Benefits of Prototyping

Introduction

Prototyping is a process that manufacturing companies follow when they want to develop a new product. A company can make hundreds of prototypes before they find a specific example that can be taken forward to mass production. For small businesses, the creation of a prototype can be a significant investment if the model is a fully operational, but prototypes can be cheaply made if they are used to when used to just represent an idea or design.

Companies with larger budgets can spend significant amounts of time and resources to create many prototypes. Nevertheless, whatever method is used, the prototype is the first step in creating a new product for the market.

When a company has a new idea for a product, the research and development team may have a document or drawing that describes the new product and it can be visualized. For some prototypes the next step is create some kind of CAD (Computer Aided Design) diagram, which can be used to make a 3D model. The use of 3D printers can also create a model that can help management visualize the design of the new product.

The prototype can also help the research team find flaws with their design. A prototype model can show where fittings would be and it they were accessible with regular tools, or would need special tools made. If the new product is a part on a larger piece of equipment, the model also can show how it fits with the existing fixture and whether there are issues with size or with any movement.

A model made from the material that would be used in the finished product is needed to prove that the prototype would pass the tests for strength and durability.

If the new product appears to suit the requirements that it was designed for, the company should create prototypes in a variety of materials to understand which component would be best for the requirements of the part. For example, if a new part was being designed for a new model of automobile, the company may decide to create the prototype in a number of materials to find out which material operates best in a real world situation.

Some small businesses are not in a position to build a prototype. Startups and one-man operations do not have the skills and facilities to build a prototype that is more than a rough model. When small businesses need a working prototype then they will require a company to help facilitate that. This can be a company that does nothing but manufacture prototypes or a company that manufactures products that will be used in final prototype. For example, if a small business wanted a prototype that is based on magnetic fixing, then they may approach a company that manufactures magnets to help with the production of the prototype.

If startups cannot find suitable companies to assist them in the US, they may use manufacturers in China or other developing nations that can offer reasonable rates for the production of the prototype. This can lead to a number of issues, such as long lead times,transportation costs, and poor quality. For startup companies, prototyping can be a long process if there are issues with the creation of the prototype. In addition, dealing with offshore companies can lead to designs being stolen, despite getting companies to sign non-disclosure agreements. Many startup companies have found that their designs have been copied by offshore companies even before they have their product on the market. Using offshore companies for your prototype can be a cheap solution but does come with some risk that should be considered before sending your designs offshore.