LKprototype offers full support for prototype production in STEP (AP203/AP214) and IGES (version 5.3) file formats. Its data conversion system has the capability to achieve 99.7% format compatibility and geometric accuracy error ≤0.02mm. Through the preprocessing software based on the Parasolid kernel, the topology optimization and tolerance analysis (ISO 2768-mK level) of complex assemblies (for example, gearboxes in the automotive industry with over 500 components) can be completed by engineers within 15 minutes, and the efficiency of CNC machining path planning can be enhanced by 60%. For instance, in 2023, a single STEP file (2.3GB in size) from a particular German automaker supplier included a turbocharger housing (wall thickness of 3.2±0.1mm) and internal flow channels (diameter of Φ8mm±0.05mm). LKprototype has reduced the processing preparation cycle from the industry average of 8 hours to 2.5 hours by automatically repairing missing surfaces (with a repair rate of 98.5%) and optimizing surface continuity (with curvature deviation ≤0.005mm⁻¹), and has saved customers approximately $12,000 in R&D costs.
For high-precision medical device prototypes, the IGES file process function of LKprototype supports NURBS surface reconstruction (fitting error ±0.01mm) so that mechanical property simulation (Young’s modulus 110GPa±3%) of implants (e.g., spinal fixators made of titanium alloy) is 99.2% consistent with the physical object. The 3D printing failure rate of a STEP file of certain American orthopedic device company amounted to as much as 22% in 2022 due to the problem of superimposed errors. LKprototype, through dynamic mesh subdivision (reduced the unit size from 0.5mm to 0.2mm) and reinforcing the stress concentration zone (increased the wall thickness from 1.5mm to 2.2mm), Enhanced the fatigue strength of SLM formed parts from 350MPa to 480MPa (ASTM F1717 standard) and cut the post-processing time by 40% (from 14 hours to 8.4 hours). This design was verified through finite element analysis (load range 0-5,000N) that the threaded connection peak stress was reduced by 63% (from 820MPa to 302MPa).
In consumer electronics, the STEP/IGES compatibility of LKprototype helps customers shorten the design iteration cycle. In 2023, a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles uploaded a carbon fiber fuselage frame through IGES files (with 200 curved surfaces). Through LKprototype’s lightweight algorithm (weight reduction by 35%) and thermal deformation compensation (CTE 2.3×10⁻⁶/℃), the development cost of the injection mold was reduced from 25,000 to 9,800. And the assembly accuracy of ±0.03mm is achieved through a five-axis machining center (spindle speed 18,000 RPM). In this project, the group utilized the non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) interpolation technique to enhance the surface roughness of the propeller blades from Ra 3.2μm to Ra 0.8μm and increase the aerodynamic efficiency by 19%.
To learn more about LKprototype’s one-stop manufacturing services like rapid prototyping, CNC machining, vacuum casting, and 3D printing, and the key benefits of its own factory in quality control, quick delivery (finished within 3 days), and no minimum order quantity, go to the official website for more exploration: https://lkprototype.com/