CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software

Dictionary

Rapid prototyping encompasses all processes that can quickly and cost-effectively create prototypes from digital drawings. The best-known manufacturing processes for such production include 3D printing, laser sintering and CNC machining. Rapid production means that the design and functionality of a product can be checked and improved more frequently and efficiently, reducing development times.

Dictionary

Additive manufacturing is an innovative manufacturing process in which material is added layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects. This approach enables the production of complex geometries and customized components that are often not feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. In industry, additive manufacturing is used to create prototypes quickly, shorten production times and increase material efficiency. It also offers flexibility for design adjustments without additional tooling costs, making development and production more agile. By reducing waste and optimizing the use of materials, additive manufacturing contributes to sustainable production and strengthens the competitiveness of companies in a wide range of industries.

Dictionary

The DXF file is a special CAD file format that enables the exchange of 2D and 3D drawing data between CAD programs. The file format can capture information, texts and other details of a drawing and is therefore often used in architecture, mechanical engineering or graphic design. DXF files are platform-independent and therefore enable smooth transfer between different programs. Geometric shapes supported by the format include circles, lines and arcs, making the format particularly suitable for sheet metal working to place parts on a sheet.

Dictionary

Filaments is a long, thin strand of material that is used in additive manufacturing, particularly in 3D printing. It often consists of thermoplastics such as PLA, ABS or PETG, which are melted through an extrusion process and applied in layers to create three-dimensional objects. In industrial manufacturing, filament enables the precise and cost-efficient production of complex components and prototypes. The material properties of the filament, such as strength, flexibility and temperature resistance, directly influence the quality and functionality of the manufactured products. Therefore, the selection of the appropriate filament type is crucial for the efficiency and reliability of production processes in the modern manufacturing industry.

Dictionary

A special form of 3D printing is the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) process. In this process, thermoplastic materials are extruded layer by layer and deposited on top of one another to create a 3D object. This 3D printing method is primarily used when prototypes and small series need to be produced cost-effectively and without great demands on surface quality. Plastics such as ABS, PLA or nylon are usually used for production; these are melted through a nozzle and then precisely applied. The layer-by-layer production makes it possible to depict complex geometries and shapes. This allows design features to be precisely represented and optimized, especially during the development phase of a product.