Prototyping

Prototyping is a key part to any product development process. At Cube3, we have in house capabilities for card/foam models, 3D FFF printing, laser cutting, and milling and turning. With our preferred partners, we expand these capabilities to include 5 axis CNC machining, SLS and Sla 3D printing, Cold casting, rapid tooling, and sheet metal fabrication. We even have a close connection with a sculptor should we need one.

What is the importance of prototyping?

Prototyping is key to minimising risk during a development offering snapshots in time for evaluation and testing. This potentially prevents time being wasted on a development that is going in the wrong direction. Below is a list of types of prototypes and why they are important:

• • Space models – These are typically simple foam or card models created very early in a product development. They help to quickly identify form and size.
• • 3D in-house printing – this is used during a development to explore design ideas. It helps to communicate form, function and assembly methods and supports the development.
• • Functional prototypes – these allow mechanisms and fixtures to be assessed to determine their suitability for the design.
• • Presentation models – these are typically used at the sign-off stages of a project. They allow the client or end user to assess the product before it is manufactured.
• • Functional presentation models – these are typically used in later stages of a project where sign-off is required on a product that has functional requirements as well as aesthetic ones.
• • Detailed design sign-off models – these are typically the final 3D printed models used to decide if the final design is suitable to transition to manufacturing. They are important to prevent costly tooling being incorrectly made.

Why are prototypes required?

Prototypes can be seen as a costly addition to a product development, but they are essential to a smooth and successful development allowing every aspect of the design to be evaluated as and when it is deemed appropriate.

We always insist on understanding why a prototype is required by determining what its purpose is and what questions it needs to answer. A prototype is used to gain knowledge on your design, to allow you to make informed decisions and continue to invest time and funds into the development with minimal risk. Early and frequent prototyping typically saves time and money by minimising mistakes that are costly to fix later in the development.

Get in touch with Cube3 to find out more