How to Determine the Best Prototyping Method? 5 ...

At last! It’s time to transform your design into a tangible object. While it's exhilarating to witness a product of your imagination becoming reality, several questions arise before you can kick off this journey. According to recent insights from experts, determining the best prototyping method hinges on various considerations including your project needs, materials, and the final product's intended use.

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1 | Which Prototyping Method Should You Use?

This question serves as the starting point, requiring answers to four critical considerations. To understand this better, let's briefly look into prototyping methods.

There are two fundamental types of manufacturing processes:

• Subtractive - This involves removing material to shape the part. Common methods include computer numerical control (CNC), lathing, machining, and milling.
• Additive - This technique adds material to construct the part, often referred to as 3D printing.

Bear in mind that certain materials correspond better with specific processes. For instance, plastics are commonly used in additive manufacturing, metals are typically shaped using CNC, and wood is especially suited for lathing.

2 | What Is the Purpose of the Prototype?

Understanding the purpose of your prototype is crucial, especially if functional testing is involved. You don’t want to test the part in a way that could provide misleading results.

For example, when creating a prototype using a form of additive manufacturing known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), the process could lead to false failure points due to layer separation when stress is applied. Instead, using a subtractive method with a solid plastic block may be preferable as it ensures the part breaks according to its design rather than its material integrity.

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3 | Do These Parts Need to Be Airtight?

3D printers can experience issues during the layering process that can introduce air pockets, compromising the part's airtightness. If airtightness is essential, opting for CNC processes that begin with solid blocks is advisable, as the material remains intact even after the subtractive process.

4 | How Many Prototypes Do You Need?

The number of prototypes required plays a vital role in selecting the right method. Some manufacturing techniques are inherently more time-efficient than others. If you only need a single part, any method will suffice. However, for larger quantities, consider searching for a supplier equipped with multiple 3D printers for quick turnaround. In contrast, access to a single printer may result in extended production times.

The size of the part also affects the speed of production. Often, you lack the flexibility to change the dimensions of a part. CNC machining allows for division into smaller, quicker components that can be assembled together efficiently instead of fabricating a huge piece.

5 | Must the Prototype Material Match the Final Product Material?

This question is significant. The intended purpose of the prototype determines the material choice. For functional testing, aiming for a close match to the final product's material is advisable. For instance, if the product needs a soft feel, select a comparable material for prototyping. Conversely, if design confirmation is the goal, using alternative materials that maintain similar properties is acceptable.

Remember:

• Concentrate on the primary problem you're attempting to solve. Only prototype the parts that are necessary.
• When strength is a concern, choose a method and material that provide the most accurate information regarding that aspect.

Prototyping marks an invigorating phase in your project. Conducting thorough research, posing pertinent questions, and grasping the responses will help propel your project ahead.

Additional reading:

How Small Design Changes Can Affect Product Development Pricing

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