A prototype is a great way of turning your idea into a tangible model. Using CAD our specialists can produce a drawing of your product and from this uses computer simulations, then turn this drawings into a real prototype.
There are lots of different types of prototype depending on your requirements. It’s often used in industry by creating prototypes of parts used in industrial applications, this is a cost effective way of designing and testing without getting the parts made as a finished product. It’s also more useful that drawings because we are able to produce moving, fully functional prototypes so you can see if the parts do what you want them to.
Rapid Prototyping is the best way to turn designs into three-dimensional objects. This technique is employed for designing models and prototyping small parts. It accelerates the product development process and guarantees a high quality, defect-free final product.
Three Stages in the Prototype Process
There are three major stages or types of prototype creation:
- Breadboard
- Presentation Prototype
- Pre-Production Prototype
Breadboard: This stage attempts to create a basic working model of your entrepreneurial innovation. This stage is only concerned about converting your ideas into a functional model. It is used to convey your design ideas to potential model makers or manufactures so that they can create an aesthetically appealing finished product for sale.
Presentation Prototype: This stage of prototyping crafts a replica of the final product. The prototype created in this stage can be used for promotional activities. It is supposed to exhibit the functionalities of the product, though not necessarily an exact copy of the final product.
Pre-Production Prototype: This stage produces an exact copy of the final product. This final-stage trial product is normally costly to produce. However it enables inventors and producers to evaluate every aspect of the product in detail which will help them identify potential design problems before launching the actual product. The drawings or photographs of this prototype can be used in brochures, mailings, pamphlets, advertising and so on. The pre-production type of prototypes can be shown to potential buyers since they are a true representation of the final product.
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