Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping is the modern answer to fast, flexible and precise product development. With the help of innovative 3D printing technologies, FKM offers professional solutions to give you access to high-quality prototypes that are custom-made from metal and plastic.

What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid prototyping refers to innovative manufacturing processes with which prototypes are created directly from digital 3D data. This is mainly done using additive processes, i.e. 3D printing. These are based on layered construction principles. The process makes it possible to produce realistic models and fully functional components within a very short time without having to rely on traditional tool manufacturing. This allows companies to develop products iteratively, optimize designs and carry out initial functional tests – efficiently, flexibly and cost-effectively. The process is suitable for both the development of new products and the improvement of existing designs and is used in a wide range of sectors such as the automotive and aviation industries or in medical technology.

Structured process for optimum results

FKM’s process includes all steps of rapid prototyping, from concept development to optional small series production. The specific requirements are analyzed together with the customer. On this basis, the experts at FKM create a CAD model. In the next step, the first prototype is produced using the selected 3D printing process and tested for functionality.

If optimization is necessary, changes can easily be made to the model to ensure accuracy of fit and quality. Once the prototype has been perfected, FKM offers the production of small series on request.

Advantages of rapid prototyping

Accelerated market entry

Rapid prototyping shortens the process from the idea to the test phase, enabling companies to bring products to market more quickly.

Early fault detection

Design errors can be detected and corrected at an early stage.

Cost savings

As no expensive tools are required, production costs are significantly reduced.

Closer customer loyalty

Prototypes offer the opportunity to obtain direct feedback and make adjustments that exceed customer expectations.

Better cooperation

Rapid prototyping enables different teams to exchange ideas quickly and easily and thus work together more efficiently on a project.

High flexibility

Fast design adjustments to the prototype enable an agile development process.

Overall, rapid prototyping of plastic or metal parts can help companies to develop their products faster, more cost-efficiently and in a more customer-oriented way.

Materials and processes: high-precision solutions for every requirement

FKM relies on two high-precision additive manufacturing techniques for rapid prototyping: selective laser melting (SLM) for metal parts and selective laser sintering (SLS) for plastics. These processes enable the production of components that meet the highest mechanical and thermal requirements.

The materials used are high-quality metals such as aluminium, stainless steel and tool steel, which are characterized by their robustness and durability. For plastic components, FKM uses PA12, TPU and PEKK, among others, which are ideal for complex geometries and flexible applications. The variety of materials guarantees flexibility for numerous industrial applications.

FKM – Your partner for your rapid prototyping projects

FKM combines many years of experience and high-tech solutions to make the development process efficient. With rapid prototyping, FKM offers a valuable additional service that goes beyond pure additive manufacturing: the company actively contributes to the customer’s design process and acts as a project partner.

Whether it’s recommendations on material selection, options for finishing or the assembly of components – FKM is behind every idea with innovative solutions and implements them with enthusiasm and expertise. This reduces the development risk and ensures the security of further investment decisions.

With a comprehensive service from consulting to production, companies are ideally equipped to successfully realize even the most complex projects. FKM offers experience and state-of-the-art technologies for fast, precise and cost-efficient product development.

"At FKM, we offer state-of-the-art solutions in the field of rapid prototyping that work and are economical."

How rapid prototyping in 3D printing works at FKM

A rapid prototyping project always starts with an idea – either to optimize an existing product or to create a new one. With the help of CAD, the component is first created digitally and then printed using a rapid prototyping process. Changes can be made as required before small series production is started.

  1. Idea
  2. CAD: We check or create the CAD data and discuss the feasibility of your idea with you. This visualization is an important first step in rapid prototyping.
  3. Prototype: If the 3D visualizations are correct, we produce an initial prototype on our 3D printing machines. The prototype is primarily used to test and examine the realized idea for errors or inconsistencies. Are the tolerances within acceptable limits? Do changes need to be made to the CAD file? We repeat the prototype production process until we have created exactly the product you had in mind.
  4. Small series: Once a prototype has been optimized down to the smallest detail, we can now carry out 3D printing of small series if required. For highly specialized components in particular, 3D printing often makes more sense than manufacturing tools first and then producing the small series. You save time and money.
  5. Series production