Rapid Prototyping & 3D Direct Digital Manufacturing
Our in-house 3D printing capability allows us to produce working prototypes from both ABS (acrylnitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, and ABSplus (material 40% harder than ABS). ABS 3D prints can withstand rigorous functional testing, while portraying the exact form and fit of a design. Both ABS materials are available in a wide range of standard colours; however we can also print custom colours if required.
What about other materials?
We also have a network of international 3D printing organizations to allow our clients to experience the benefits of services not yet available in NZ. We can arrange for parts to be generated from both full metal materials and metal-plastic composites. These printed parts have very similar physical properties to the same parts produced using more functional engineering based processes, but have the benefit of very quick turn around times. Furthermore, the 3D printing process allows the creation of incredibly complex parts not achievable with conventional machining processes.
What is DDM?
DDM is the manufacture of real life parts using material additive technology. Our in-house rapid prototyping capability and our global contacts allow us to produce fully functional components from a wide range of engineering materials, making Axia your ideal partner to produce small quantities of components very quickly and cost effectively.
Design
At Axia we can create inexpensive 3D mockups of your designs within hours. Concept models allow everyone on the design team to review them for real time collaboration and provide physical objects for customer feedback. Prototypes can be tested for form, fit and function, providing an efficient cost effective way to catch design flaws and make the appropriate adjustments early throughout the design process. Imagine the power of being able to show a functional 3D model to a customer or client. At Axia, we provide a service that would allow you to place a real-life product into someone’s hands in 24 hours.
Engineering and Manufacturing
At Axia we can produce 3D models to support and enhance many aspects of Engineering, Machining and Manufacturing industries. Our models can help ensure all design elements have been considered before production, they can assist in the production of parts in the form of jigs and dies, helping to improve manufacturing processes.3D models also make excellent masters for the vacuum forming process and investment casting process.
Rapid Prototyping can also be used as a production process in itself, commonly referred to as Direct Digital Manufacturing or DDM. DDM is particularly useful for producing small runs of parts very quickly without the need for the manufacture of molds or dies. Axia can turn around fully useable parts in a matter of days.
Additional Solutions
Rapid Prototyping technology has opened the door for fast, comprehensive, working 3D models. The possibilities are limitless and we relish the opportunity to provide new and unique solutions.
Give us a call today to discuss your ideas.
