Rapid Prototyping- A Part of Mechanical Design

Rapid Prototyping- A Part of Mechanical Design What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototype or rapid prototyping is relatively a new term and in simple words, it is created to quickly evaluate the visual and functionality of an engineering product's design.

A prototype in an Engineering Design San Francisco CA product design that is used to test the technology, evaluate the design, or analyze the working to provide product specification for a real and working system.

Prototypes are an integral part of engineering product design and more importantly, it is an overall development process of new products. In the new product design process, rapid prototyping can be executed at any stage of the product development cycle. It can be used for any component or subcomponent repeatedly.

The prototype can be used in other contexts like in semantics, software programming and application development, etc, although the purpose of using a prototype in other contexts is the same.

Types of Prototyping in product design The categories of prototyping depend upon the required degree of accuracy (Fidelity) or at the stage of product development where it is used.

Fidelity types of prototyping

Prototypes don't need to look like final products, it can vary according to the needs of the product design engineer that is required to achieve the final product. A rapid prototype can be categorized in terms of accuracy. The degree of the prototype may vary from basic low-fidelity to high-fidelity in its appearance, functionality, size, and user interface.

What is a Low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototype?  Low-fidelity prototype

A low-fidelity prototype can be quickly produced and a simple prototype. It is used to test the border concept of the final product. An example of this type of prototype is Paper sketches to cardboard mock-ups.

 High-fidelity prototype

In a High-fidelity prototype, the appearance and functionality of the prototype are closer and similar to the final product.

NPD stage types of Prototyping Product design, prototyping process of the build, review, and refine classified into four major stages of the design process. These major stages are:

 product planning,  conceptual design,  embodiment design  detailed design

The major parts further divided into the following prototypes:

 Proof of concept prototypes  Demonstration or presentation model prototypes  Functional prototypes  Aesthetic or industrial design prototypes

 Final factory sample  Alpha & beta build prototypes

What is the importance of Prototyping in Mechanical Design?

In the competitive environment of these days, companies continuously develop and introduce new products to their consumers. In the fast-moving modern days, faster development of products and innovation of new technologies is the key to the success of companies. Due to these reasons, the importance of rapid prototyping is also increasing along with fast-moving technologies. Here are some points that can be achieved by rapid prototyping:

 Prototyping plays a vital role in the faster development of new products.  Early-stage concept validation of fit, form, and function of the Engineering Design San Francisco CA.  Final stage product verification against the business objectives and technical requirements.  Rapid prototyping allows functionality testing to achieve the goals of the final product.  Prototyping gives the hands-on user experience to get feedback.

Types of rapid prototyping techniques

Mentioned below are the types of rapid prototyping technology available for the Mechanical Design Engineer San Francisco CA:

 Additive manufacturing  Stereolithography (SLA)  Selective laser sintering (SLS)  Direct metal laser sintering(DMLS)  Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)  Binder jetting  Poly jetting  Other techniques  CNC Machining Prototyping  Vacuum casting  Investment casting

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rapid Prototyping Advantages of rapid prototyping  Reduced design & development time  Reduced overall product development cost  Elimination or reduction of risk  Allows functionality testing  Improved and increased user involvement  Ability to evaluate human factors and ergonomics

Disadvantages of rapid prototyping  Lack of accuracy  Added initial costs  Some rapid prototyping processes are expensive and not economical.  Requires skilled labor  Material properties cannot be matched  The range of materials are limited  End-user confusion

 Overlooking some key features due to lack of prototyping process.