Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions concerning rapid prototyping service visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us at quote@ProtoNow.com

HOW DOES THE PROTONOW PROCESS WORK?

ProtoNow uses state of the art equipment to build a functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time with tough, durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. From your .STL files (SLA), the designed parts are automatically plotted with a precise deposition path for the ABS plastic model development. The ABS is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.010-inch (0.254 mm) thick to build your part one layer at a time. The result is a durable ABS 3D plastic model strong enough to test for form, fit, and function with 80% - 85% of the strength of an injected molded part.
                                  

WHERE DOES 3D RAPID PROTOTYPING FIT IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?

·Idea to Production - ProtoNow helps you and your business decrease design and development times and allows you and your company to get products to market more quickly. Your 3D designs can be developed, reviewed, revised, and back in your hands in days, not weeks or months that fit in with concurrent engineering needs.


·Getting the Right Design the First Time - with the latest state of the art technology and 3D CAD software, designs and redesigns can be made very quickly getting your parts into production sooner than the competition. The end result is using a rapid prototyping model to produce a better final product ready to go faster and accurately.


·Development Cost and Savings - Product development and concurrent engineering savings are positively impacted by allowing everyone a functional 3D part to review through all stages of the design process, from concept, to 3D prototype model to finished product. Working 3D prototypes models significantly lower production costs, last minute revisions can be reviewed with a 3D model in hand reducing potential retooling costs, and you can beat those costly deadlines.


·Monitor to 3D Model - ProtoNow brings ideas off the computer monitor and produces functional 3D models that can be easily reviewed and improved. ABS 3D models allow inventors and designers to easily show a product’s value to anyone involved in the design process from customers, management, marketing, vendors, customers and investors. To hold a 3D prototype of a future injection molded part, proves that the 3D model serves as a valuable resource.

HOW MUCH WILL A 3D MODEL COST?

3D models cost substantially less than waiting for tooling or consuming valuable lead times. The real cost is cost savings with time! The actual cost is dependent of the size of the 3D design.  We will give you a firm quote once we have determined the desired 3D model mass.  Quotes are available within minutes of receiving .STL files (SLA) or equivalent.  3D prototypes generally range from $300.00 - $2,500 depending on size.

HOW WILL I GET MY 3D MODEL DELIVERED?

ProtoNow uses UPS, but if you specify another method, we will try our best to accommodate your request.

I HAVE A HAND MADE ITEM OR A SKETCH, BUT I DON’T HAVE A DIMENSIONED 3D CAD DRAWING, CAN I STILL GET A 3D MODEL MADE?

ProtoNow can draw and dimension your part using the latest version of Solidworks 3D CAD software. The cost will be based on the time required to make the 3D drawing and you will receive a printed drawing as well as the electronic 3D model file.

WHAT SIZE OF PROTOTYPES CAN BE CREATED IN ABS?

The size per object is limited to 8” x 8” x 12”, but a larger plastic model can be created in sections and joined together with adhesive or friction fitted. 

WHAT PROCESSING IS REQUIRED ONCE I RECEIVED MY FINISHED 3D MODEL?

Your 3D model will be created in white, durable ABS that you can  paint, drill, mill, sand, etc. to your specifications.  Depending on the completeness of your 3D drawing file, no additional processing will be required.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I GET MY 3D MODEL?

Time is dependent on design, but most parts can be completed and shipped within 36 hours from receipt of a .STL or equivalent file (sla prototype file, .stl).

IF THE “SALES DEPARTMENT” DOESN’T LIKE THE 3D MODEL HOW FAST CAN I GET A REVISED 3D MODEL?

As soon as you can return the revised .STL file or equivalent, ProtoNow will re-quote the 3D model and begin processing the revision upon your acceptance.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY PROTOTYPES OR 3D MODELS?

ProtoNow accepts checks with pre-approval and credit cards through PayPal or if you are already a PayPal member, directly from your PayPal account.

DO I NEED TO WORRY THAT MY “IDEA” WILL BE SAFE AND CONFIDENTIAL WITH PROTONOW?

Your ideas are safe with ProtoNow and we will sign confidentiality agreements and if you don’t have one available, we have one we can fax for your peace of mind.  Our primary goal is to perform superior a rapid prototyping service.

HOW DURABLE IS MY NEW 3D MODEL?

The strength of the ABS 3D model is approximately 80% of the strength of a similar injection molded prototype or part. 

CAN THE 3D MODEL BE USED AS AN ACTUAL PART?

The parts have the ability to function as an actual part for testing under certain conditions and realistic use.

I AM DESIGNING AN EXTRUSION PART AND I NEED TO GET A PROFILE TO TEST FORM, FIT , AND FUNCTION WITH A MATING PART FROM MY CUSTOMER, WHAT DOES PROTONOW OFFER?

ProtoNow can get you the profile in any length you desire, within the limitations of 8” x 8” x 12”. (or larger parts in sections) You can “slice” the extrusions into your desired lengths to share with colleagues for decreasing lead times.  Don’t wait weeks for dies to be cut or huge minimum raw material purchases when you can get your sample in hours.  No need to wait for a CNC to produce a CNC prototype when you can get help with your rapid prototype tooling.

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