Rapid prototyping is the rapid prototyping process to visually and functionally evaluate engineering product design. In an engineering product design, the prototype is a preliminary version of the final product and is used to evaluate the design, test the technology or analyze the working principle. Prototype production is an integral part of engineering product design and, more importantly, an important phase of an overall new product development process. Rapid prototyping can be used at any stage of the product development cycle or for any component or subcomponent and can be repeated many times throughout the new product design process.
Prototype Production
3D Prototype
Although additive manufacturing is mostly used in prototype production, various manufacturing technologies can also be used. Other technologies used for rapid prototyping include high speed machining, casting, molding and extrusion technologies. While additive manufacturing is the most common rapid prototyping process, other more traditional processes can also be used for prototyping. In order to develop prototypes, a 3D model of the part to be produced, that is CAD data, is needed. Prototype production is carried out using CAD Data, by choosing one of the traditional or innovative manufacturing methods.
Rapid Prototyping Methods
We can divide rapid prototyping methods into 2 parts. The first is the additive manufacturing method, and the second is the traditional manufacturing methods.
Among the additive manufacturing methods, there are different three-dimensional printer technologies such as FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF, Polyjet, DMLS. Rapid prototyping, that is, prototype production, can be done with these 3d printing technologies.
CNC machining or casting technologies are among the traditional manufacturing methods.
Why Is Rapid Prototyping Important?
Enter the market earlywith Rapid Prototyping,be competitive.
In the rapidly evolving modern-day consumer market, companies need to develop and launch new products faster to stay competitive. Rapid prototyping is a key element of new product development, as faster product development and technology innovation are key to a company’s success. The following objectives are achieved through rapid prototyping.
Advantages of Rapid Prototyping
Discover the advantages of prototype production.
Saving Time
Cost Savings
Minimum Risk
Proven Functionality
User Engagement
Evaluation
Prototype Application Examples
and much more…
Is Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing the Same Thing?
No, it is not. In today’s product development process, rapid prototyping is widely used alongside terms like “3D printing” and “additive manufacturing” because 3D printing first came to the forefront as a way to quickly produce prototypes. 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a manufacturing process, while prototyping is the final result or final product. Also, 3D printing can be used alone or in combination with other processes to create rapid prototyping.
