Why Should I need to Make Prototypes Before Volume Production?
Prototyping is the initial step in the journey to the market. There are many benefits associated with prototyping. Making prototypes before volume can lead to development problems further down the line.
Here are the benefits that prototypes offer.
1. Improve design
When designers do their design on a piece of paper of a computer screen, they may not notice their problems. With Rapid Prototypes or Small Run Production, they can hold a version of their proposed product and make a decision what aspects do its job and which need to be improved. This is a good opportunity to gather more requirements and get the feedback from the market.
2. Modify color, texture and shape
When you see the prototypes, you will know if the color, texture and shape need to be modified to make the products more marketable.
3. Ensure quality
When testing the prototypes, you can find the issue which produces errors in your product. You can create quality assurance testing standard before running into Mass Production.
4. Finalize acceptable tolerance levels
Rapid prototyping is a chance to decide if any design adjustment can make the Mass Production process more cost-effective.
5. Understand the cost of production
Making prototypes help product makers gain insight into the usage of material needed. This will help manufacturer to calculate the cost per part of Mass Production products.
6. Improve integrity
With a prototype, manufacturers can test structural weaknesses in their product which may affect functionality. The issues can be fixed immediately to control the cost. It also highlights design unknowns and eliminate downstream discovery.
7. Increase efficiencies and save cost
In prototyping process, manufacturing can take a look at the processes and consolidate production step to save labor, equipment and raw material cost.
8. Modify the mold
When the mold is done, manufacturers can make efficiencies by modifying the mold and equipment.
9. Make the products more durable
In prototype rapid manufacturing process, manufacturers can judge if they have used the correct fasteners and other components to make the products more durable.
There are many industries which include automotive, construction and electronics make prototypes before Mass Production. Prototypes will be rejected because they are impractical, difficult to make and unmarketable. Prototypes offer some new ideas and inspire excitements to move to Mass Production stage.
Why use a prototype to test before Mass Production?
Created prototypes of a new products will enable physical test on a fully representative samples before Mass Production. These tests are quite useful before they can determine if the products can perform what it is meant to. These tests should be meaningful to replicate the true operational environment of the released product. Performing physical tests and getting empirical data for comparison is the way to confirm theoretical data. This include verifying the required functionality across the full operational range of physical variables like temperature, humidity, vibration, pressure, duration and more.
Choose the best prototype manufacturer
If you need quality prototypes and you are searching for prototype manufacturing, TEAM Rapid is the right choice. We have experts, high-tech machinery and experiences. You can have your prototype built quickly by using rapid prototyping services we offer. Our team of engineers help you to determine if a needed part works. To create high end finished product, we will recommend using different types of materials and fabrication process. We will provide customers with prototypes which exceed their expectations. Contact us to request a free quote now!