Prototyping is an indispensable part of the product design and development process. By creating a prototype, a product concept that originally existed only in design drawings or computer models can be transformed into a physical sample. This article will introduce in detail the significance and importance of prototype making, the production process, common materials and technologies, and application fields.
1. The significance and importance of prototype model making.
1.Validate product design: Prototypes are the bridge to bring product design from the virtual world to the real world. By making prototype models, the feasibility of product design, the rationality of appearance and function can be verified, so as to detect and solve problems early.
2.Provide communication tools: Prototypes can be used as a medium of communication between product designers, engineers, and customers. Through the physical model, the design concept and innovation points can be displayed more intuitively, the communication error can be reduced, and the decision-making and process can be accelerated.
3.Reduce development costs: Through the production of prototype models, design problems can be found and corrected in the early stage of product development, avoiding costly corrections and adjustments before mass production in the later stage. This helps to reduce development costs and risks.
Second, the process of prototype model making.
1.Design preparation.
Get product design drawings or concepts to understand the form, size, structure, and functional requirements of your product.
Determine the size ratio and production materials of the prototype model.
2.3D printing or CNC machining.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to convert product design drawings into 3D models.
According to the 3D model, the parts of the prototype model are made using 3D printing technology or CNC machining equipment.
3.Assembly and commissioning.
Assemble the individual parts of the handboard model and check the accuracy of its structure and assembly.
Functional testing is carried out to verify whether the prototype model meets the requirements of the product design.
4.Surface treatment.
The outer surface of the handboard model is sanded, painted, printed, etc., so that its appearance is closer to the effect of the final product.
Carry out coating, film and other processes to enhance the visual effect and texture of the prototype model.
5.Improvements and Corrections.
Based on the results of functional testing and visual inspection, the handboard model is modified and improved to ensure that it achieves the desired effect.
If necessary, the handboard model will be reprocessed and painted until the product design requirements are met.
3. Commonly used materials and technologies.
1.Material selection.
Plastics: Commonly used plastic materials include ABS, PC, POM, etc., which have good formability and processability.
Metal: Commonly used metal materials include aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc., which are suitable for making prototype models with complex structures or requiring high strength.
Wood: Commonly used woods are birch, cherry, etc., which are suitable for making appearance models or prototype models that need to be carved by hand.
2.Technology application.
3D printing technology: By inputting CAD files into a 3D printer, the parts of the prototype model are made in a layer-by-layer stacking manner.
CNC machining technology: through computer numerical control (CNC) equipment for cutting, engraving, molding and other processing technology, to make prototype model parts.
Rapid prototyping technology: such as laser sintering, vacuum casting, etc., can quickly produce prototype models that meet the appearance and functional requirements.
Fourth, the application field of prototype model making.
1.Product Design & Development: Prototypes play a vital role in the product design and development process, helping designers and engineers verify and improve designs and improve product quality and market competitiveness.
2.Display and publicity: prototype models can be used as exhibits in exhibitions, exhibition halls and other occasions to attract the attention of the audience, publicize and promote products.
3.Education and training: Prototype models can be used as an auxiliary tool for education and training to help students better understand the product structure and principles and improve their practical ability.
Prototype making is an important part of transforming product design into physical samples, which is of great significance for verifying design, providing communication tools, and reducing development costs. The process of making a prototype includes design preparation, 3D printing or CNC machining, assembly and commissioning, surface treatment, and refinement and correction. Commonly used materials include plastics, metal, and wood, and technical applications mainly include 3D printing technology, CNC machining technology, and rapid prototyping technology. Prototype making is widely used in product design and development, display and publicity, education and training and other fields. By making prototype models, the quality and efficiency of product design can be effectively improved, and innovation and market competitiveness can be promoted.