Rapid prototyping is an innovative and efficient manufacturing process that has revolutionised product development across various industries. This method usually involves the quick and cost-effective creation of physical prototypes or models of a design, allowing for a faster approach to low volume product development.
At Midas Pattern Co., we specialise in creating prototype polyurethane RIM mouldings using our low volume, prototype tooling system - Midas FASTrim. From product launches to demo instruments, our FASTrim process has the capability to produce a maximum of 30 off parts per tool. Combined with the option to modify to your requirements, FASTrim can be used for both prototype development and as an ultra-low volume production process.
What is Rapid Prototyping?
At its core, rapid prototyping is about turning design concepts into tangible prototypes in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional manufacturing methods. Unlike conventional manufacturing, which often requires expensive tooling and lengthy production processes, rapid prototyping leverages advanced technologies to produce functional models swiftly and with precision.
Midas Pattern Co. specialise in polyurethane RIM mouldings specifically – using UL94 V0 certified flame-retardant materials to ensure that your low volume/rapid prototyping can be shipped worldwide if necessary.
FASTrim is our ‘soft’ tooling process that has been developed to enable our customer to obtain parts within a short turnaround time using high-quality production material.
Midas Pattern Co. is an accredited Carbon Net Zero business and all the carbon in both the FASTrim tooling and the Polyurethane mouldings is 100% mitigated - all prototypes manufactured and delivered are totally carbon free as a result of our FASTrim process.
Benefits of FASTrim Rapid Prototyping
Production-Grade Precision: FASTrim by Midas Pattern Co. delivers rapid prototype Polyurethane RIM (Reaction Injection Moulding) mouldings. The remarkable aspect is that these prototypes are ready for testing, validation, design sign-off, and even immediate sale. With FASTrim, there's no compromise on materials or quality – your prototypes are production-ready from the start.
Versatility and Accuracy: FASTrim tooling is CNC machined, ensuring exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Unlike SLS/SLA/Vacuum casting, it's adaptable and can be modified as your project evolves - this means you can focus on refining your design without constraints.
Complex Design Capabilities: FASTrim is not limited by design complexity. It can accommodate intricate features like complex undercuts, cast-in threaded inserts, and organic forms. This gives you the creative freedom to perfect your design without manufacturing limitations.
A 'Bridge' to Full Production: FASTrim serves not only as a rapid prototyping solution but also as an ultra-low volume production process. It has the capability to perform low-volume production RIM moulded projects - making it an ideal choice for projects at any stage of development.
Meeting Critical Deadlines: In today's competitive landscape, meeting tight deadlines and product launch schedules is imperative. FASTrim provides a low-risk, high-speed solution, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and launch your products on time.
What is Rapid Prototyping used for?
Midas FASTrim rapid prototyping has been commissioned for a variety of industry sectors, including;
- Medical & Healthcare
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
- Beauty
- Marine & Transportation
To read about the solutions that Midas Pattern Co. were able to offer to each of these diverse industries, you can explore our case studies – where we delve into the requirements of each industry and how we provided a suitable solution.
Whether you're developing the next groundbreaking product or enhancing existing designs, rapid prototyping offers a versatile and efficient solution to meet your needs.
To learn more about our innovative rapid prototyping process, you can contact a member of the Midas Pattern Co. team via email at sales@midas-pattern.co.uk or telephone +441234358394. Alternatively, why not arrange a visit to meet the team and see our unique processes for yourself?