What is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototype or rapid prototyping is relatively a new term and
in simple words, it is created to quickly evaluate the visual and functionality
of an engineering product's design.
A prototype in an Engineering
Design San Francisco CA product design that is used to test the technology, evaluate the
design, or analyze the working to provide product specification for a real and
working system.
Prototypes are an integral part of engineering product design and
more importantly, it is an overall development process of new products. In the
new product design process, rapid prototyping can be executed at any stage of
the product development cycle. It can be used for any component or subcomponent
repeatedly.
The prototype can be used in other contexts like in semantics,
software programming and application development, etc, although the purpose of
using a prototype in other contexts is the same.
Types of Prototyping in
product design
The categories of prototyping depend upon the required degree of
accuracy (Fidelity) or at the stage of product development where it is
used.
Fidelity types of
prototyping
Prototypes don't need to look like final products, it can vary
according to the needs of the product design engineer that is required to
achieve the final product. A rapid prototype can be categorized in
terms of accuracy. The degree of the prototype may vary from basic low-fidelity
to high-fidelity in its appearance, functionality, size, and user interface.
What is a Low-fidelity and
high-fidelity prototype?
·
Low-fidelity prototype
A
low-fidelity prototype can be quickly produced and a simple prototype. It is
used to test the border concept of the final product. An example of this type
of prototype is Paper sketches to cardboard mock-ups.
·
High-fidelity prototype
In a
High-fidelity prototype, the appearance and functionality of the prototype are
closer and similar to the final product.
NPD stage types of
Prototyping
Product design, prototyping process of the build, review, and
refine classified into four major stages of the design process. These major
stages are:
·
product planning,
·
conceptual design,
·
embodiment design
·
detailed
design
The major parts further divided into the following prototypes:
·
Proof of concept
prototypes
·
Demonstration or
presentation model prototypes
·
Functional prototypes
·
Aesthetic or industrial
design prototypes
·
Final factory sample
·
Alpha & beta build
prototypes
What is the importance of
Prototyping in Mechanical Design?
In the competitive environment of these days, companies
continuously develop and introduce new products to their consumers. In the
fast-moving modern days, faster development of products and innovation of new
technologies is the key to the success of companies. Due to these reasons, the
importance of rapid prototyping is also increasing along with fast-moving
technologies. Here are some points that can be achieved by rapid prototyping:
·
Prototyping plays a vital
role in the faster development of new products.
·
Early-stage concept
validation of fit, form, and function of the Engineering
Design San Francisco CA.
·
Final stage product
verification against the business objectives and technical requirements.
·
Rapid prototyping allows
functionality testing to achieve the goals of the final product.
·
Prototyping gives the
hands-on user experience to get feedback.
Types of rapid prototyping
techniques
Mentioned below are the types of rapid prototyping technology
available for the Mechanical Design Engineer San Francisco CA:
·
Additive manufacturing
·
Stereolithography (SLA)
·
Selective laser
sintering (SLS)
·
Direct metal laser
sintering(DMLS)
·
Fused Deposition
Modelling (FDM)
·
Binder jetting
·
Poly jetting
·
Other techniques
·
CNC Machining
Prototyping
·
Vacuum casting
·
Investment casting
Advantages and
Disadvantages of Rapid Prototyping
Advantages of rapid
prototyping
·
Reduced design &
development time
·
Reduced overall product
development cost
·
Elimination or reduction
of risk
·
Allows functionality
testing
·
Improved and increased
user involvement
·
Ability to evaluate
human factors and ergonomics
Disadvantages of rapid
prototyping
·
Lack of accuracy
·
Added initial costs
·
Some rapid prototyping
processes are expensive and not economical.
·
Requires skilled labor
·
Material properties
cannot be matched
·
The range of materials
are limited
·
End-user confusion
·
Overlooking some key
features due to lack of prototyping process.
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