FAQ - Applications of Rapid Prototyping

• What are the primary uses of prototype parts?

• What are typical applications for prototype parts?

• Can these parts be used for functional testing?

• Can these parts be used in end-use applications?

• Do you have materials that can be used in medical applications?

• Are these parts resistant to solvents?

• Does RedEye have prototyping materials that handle high temperatures?

• Do you have any technical white papers about rapid prototyping & rapid manufacturing?

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What are the primary uses of prototype parts?
You can use prototypes for a variety of applications. These include concept models, form, fit, and function testing, tooling patterns, and materials for sales and marketing presentations. Because of the strength of our materials, you can even build parts to be used in low volume rapid manufacturing. Prototypes and end-use parts are used in many industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, toys, industrial goods and consumer products.
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What are typical applications for prototype parts?
Designated by material, here are common applications:

ABS: Form, fit and function, concept modeling, feature detail, snap-fits, vacuum metallization, electroplating, investment casting and as a master for RTV molding and vacuum forming.

ABSi: Automotive lenses or other applications where transparency is required. ABSi withstands higher impact than normal ABS.

ABS-M30: Form, fit and function, concept modeling, feature detail, snap-fits, vacuum metallization, electroplating and as a master for RTV molding, vacuum forming and rapid manufacturing of end-use products.

ABS-M30i: Medical and food packaging, form, fit and function, concept modeling, feature detail, snap-fits, vacuum metallization, electroplating and as a master for RTV molding, vacuum forming and rapid manufacturing of end-use products.

PC (Polycarbonate): Form, fit, and function, concept modeling, snap-fits, vacuum metallization, electroplating, and as a master for RTV molding and vacuum forming. PC has higher impact strength and can handle higher temperatures than ABS.

PC-ISO (Polycarbonate ISO): PC-ISO can be used in applications such as pharmaceutical material handling, processing, and packaging systems; surgical instruments; food handling and processing systems; automotive lighting; and rapid manufacturing of end-use products. This material meets both ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards and can be used in medical applications. PC-ISO can be sterilized using either the gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO) method.

PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/ABS blend): The PC/ABS blend combines the strength of PC with the flexibility of ABS. This provides the advantage of 3D modeling with the same material that end-products are made of to better-predict their performance. PC/ABS is another high-performance thermoplastic option for rapid production.

PPSF (Polyphenylsulfone): High performance, heat and chemical resistant material. Typical applications include automotive, aerospace or any application where the part needs to be functionally tested in an environment of heat or chemicals.
Note: Quotes for PPSF will need to be analyzed to ensure the highest quality. You will have the option during quoting to upload your files for manual quoting.
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Can these parts be used for functional testing?
Our ABS, ABS-M30, ABS-M30i, Polycarbonate (PC) and PC/ABS blend materials are very durable and can be used for a variety of form, fit and functional testing. You can test your prototype in real-life situations and conditions to verify that your product will be successful. You can also test your models with snap-fits and verify mating and assembly with actual components. Parts can also be drilled and tapped. It is even possible to create the prototypes with threads already on it.
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Can these parts be used in end-use applications?
Because our materials are durable you can build parts for low volume Rapid Manufacturing. High-performance engineering materials allows you to produce the actual end-use parts without spending the time and money for Rapid Tooling.
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Do you have materials that can be used in medical applications?
Our PC-ISO materials are of medical-grade. This material meets both ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards. Class VI is the most stringent of the six USP ratings. According to these standards, device manufacturers are responsible for re-certifying the material for their specific application. PC-ISO can be sterilized using either the gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO) method.

PC-ISO can be used in applications such as pharmaceutical material handling, processing, and packaging systems; surgical instruments; food handling and processing systems; automotive lighting; and rapid manufacturing of end-use products.

Many medical applications use digital data from cross-sectional radiology modalities (e.g. CT, MRI) as the source.
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Are these parts resistant to solvents?
Yes, our PPSF (Polyphenylsulfone) material is resistant to antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and windshield washer fluid. See the material properties [65K] for additional information.
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Does RedEye have prototyping materials that handle high temperatures?
Yes, our PPSF (Polyphenylsulfone) material was designed for high temperature applications. See the material properties [65K] for additional information.
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Do you have any technical white papers about rapid prototyping & rapid manufacturing?
Yes, we have some great information on the benefits and uses of rapid prototyped and rapid manufactured parts. Read white papers.
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