance requirements) and metals (aluminum alloy 6061, cold-rolled sheet, suitable for structural/appearance parts). Focus on mastering the processing properties of materials (such as optimizing CNC parameters for PC, which is prone to cracking), surface treatment adaptability (such as powder coating/anodizing for sheet metal), and cost differences, so as to control material costs while meeting customer needs.
3. DFM (Design for Manufacturability) capability
Learn to read CAD/3D drawings and grasp the core rules of prototype design, such as the draft angle for plastic prototypes (≥1° to avoid demolding difficulties), the minimum bending radius for sheet metal prototypes (cold-rolled sheet ≥1t, where t is the sheet thickness), and the requirements for hole edge spacing (hole wall to bending edge ≥2t). Being able to quickly identify unmanufacturable issues in customer designs, optimize solutions in advance, and avoid trial production rework is key to improving efficiency and customer trust.
In addition to the above three points, there are also some other aspects that require attention, which we will continue to elaborate on in the next article.
