In today’s ever-changing marketplace, engineers and product designers alike are under considerable pressure to work within tight timescales, and therefore, using the correct prototyping solution in order to model new products is essential to a fast and successful outcome, especially if that solution can be deployed at its first possible opportunity.
With access to CNC high-speed machining, 3D printing, paint finishing, vacuum forming, and vacuum resin casting, it’s possible to create highly detailed and accurate prototypes speedily and rapidly.
Such prototyping processes enable modifications and changes to easily be made as the product goes through its development phase, and this minimises risks before the final design moves onto the full production phase.
A Modern Speedy Solution for Prototype Generation
It wasn’t always this simple or convenient to generate prototypes, though. The various product elements that would once take several weeks to go through the processes of manufacturing, testing, and finally, verification, are not able to be manufactured in just days. In some cases, they can be built within just hours or minutes!
For many industries, this has represented a significant advancement, especially for those within the medical, technology, transport, and consumer sectors, which are now all repeating the many benefits associated with rapid prototyping.
Additive Manufacturing Or 3D Printing
Over the past few years, additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, has made headlines, not only within the product development sector, but also far beyond. 3D printing has certainly served to enhance the process of making prototypes. However, there are other methods that can sometimes be more appropriate. 3D printing isn’t necessarily the answer to every problem.
As an example, if there is a requirement for several identical parts, or for a prototype that is made from a specific material, then processes like CNC machining could be a far better option. Which method is most appropriate will depend heavily on the design, the product itself, and, of course, the timescale involved. Having a comprehensive range of different prototyping options to choose from is what has really brought considerable advantages to the table in the modern world.
Changing Technologies and Adapting To Situations
The variety of different prototyping technologies will continue to expand, and there is no single method to meet every need and every project. While in some cases, a product visual model could be a key link to the process of product development, in others, there may be a stronger emphasis on performance and functionality.
What will never vary, though, is a need to pinpoint the right speedy prototyping solution that meet the individual needs of each product’s development and its eventual launch.
We can work with our partners to find the optimal rapid prototyping solution to specifically meet the individual requirements of your project within the scope of your full product design process. You can rely on us to find the most appropriate partner to offer you the necessary technologies and processes to enable your project to reach completion as speedily and effectively as possible.
