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<\/p>\nPrototyping is an essential part of the product development process. Traditionally, it has meant long lead times and high costs or creating makeshift parts on the spot with little accuracy and a faint resemblance to the actual product.<\/p>\n
Enter rapid prototyping.<\/p>\n
And what is the difference between rapid prototyping and “just” prototyping?<\/p>\n
Even the name itself says that rapid prototyping is a quick way to produce parts. And the speed is also the main difference between regular and rapid prototyping.<\/p>\n
But it tells nothing about the reasons behind the boost in manufacturing speed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Manufacturing plastic prototypes<\/strong> used to have the highest requirements for up-front investments. Creating a mould for injection moulding and actually producing something that functions, behaves and looks similar to the final product needed a lot of money.<\/p>\n Adding “rapid” into the mix needed a push in technological developments. Additive manufacturing in the form of 3D printing services<\/a> has dramatically diminished the time and money necessary for producing a small batch of products or even a single part for an assembly.<\/p>\n Technologically, rapid prototyping for metal parts<\/strong> is also available through 3D printing. Still, the machinery with such capabilities is hard to find and the costs are considerably higher compared to CNC machining.<\/p>\n People also talk about CNC machining in the context of rapid prototyping. This refers to a few capabilities. For some time already, CAD\/CAM software<\/a> has been able to translate digital models into G code necessary for manufacturing. This development had a huge effect on costs and time requirements.<\/p>\n Also, more service providers are now offering CNC machining services online with instant quoting for CAD models<\/a>. This further decreases the barrier between the initial concept and the first test piece by removing most of the administrative actions and costs<\/strong> related to ordering.<\/p>\n The same applies to sheet metal<\/strong>, as 3D models can be quoted for cutting and bending in a matter of seconds<\/a>.<\/p>\n While there is no difference in terms of the metal fabrication methods themselves, the process as a whole has been made sleeker and faster for both prototyping but also serial production.<\/p>\n The whole purpose of innovation in industrial technology is maximising revenue through more effective ways of manufacturing. There are a few different perks rapid prototyping brings to the table to lower costs, and enhance speed and time-to-market.<\/p>\n Need the parts in under a week? No problem.<\/p>\n Small 3D-printed parts can easily be created in a few hours. Here, the new process has significantly reduced the time spent on actual manufacturing.<\/p>\n In the case of CNC machining and laser cutting, the level of automation has had a great effect on overall speed and costs. The ability to process CAD files for automated pricing, machine setups and creating cutting programs is the driving force behind that change.<\/p>\n So whichever service you are going for, expecting the parts in less than a week is reasonable. This can definitely speed up the whole product-to-market cycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The availability of these services online means that you do not have to spend time producing the parts yourself while also minimising the activities related to outsourcing production<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the case of 3D printing, it is even viable to purchase a printer for in-house use because of the simultaneous advancements in technology and drop in machinery costs.<\/p>\n The automated nature of the whole manufacturing process also lowers the adjacent costs related to operating the machinery.<\/p>\n To be fair, CAD software itself already took a great leap forward from engineering drawings<\/a>. You can change the part design with a few clicks, rotate it, find assembly interferences and move the assembly as you like. But it is not the same as real life..<\/p>\n Touching and playing around with a product still in the concept phase<\/a> can clearly bring forth the shortcomings and spark some more inspiration. Also, others will be able to see your vision in action.<\/p>\n Sometimes, such visualisation may also be a deal-maker when pitching a solution to a customer or an investor.<\/p>\n That’s the main purpose of producing rapid prototypes. You can test out a wide range of solutions in a short time-span to boost your product development towards a finished product that is actually reliable.<\/p>\n The testing applies to both design and functionality. The former allows better comprehension of dimensions in reality. The latter makes it possible to test out parts in real-life conditions.<\/p>\n Testing out different materials for the same geometry will help you make the most cost-effective decision for serial production<\/a>.<\/p>\n When making products, you don’t want to rush into setting up the whole production before eliminating all the shortcomings.<\/p>\n We will get to the technology shortly. But it is important to consider that most of the production methods revolve around 3D printing and CNC machining. Although we are talking about prototyping, these same methods can later be used for full-scale manufacturing.<\/p>\n One of the great perks here is the flexibility of these production technologies. They are able to create very intricate parts, including ones that stem the features from generative design methods<\/a>. This advanced CAD feature lets engineers optimise the parts for material use and cost, which may come in especially handy in industries like automotive and aerospace.<\/p>\n ![\"Rapid](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_1247774524-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAdvantages of Rapid Prototyping<\/h2>\n
Quickness<\/h3>\n
Price<\/h3>\n
Communication of Ideas<\/h3>\n
Testing<\/h3>\n
Complex Parts<\/h3>\n
\n \n Scale Your Manufacturing from Prototyping to Series<\/span>\n\n \n