Rapid prototyping services is a collective term that applies to different manufacturing processes capable of converting CAD models into product prototypes. Included in these prototyping services are urethane casting, stereolithography (SLA), CNC machining and in a new type of injection, molding using quick tools. All of these processes are producing parts in the likeness of the finished products that are beneficial in product development.
Here are some of the benefits of using rapid prototyping services and find out if these are good enough reason for you to adopt it in your company.
Fast Production of rapid prototype in China
Before rapid prototyping, design engineers have a hard time to relate their vision to the manufacturers. This is because of certain limitations of the existing production processes. Things began to change when rapid prototyping is introduced. Now, designers can have their idea into a physical form.
One of the highly appreciated benefits from rapid prototyping services is its ability to produce various parts and concepts very quickly. With the part available, they can readily evaluate and test it. If there are details that they cannot see clearly in the CAD data or in concept, the rapid prototype can. This will help improve the product quality, correct design mistakes and give the designer more time to finalize the product design if need be.
Rapid Changes
Even during the final stages in product development, the design is bound to have improvements. With CAD, the process of implementing these changes is hard and maybe slower to carry out. With rapid prototyping services, however, a designer can execute changes in an instant and creating modification on the products faster. This streamlined process of changing the design is not found in other manufacturing processes.
Cost savings
Rapid prototyping services are the most affordable option when looking for a process of making prototypes. This is because you can save on the time spent in manufacturing as compared to the traditional method of producing a prototype. Although the cost of rapid prototyping is higher, it does not involve tooling, or when there is, it is minimal. There is also very little costly mistakes when in the production process because you do not have to make new tools or molds.
Tool to Evaluate the Market
Using rapid prototyping means that you can have the opportunity to test the prototypes in the market. It provides the company a chance to conduct market studies on the market’s reaction and acceptance of the product and gives information on improvements that you can do with the product to make it more marketable in its target niche.
Low Volume Manufacturing
Since rapid prototype products are the same as what your final product will be, you can use it to launch the product in the market while waiting for tooling in high volume production. With the parallel run, you can have a head start on the opportunity for early market acceptance and have greater control over the product’s launch.
The many benefits from rapid prototyping like its production speed, improvement of design quality and lower cost, tool for evaluating the market, quick product launch and high efficiency in the development phases are a reason on why companies should adopt rapid prototyping on their manufacturing process for better products and better revenues.
