Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing

Rapid Prototyping

DFD now provides a Rapid Prototyping service. This is a new and cost-effective step in the fabrication and production industries.  In vessel refit and repair, fabricators are often asked to develop new custom parts or duplicate old stock.   The traditional practice of field fitting these items often leads to significant time and materials being wasted.  Rapid Prototyping introduces parts that can be made and tested to confirm fit and function before committing time and financial budgets to final production.  DFD can design or duplicate your custom part in 3D CAD, send to our in-house 3D printer, and make a prototype part ready for testing within 24 hours.

3D Printing

DFD provides 3D printing services that produce high fidelity parts and assemblies in a variety of materials.  Parts can be designed in-house by DFD or can be provided as electronic models by the client.  Depending on design and engineering factors, the printed items can be used as illustrative models, prototypes, or even finished parts.

Benefits

• Allows duplication and reverse engineering of existing parts.
• Avoids rework and waste by providing precise prototypes that can be tested prior to production in final materials.
• Avoids wasted traveling time by fabricator moving between shop and field in order to fit all items in place.
• Design modifications can be made quickly, and next generation prototypes delivered the same day.
• Can create geometries not achievable via traditional machining methods.
• Ultra-fast turnaround times.
• Ultra-low material and production costs.