Using rapid prototyping to manufacture parts to test the fit and function of components can help your products reach the market faster than competitors. Based on the test and analysis results, the design, material, size, shape, assembly, color, manufacturability and strength can be adjusted.
Today's product design teams can use many rapid prototyping processes. Some prototyping processes use traditional manufacturing methods to make prototypes, while other technologies have only recently emerged.
There are dozens of ways to make prototypes. With the continuous development of prototyping process, product designers constantly try to determine which method or technology is most suitable for their unique application. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the main prototyping processes available to designers at present. It provides a process description and discusses the material properties of the parts produced by each specific prototyping option, with the goal of helping you choose the best prototyping process for the product development cycle.
Compare prototyping process
Each prototype definition is different, and may vary in different organizations, but the following definitions can be used as a starting point.
Conceptual model: a physical model made to show an idea. The conceptual model allows people from different functional areas to see the idea, stimulate thinking and discussion, and promote acceptance or rejection.
Prototype Properties
Speed: turnaround time for converting computer files into physical prototypes
Appearance: any visual attribute: color, texture, size, shape, etc.
Assembly/assembly test: Make some or all parts of an assembly, put them together, and check whether they fit correctly. At the overall level, this checks for design errors, such as placing two labels at 2 inches. Spacing and mating grooves are 1 inch. In terms of fineness, this is a minor problem of dimensional differences and tolerances. Obviously, any test involving tolerances requires the use of actual manufacturing processes or processes with similar tolerances.
Shape of parts: features and dimensions
Fits: how parts fit with other parts
Function test: check the function of the part or assembly when it is subjected to the stress that represents the stress seen in its actual application.
Chemical resistance: chemical resistance, including acid, alkali, hydrocarbon, fuel, etc.
Mechanical property: strength of parts measured by tensile strength, compressive strength, bending strength, impact strength, tear resistance, etc.
Electrical characteristics: interaction between electric field and parts. This may include dielectric constant, dielectric strength, dissipation factor, surface and volume resistance, static attenuation, etc.
Thermal property: change of mechanical property with temperature change. These may include thermal expansion coefficient, thermal deformation temperature, Vicat softening point, etc.
Optical characteristics: light transmission capacity. This may include refractive index, transmissivity, and haze.
Life test: test the characteristics that may change with time, and these characteristics are very important for the product to maintain its function during its expected life. Life testing usually involves putting the product under extreme conditions (such as temperature, humidity, voltage, UV, etc.) to estimate the reaction of the product within its expected life in a short time.
Mechanical property (fatigue strength): the ability to withstand a large number of load cycles under various stress levels.
Aging performance (ultraviolet ray, creep): the ability to withstand ultraviolet radiation and have an acceptable degradation amount; It can withstand ultraviolet radiation and has an acceptable degradation amount; Capable of withstanding the force applied to the part with an acceptable level of permanent deformation.
Regulatory testing: A test specified by a regulatory or standards organization or agency to ensure that a part is suitable for a specific use, such as medical, food service, or consumer applications. For example, UL, CSA, FDA, FCC, ISO and EC.
Flammability: the flame resistance of resin or parts in the presence of flame.
EMI/RFI characteristics: the ability of resin, parts or components to shield or block electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference.
Food Grade: Resin or part approved for use in applications in contact with food when prepared, supplied, or consumed.
Biocompatibility: The ability of resin or parts to contact human or animal body, whether outside or inside the body, will not cause inappropriate adverse effects (such as stimulation, blood interaction, toxicity, etc.). Biocompatibility is important for surgical instruments and many medical devices.
