Do you want to create a prototype for your business? Maybe you have a product in mind, but you aren’t quite sure if it is going to work out or not. Either way, building a prototype is now easier than ever to do, even if you are on a budget. If you want some tips that will help you along the way, then simply look below.
Know the Purpose
First of all, you need to take the time to understand the purpose of the prototype. Developing a new product isn’t easy and you have to make sure that you have a solid idea as to how you are going to approach the general build. Is the prototype going to be used to carry out any kind of mechanical test? Are you going to use it as a prop so you can assess different colour combinations? At the end of the day, the first stage is always to figure out the reason for your prototype. If you intend to have a prototype that is going to be used for mechanical testing, then you will have to stimulate the function of the component. The characteristics have to be similar, and the purpose has to be exact, but the appearance doesn’t matter. A visual prototype will have a different approach. They have to be similar in characteristics but at the end of the day, they do not need to be functional.
An Accurate Representation
One huge mistake that people tend to make when looking into prototyping is they forget what the purpose is. If you fail to know the process of your prototype, then you are failing your prototype. It may be tempting for you to apply a fix, or a modification to the general appearance but if the fixes are not repeatable then this will cause further issues. You have to remember that whenever you make a prototype, the product should be refined where possible. It should reflect the possibilities and limitations of the production method. Machining away a bit of excess material here and there may not seem like a big deal when it comes to the prototype but at the end of the day, it could cause hours of extra labour during the production phase.
Use Quality Material
It is very beneficial for you to use materials or techniques that will be used during production. If you can do this, then you will achieve two different goals. First of all, you can generate a better prototype and you can also make yourself much more attractive to investors, colleagues and customers. Making a prototype with materials you are going to use in the end phase allows you to anticipate any production failures. If you have a defect that could happen during the prototype phase then there will be time for you to iron things out but at the end of the day, if you don’t do this then you may end up running into issues. One way for you to make the initial prototype would be for you to invest in 3D printing. If you want to do this then it is wise for you to make sure that you have solid solutions available for sustaining your prototype production. Companies like ReDeTec are great if you want to explore this.
Adding your Logo or Text
If you have a prototype that is going to be shown to third parties such as investors or customers then you need to put your name or logo on it. The main reason for this is that it is a reminder of who created the product. Sustained or modelled prototypes can include engraved text and the great thing about this is that you do not have to include any extra steps. If you are developing your prototype in-house then you don’t have much to worry about here, so you can skip this step.
Finish Well
It may seem a bit strange to focus on the general appearance of your prototype but at the end of the day, having a quality surface finish can offer you a huge number of benefits. The prototype will look like a finished product and on top of this, it can help you to figure out how you are going to save the most cost later on so make sure that you are mindful of this, and that you consider the whole product rather than just what you need right now. If you can take this approach, you will be able to benefit yourself going forward.
