Rapid prototyping can be defined as a modeling technique which improves and speeds up the development of new products. It is a process that uses computer aided tools and techniques such as 3D printing and stereo lithography to create physical product models for production tooling and analysis. The process can be very helpful to product designers, component suppliers and even manufacturers and comes with a number of advantages to all who choose to use the technique.
It saves time
Rapid prototyping eliminates all the time that is required to produce patterns, special tools and molds for conventional modeling. There is a huge time reduction between the initial designing and the analysis and this speeds up the production process. The accurate model is made quickly available for feature, usability, performance and form testing using the technique something that would have taken a long time to achieve using the conventional method. This is because the process is largely automated and designers can even modify products faster and before mass production. You can now get your products in the market fast and ahead of your competitors.
It opens up innovation opportunities
Another major advantage of the prototyping is that designers have the freedom to create models that are complex in surfaces and shaped without worrying about accurate production. This is something that would have been impossible or very tedious to achieve with conventional prototyping because of restrictions in physical components and prototype tooling. Creativity is taken to the next level by rapid prototyping technique.
It reduces costs
This technique reduced product development costs because no special tools are needed for every new product. It is a process that relies on printing equipment and CAD all the time thus reducing expenses. There is also reduced labor considering that the process is automated and a company does not therefore require having a large staff team to get the work done. The waste costs are also minimized by the process because there is no material chipping that occurs to get a finished model using the conventional techniques.
It offers easier visualization
3D molds are realistic and easy to present to clients or stakeholders thanks to easy viewing of all parts and angles that matter. With this visualization, the development program is approved fast because it is easier for everyone involved to understand the product as far as the physical features are concerned. It is much easier to analyze the product when it is possible to touch it and view all parts compared to relying on a printed version of the same product. Important changes can also be done to improve the product.
It lowers the risks of errors
Simple product errors can be quite costly and rapid prototyping eliminates the chances of such a thing happening. The production team is able to identify faults and problems and make fast modifications before mass production takes place. It ensures that the finished products are perfectly done. This technique also allows customization of the products to suit client needs and preferences.
