How are professional or regular products designed on the computer for manufacturing?
Do they do it by making a 3D model and then getting it made by manufacturers/plastic factories, or the process is different?
If it's by making 3D models then what kind of programs do they use - Regular 3D software like blender?
I also understand that you can get a 3D model printed by 3d printing services, but are they the same as mass manufacturing companies, by that they make the product by 3D models.
3D printing provides a faster method for prototyping and have always been labeled as prototyping machines. Until recently, it has been rare to see 3D printers used for "mass manufacturing".
Yes, most mass-produced products start the manufacturing process with a 3D model. 3D models can be created in many different applications such as Solidworks, AutoCAD, Unigraphics, Blender, even Sketchup just to name a few.
In product development, the 3D model will then go through prototyping. Rapid prototyping can be done using a 3D printer by utilizing cheap materials and almost no labor cost.
Here are a few costs that can be associated with the different prototyping methods.
(Typically involving "traditional", subtractive manufacturing methods such as CNC mills, lathes, routers, etc.)
(Typically involving a 3D printer or other additive manufacturing methods)
Once a prototype is produced, the designer will adjust the 3D model accordingly based on results of the prototype. This process will be repeated until the prototype is adequate for the purpose of the end product.
When the product design is ready for mass production, it will go through traditional manufacturing methods such as:
