Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping (RP) is the process of creating three-dimensional models of a product design directly from computer-aided design (CAD) files. This procedure significantly shortens the time needed to develop actual working models from weeks to days -- or even minutes -- depending on the geometry of the part and the technology used. RP parts are used to verify form, fit and function, and to evaluate fixture design and tool choices before expensive metal parts are manufactured.

Prototyped parts further speed the development cycle by providing masters that can be used in rapid tooling applications for cast urethane parts. San-Tech has also pioneered the use of SLA masters and Z Corp. appearance models in the foundry industry, where they replace traditional lost wax masters for investment casting.

San-Tech employees have pioneered rapid prototyping technologies since the late 1980s. Today, we use a variety of techniques and software packages that bring ideas to life in minutes. These include: