lkprototype takes a multi-process collaborative approach to the creation of appearance prototypes by integrating high-precision 3D printing (layer thickness up to 25μm minimum), five-axis CNC precision engraving (surface roughness Ra≤ 0.4μm) and vacuum complex modeling (shrinkage control ± 0.08%). Reach 99% visual consistency with production parts. Taking a smart speaker project as an example, its shell with a curving design (220×120×50mm in size) utilizes the light curing SLA process (material: ABS-like resin), with nano-spraying on the surface (film thickness 18-22μm) and UV coating treatment, the gloss is enhanced from the original 60GU to 95GU. The color deviation ΔE value is less than 0.8 (Pantone standard), and the single-piece production cycle is only 32 hours, which is 65% less than that of the traditional process. The Consumer Electronics Show 2023 case shows that a manufacturer of AR glasses has reduced the development cost of its prototype from 12,000 * * to * * 4,500 with the help of lkprototype’s gradual semi-transparent effect solution (via 8-color mixed-color 3D printing technology), and the rate of optical transmittal compliance has increased to 98%.
In the case of complicated texture demands, lkprototype’s digital etching system replicates subtle patterns from 600 to 2500dpi. A luxury brand watch project leverages the technology to achieve 0.15mm guet engraving depth (grain density 120 lines/mm) on a titanium bezel and, through PVD coating (film thickness 2μm), to achieve rose gold color, color difference control precision of ΔE<1.2 (RAL color card certification). The accuracy of the process is 42% compared to chemical etching and a reduced production cycle from 3 weeks to 6 days. According to the 2024 Industrial Design Trends Report, the smart texture library by lkprototype has integrated 1,200+ preset pattern templates, while AI algorithms will be able to find the perfect combination of machining parameters in less than 18 minutes after upload of the customers’ designs.
In transparent parts processing, the optical-grade PMMA injection molding solution developed by lkprototype (light transmission ≥ 92%, fog ≤ 1.5%) and automatic polishing equipment (surface accuracy Ra 0.02μm) can meet the strict demands of medical device window prototype. One endoscope company produced a 5mm diameter viewer by this solution, keeping the assembly error of its internal lens group at ±0.005mm and the rate of luminous flux loss at just 3.8% – an industry average of 12% – thereby allowing customers to pass the FDA optical performance test four months earlier than scheduled. The supporting stress detection system (accuracy ± 0.5MPa) can monitor the material flow status during injection molding in real time, reducing the product’s birefringence from the usual 120nm/cm to 30nm/cm.
For multi-material prototypes, the hybrid manufacturing unit of lkprototype supports 3-5 materials being molded at the same time. There is a new energy vehicle door handle project, which combines metal base (aluminum alloy 6061) and transparent TPU soft adhesive (Shore hardness 85A). It achieves seamless assembly through in-mold insert technology (positioning accuracy 0.01mm). Interface stripping strength is 25N/mm² (industry standard is 18N/mm²). The solution improved prototype functional test pass rate from 72% to 96% and reduced development cost by 38%. According to the ISO 9283 robot performance standard test, lkprototype multi-axis cooperative robot arm reaches an accuracy of ±0.02mm for complex surface mounting operations. Moreover, mounting efficiency increased up to 45 pieces/hour whereas with traditional manual mounting only 12 pieces/hour were achieved.
lkprototype, by employing a blockchain-based supply chain traceability system, assures that all materials for appearance prototypes are environment friendly. It even met the ABS prototype of children’s toy suppliers, VOC emission was regulated to 0.08mg/m³ (which is below national standard limit: 0.10mg/m³), heavy metal migration passed (lead content < 3ppm). This allowed it to be delivered 2 months ahead of time for the EN71-3 certification. Its onboard 3D colorimeter (10 dots/SEC detection frequency) and spectral analysis module (380-780nm wavelength) provide a closed-loop quality control that brings batch colorimeter fluctuation from the industry average of 5.2% down to 1.8%, enabling customers to complete appearance verification testing across regional markets within 48 hours.