Rapid Prototyping Services:
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes. 3D printing is considered distinct from traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling.
To maintain competitiveness in the market we run our 3D Printer with Black ABS in 0.006in layers, depending of the 3D CAD file deviation. Acetone bath for surface treatment is available upon request.
The prototyping technology is used for manufacturing in jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction, automotive, aerospace, dental, medical industries, education, civil engineering, and other fields.
When to Use CAD Models Vs. Prototypes
When should modeling versus prototyping be used? The key difference is the value of the information obtained. Ultimately, the final product must be created. The prototype or model is used strictly to improve the final product. Costs associated with the prototype or model will be amortized over the number of unit s built.
The major problem with models is the lack of confidence in the results. Sophisticated models are too complex for any single engineer to analyze. In fact, most models are now sold as proprietary software packages.
The actual algorithms, precision, and some iterations are rarely provided. The only way to validate the algorithm (not the model).
Design, Modeling, and Prototyping by repeated use and comparison to actual prototypes. It is easier to have confidence in prototypes.
Actual parts can be measured and tested repeatedly, and the components and processes can be examined. Prototypes are used more often than model s once the complexity of the device exceeds the ability of the computer to accurately reflect the part or process. During the initial design phases, models must be used because a prototype is meaningless until a concept has been more firmly defined.
At the other extreme, modeling is of limited benefit to the factory until the configuration of the part is well known. A general rule is to build a model, then a prototype, then a production unit.
Create even a simple mathematical model if possible so that the physics can be better understood. If the prototype is to be skipped, confidence in the model must be extremely high. If there is little confidence in the model, then a minimum of two or three prototype iterations will have to be done.
A good design Always Needs A WOW! Factor
Along with a substantial marketing and sales plan, a product demo is a must for most projects going forward. You do this even if it's simply to convince yourself about the product you are going to launch, or to assure your investor or to introduce it to a crowd funding site.
This applies to those incorporating crowd funding strategies like those offered by Kickstarter.com or Indiegogo.com. A proof of concept prototype that has all the critical form and function is significant to inspiring your investors. A typical investor likes to be "wowed, " and a comprehensible proof of concept has a huge impact on their judgment of your "concept to market" with their return of the investment.
There is always room for improvement. Be cautious to avoid trying to create the final product with all the features; the objective is to build a high-quality demo leveraging the proof of concept. It is acceptable to use some external device, like a laptop, to simulate what the controller box will do.
Along with the significant probability proofing and the “dog-and-pony tell” opportunities, the proof of concept prototype presents additional validation to all aspects of the value proposition and cost structure. Marketing, sales, R&D, manufacturing and ROI can validate and improve upon the plans and activities going forward based on the knowledge achieved with the prototype.
You probably understand the basics of prototyping early in the product development cycle. In the past, we have discussed the Proof-of-Concept Prototype and the Product Prototype where Form, Fit, and Function are the first prototype soul. In world-class product development, the proof of concept is used to "tell the story" where the Production Prototype is almost how the first production unit should work and perform.
Proof-of-Concept Prototype: First phase of a merchandise prototype that bears little similarity to the final product but is used to confirm the idea and prove workability. A Proof-of-Concept Prototype is also utilized to procuring intellectual property and to expose to potential investors when raising capital.
Design Prototype: Second phase of a product prototype that has the working and aesthetic properties of the final Design and is produced using 3D printing or any other quick fabrication methods. A design prototype is used to work out the final design and manufacturing details and to receive feedback from distributors, buyers, and retailers.
In today's CAD technology, many inventors or corporations are using the "virtual prototype" or 3D CAD Design as the Proof-of-Concept. From there some go directly to a Design Prototype under the assumption that they will save money. Sometimes new Designers or what I choose to call "Mechanically Educated Nintendo Players," think that that they are through. I have seen their faces when looking at their designed prototype; they are the ones saying WOW! as investors roll their eyes. My best advice, do not cut corners, doing what you have to will pay in the long run.
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