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Direct Digital Manufacturing
Direct digital manufacturing (DDM) is the technique of
creating production-grade parts directly for end-use with rapid
prototyping equipment. Direct digital manufactured parts are ready to use in internal assemblies,
or can be finished to high-quality surfaces with polishing, sealing
or painting. Also called rapid manufacturing, additive manufacturing
or additive fabrication, DDM offers benefits in increased speed and
low-volume requirements over alternative
manufacturing techniques such as injection molding and die casting.
Why Should I use DDM?
Direct digital manufacturing allows a company to ramp up manufacturing
of a new product without the delays of creating a traditional mold, rapid tooling or plastic tooling.
As companies rush to market to stay competitive, creating short
runs of parts can shave weeks or even months off manufacturing time.
That can mean meeting tough deadlines, gaining new business or maintaining
critical shelf space with key retailers.
Like rapid prototyping, direct digital manufacturing eliminates the need for tooling set up. And
because it can produce parts of intricate geometry, it can create
one part where previously there were two, eliminating the time involved
in sub-assembly of parts produced by traditional means.
Is Direct Digital Manufacturing Right for Me?
Direct digital manufacturing isn't right for every manufacturing application,
but it can have profound effects in the right circumstances. Direct digital manufacturing
can gain a competitive edge for small to mid-sized manufacturers
who:
- Produce short-run quantities of parts where
the cost of a traditional mold would be high on a per-part basis.
Typically, quantities from single digits to the low thousands
make economic sense for direct manufacturing.
- Require rapid turnaround of 2-5 days. For
example, alpha and beta product launches require a very small
total production but very fast turnaround time.
- Need parts that utilize complex geometries
with negative angles, undercuts, thin walls or complex injection
mold parts. It's also appropriate for parts without draft angles
or ejector pin placements, or those with critical dimensional
stability requirements.
- Require new product pilot builds to gain early Underwriters
Lab or CE testing approval.
- Conduct continuous design iterations during
feasibility and market validation studies. Rapid manufacturing parts allow engineers
and manufacturers to design, build and test their parts as many
times as necessary.
Small manufacturers may also choose to use rapid manufacturing
to conserve cash flow. With the ability to order small quantities,
purchasing agents may order parts as they're required, rather than
ordering an entire years' production in one run. They can also validate
market acceptance before committing to large manufacturing
runs.
Make a Difference on your Next Project.
It takes just a few minutes to register for our direct digital manufacturing services. Upload your 3D CAD files to
get a secure instant quote now.
Regardless of their reason for using direct digital manufacturing ,
manufacturers have found it to be a critical tool in reducing time
and costs. If you have a project which might benefit from RedEye RPM’s rapid manufacturing, give us a call at 1.866.882.6934 (toll free) 1.952.906.2725 (International) or send us an
e-mail at GoDigital@redeyerpm.com.
Why RedEye RPM?
RedEye RPM, a business unit of
Stratasys,
is the world's largest provider of rapid prototyping and direct
digital manufacturing services. With more than 80 systems in its
facilities, RedEye RPM is the source for low-volume, high
quality models and working parts made from one of the largest
selections of thermoplastic materials available, such as ABS,
polycarbonate, ISO certified and more. From digital files,
RedEye quickly builds models and parts of any size, while
maintaining precise design accuracy and allows for multiple
iterations throughout the design process.
Get a secure
instant quote from your 3D CAD files now.
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