The use of rapid prototyping can help with the designing and building of custom parts for industrial applications and other uses as well. The use of rapid prototyping relies on 3D computer-aided design or CAD. It’s something you may need to learn more about as an entrepreneur or business owner, and the following are some key points.
1. What is Rapid Prototyping?
First, what is it? Rapid prototyping is a design process that uses an idea, prototyping, and then testing of a model, part, or building using CAD.
The building can be done through additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.
3D printing uses technology to build 3D objects by building layer-on-layer of materials.
With rapid prototyping, there are high-fidelity prototypes with a design that matches the end product that’s projected. Then, there’s a low fidelity prototype, with a distinction between the final product and the prototype that’s pretty definitive.
When you use rapid prototyping, you can test for fit and function, allowing you to get your product to market faster.
2. Different Types of Prototypes
A prototype, as was touched on above, can be characterized based on the accuracy required or in what part of the product development stage it’s used.
With a fidelity prototype, again, it doesn’t have to look like the final product. It can vary based on what the designer wants to achieve with its use. A rapid prototype can be low-fidelity or high-fidelity in its functionality and appearance, as well as its size.
A low-fidelity prototype is simple and is used to test a broader concept.
A high-fidelity prototype functions and looks much more like what the final product will.
3. What Should a Prototype Be Used For?
Some of the uses for prototyping include anything that is complex in how you interact with it or has new functions or changes in technology, design, or overall workflow.
4. Approaches to Rapid Prototyping
Some of the specific approaches and techniques used in rapid prototyping include:
~ Stereolithography (SLA): This is industrial 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing. With this process, parts are built in resin using a laser-controlled computer. The laser can trace and cure a section of the part design on the resin. This is good for concept projects and more cosmetic prototypes. There’s limited functionality in this type of prototype though because the resin is not as strong as engineering-grade.
~ Selective laser sintering: This is also called SLS, and it uses a CO2 laser controlled by a computer. The parts are accurate and durable in comparison to SLA, and this can be used for some functional testing, but the parts tend to have a rough, grainy texture.
~ Multi-jet modelling (MJM): With MJM, there is a printer head used with linear nozzles. Then the product is printed with data from a CAD model. The result is a detailed version of a digital design in a physical form.
~ Fused deposition modelling (FDM): This is another way of 3D printing for prototype products. It uses continuous filaments of materials. The product can be printed layer-by-layer. It’s similar to MJM, but it has less precision. This is a good way to make a plastic prototype without tooling or processing.
5. Using Prototypes
With rapid prototypes, you can get something made quickly and at a reasonable price. You can test the product attributes, so you know you’re going to get peace of mind before you go full-steam ahead for production.
6. How Long Does It Take?
After the creation of a 3D design, creating a prototype with 3D printing can be done in a few hours. For even very complex designs, it usually takes a few days, compared to traditional prototyping.
7. How Much Does It Cost?
The price of having a rapid prototype made very much depends on individual factors.
Part dimensions are one factor. Larger parts mean more material is needed, so it’s going to be more expensive. Some prototypes require more detailed finishes, such as paint or assembly.
There are so many applications that rapid prototyping can be used for. It was initially used to create parts and also models in the auto industry, but now it’s used across many industries.
You get the benefits of seeing a more complete view of what your product is ultimately going to look like, so you can make changes early on in the process. Of course, precision and cost-effectiveness are benefits too.
You also, as a customer of rapid prototyping, enjoy more flexibility and choice.
