Why You Should Perform Prototype Designing
The art of prototype designing is slowly being made easier with the development of new technologies and tools. This makes the workflow of industrial designers simpler. However, there are a few important development phases that should be followed to achieve the right prototype design. Most prototype designers only dream of creating the perfect prototype design. Here is a further insight into how to achieve this.
What’s The Meaning of Prototype Designing?
Prototype designing is the process of developing a new product. Generally, the process starts with a prototype design, then prototype development, and lastly the making of the product. designers use the made prototype to evaluate and test it pout as a product. Then later, they can make product adjustments, that improve the prototype more. The product design could be anything. For instance, it could be a simple part or even complexly assembled model parts. One great way of illustrating prototypes is through drawings. They show the prototype’s dimension, top and side views. This can later also be converted into a physical prototype. We can use rapid prototyping techniques to make them hence saving a lot of time. The great aesthetics gained attract many customers towards your prototype.
Phases of Product Development
At Creatingway, we advise our clients to follow a set of steps to get successful and efficient products. Here are the steps
-
Identify The Need
Manufacturers should first look at the current market and identify the need for a new product. After identifying this need, evaluate and do relevant research on the product. Involve customers during this phase as their input is important. They better understand the existing problem and have ideas on solving them using your prototype. Upon completion of this phase, you will remain with a conceptual design of the product. This helps in developing the actual product.
-
Design The Prototype
This phase transforms the conceptual design into a visual design. Therefore, software designs the prototype to be produced. This is the culmination of the months of brainstorming and research. The function of this visual design is to allow designers to make dimension modifications. Thus, you avoid spending money during the manufacturing phase to fix such errors. Once made, it is stored in STL format in a CAD model. It allows for 3D printing of the conceptual design. The machine reads the file in M-codes and G-codes and makes highly accurate physical prototypes.
-
Develop The Prototype
This phase involves transforming the conceptual design into a physical prototype. Designers can use the physical prototype in evaluation and testing. Physical prototypes range from simple handmade models to complex models that are fully operational. You could test out with the real world conditions with the latter type of physical prototype. Also, with the development of many rapid prototyping techniques, it is now easier to make them. For instance, a 3D printer allows prototype designers to make prototypes within a short time both at a lower cost and accurately. The phase also helps prototype designing in optimizing the production method. We can edit and remove unnecessary manufacturing operations thus keeping the production costs at a minimum.
-
Deploy and Test the Prototype
This is the last phase of product development. Manufactures can select from the many rapid manufacturing methods available. They can produce many parts within a short period. For instance, CNC machining is a great example. It uses computers to guide it in cutting, drilling, and boring operations. This serves as a good option for both prototyping and manufacturing needs. After making the product, the launch of the product follows but nor before testing. It is wise to do a test to confirm whether the product functions properly and has the features promised. If it fails during testing, you can remodel the design before releasing it again.
Importance of Prototype Designing
Prototype designing is a critical phase in product development. It is at this phase that you can do design optimization of the product. Here are some of the benefits you get after effectively going to this phase.
-
Short Lead Time
Prototype designing saves a lot of time. Imagine going into the manufacturing phase with only the conceptual design. You are more likely to spend much time in correcting the errors that you will encounter. Doing the fixing in the early phases is much more effective. You can use software to analyze and correct based on the findings.
-
Reduction of Cost
The cost of manufacturing becomes low because of design optimization. Product design can effectively predict the right material for the product and an optimal manufacturing method. Also, simplifying the design cuts down costs. For instance, modifying certain components can allow a perfect fit, lessening the need for bolts and fasteners. Also, the standardization of the product reduces costs. It avoids the need for making custom made parts for your product. Therefore, they can use standard components in functioning. For any inquiries or quotes concerning prototype designing, contact us now.
Creatingway is concentrated on CNC machining manufacturing, prototype machining, low-volume manufacturing, metal fabrication, and parts finishing services, provide you the best support and services. ask us one inquire now.
Any questions or RFQ for metal& plastic technology and custom machining, welcome to contact us below
Call +86-0(755)-89492523 or send an inquiry to us
Welcome visit us, any metal and plastic design and machining questions, we are here to support you. Our services email address: