Tang Dynasty: Why Use Metal 3D Printing For Prototype Models?

Tang Dynasty: Why use metal 3D printing for prototype models?

In the field of prototype model making, metal 3D printing is quickly becoming a technology that can change the rules of the game. It solves the pain points of traditional methods such as long production cycle, high cost, and difficulty in processing complex structures.

Shorten product development cycle

Prototype production uses metal 3D printing, which can directly transform three-dimensional digital models into physical parts, eliminating complicated processes such as mold opening. For new parts of automobile engines and internal structural parts of consumer electronics products, the time required from designing to obtaining physical prototypes can be reduced from weeks to days.

This speed advantage, which is extremely critical in places with fierce competition, allows companies to more quickly carry out assembly testing and functional verification prototype model production, including metal riveting and welding , thereby speeding up the decision-making process. For example, a drone manufacturing company will use this technology to reduce the iterative testing cycle of new propeller designs from one month to one week, significantly ahead of its opponents.

Realize complex structure and lightweight design

Traditional subtractive manufacturing is limited by the angle of the tool, so it is difficult to process complex geometric shapes such as closed inner cavities and conformal flow channels. Metal 3D printing is formed by layer-by-layer accumulation, and can achieve almost any design. Designers can boldly use topology-optimized structures to remove excess material while ensuring strength.

This brings the prototype model closer to the performance of the final product. This technology is often used in the aerospace field to manufacture turbine blade prototypes with internal cooling channels for heat dissipation testing. Medical device companies are also using it to prototype porous bone implants to verify biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

Improve material performance and functional integration

Titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, stainless steel and other materials are used in metal 3D printing. The final parts produced are close to or even reaching the level of forgings in terms of strength, hardness, high temperature resistance and other properties. This shows that the prototype can not only be used for appearance and assembly inspection, but also can directly carry out a certain degree of mechanical property testing and functional testing.

There is a technology that allows multiple parts to be combined and printed into a complete whole. In 2025, there was a robot company that printed a joint component that originally required the assembly of more than 20 parts into a whole prototype in one go. The prototype model production included metal riveting and welding , thus avoiding errors during assembly and significantly improving the reliability of the structure and the accuracy of movement.

Reduce small batch trial production costs

For small batch, multi-variety prototype production, the mold opening cost is extremely high. Metal 3D printing does not require the use of molds, and the marginal cost of single-piece production and small-scale production will basically not change. Datang Shengshi: Why should metal 3D printing be used for prototype models? , especially suitable for personalized customization or small batch trial production. This allows startups to produce high-quality metal prototypes at an affordable cost.

In the field of high-end equipment or scientific research instruments, parts are often required, but their structures are complex. Using metal 3D printing to produce a single piece or several prototypes for verification can save more than 80% of the initial cost compared to investing hundreds of thousands to open a mold, and can effectively control R&D risks.

Supports rapid iteration of design and verification

In product development, design modifications are normal. Once modifications are made using traditional methods, the molds or tooling may have to be completely remade. Metal 3D printing only needs to modify the three-dimensional model file to quickly print a new version of the prototype. This kind of flexibility supports high-frequency iterations of "design-print-test-modify".

Engineers can obtain prototypes of multiple design versions in a short period of time for comparative testing to find the optimal solution. There is a domestic water pump manufacturer that implemented more than 15 design iterations for an impeller in 2023. Each time, a metal prototype was obtained within a week, which ultimately improved the pump efficiency by 5%.

Prepare for future manufacturing trends

As industrial products develop towards lightweight, intelligent, and integrated products, metal 3D printing prototypes are a key pre-step to verify the feasibility of advanced manufacturing. With the help of the process experience, design specifications and post-processing data accumulated in prototype production, a solid foundation can be laid for subsequent direct mass production of metal 3D printing.

Enterprises introducing this technology as early as possible will not only improve current R&D efficiency, but also build future-oriented digital manufacturing capabilities. It closely connects design, material and manufacturing process innovation, and is an important practice for enterprises to transform from "traditional manufacturing" to "intelligent design and manufacturing".

As far as your industry is concerned, in which type of products do you think metal 3D printing prototype technology will first have a disruptive impact, such as the research and development of complex tooling, personalized terminal components or internal structural parts? Prototype model production includes metal riveting and welding processing . You are welcome to share your views in the comment area. If you find this article inspiring, please like it to support it.