Design with Use of 3D Printing Technology

Dynamic development of 3D printing technology contributes to its wide applicability. FDM (Fused Deposition Method) is the most known and popular 3D printing method due to its availability and affordability. It is also usable in design of technical objects – to verify design concepts with use of 3D printed prototypes. The prototypes are produced at lower cost and shorter time comparing to other manufacturing methods and might be used for a number of purposes depending on designed object’s features they reflect. In the article, usability of 3D printing method FDM for designing of technical objects is verified based on sample functional prototypes. Methodology applied to develop these prototypes and their stand tests are covered. General conclusion is that 3D printed prototypes manufactured with FDM method proved to be useful for verifying new concepts within design processes carried out in KOMAG.