A prototype is a test piece of the designed product. It shows what the finished product will look like and allows testing of how the product functions in intended use scenarios.
What are prototypes used for?
A prototype provides concreteness alongside the design. It can be a 3D model, immersive modeling, or a physical object depending on the purpose for which it is needed.
The purpose of a prototype is to bring tangibility to the design. It allows for testing, for example, proportions and other design solutions, materials, and functionalities. Overall, it helps assess whether the designed product meets the requirements set for it.
3D modeling in prototyping
3D modeling is a fundamental tool in product development. At Mectalent, every product design project includes a 3D model, and the customer receives access to it.
With a 3D model, different design paths can be tested with relatively little effort. The model helps identify potential errors, the need for changes, and areas for improvement. With 3D modeling, each component of the product can be checked individually, and the design can easily be modified based on findings before creating a physical prototype.
3D models are an effective and easy way to communicate design ideas to team members, clients, or stakeholders, for example, when seeking funding. They provide a clear and realistic visualization of the design, improving mutual understanding and helping to gather feedback before investing time and money into a physical prototype.
XR technology presents virtual prototypes in actual size
With augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), a virtual prototype can be created that both the design team and the client can examine in a three-dimensional space.
Using augmented reality, virtual prototypes can be placed in the real world. Even a large product or device can be visualized in the actual environment, allowing you to see how it fits in the space and how it interacts with other elements.
In virtual reality, on the other hand, a fully immersive environment can be created where designers and stakeholders can view and evaluate prototypes in a realistic scale. Various use scenarios and features of the product or device can be simulated, such as ergonomics or the functionality of a user interface. This helps identify issues that might go unnoticed with traditional methods.
Thermal and mechanical simulations enable easy testing of different design solutions
Simulations are virtual models that allow evaluation of various design or material options and testing of their functionality in different operating conditions. Simulations enable you to “see inside” the device and study the behavior of even the smallest components. This gives designers the opportunity to assess and improve the device’s performance before building a physical prototype, speeding up the product development process.
Mechanics simulation is an effective tool for optimizing mechanical design and analyzing mechanical performance. They are especially useful when you want to model the device’s performance under extreme conditions or in misuse scenarios.
Thermal simulation is a virtual tool for modeling the thermal behavior of a product in real use environments. It helps identify thermal challenges such as overheating and hot spots.
Methods for producing physical prototypes
The observations made using 3D modeling, virtual prototypes and simulations are usually validated with a physical prototype. The choice of manufacturing method depends on what aspects of the prototype are being observed or tested.
Prototypes can be produced, for example, by 3D printing or machining. 3D printing is a fast and cost-effective way to produce complex shapes and structures. It is well-suited for manufacturing small parts and precise details.
The advantages of machining are high accuracy and surface quality, making it suitable for producing prototypes that closely resemble the final product. The machined material can be metal or plastic, which is useful for producing functional and durable prototypes.
Mectalent’s services before and after the prototyping phase
Mectalent offers versatile design and manufacturing services. We can handle your project as a turnkey service, starting from concept development and mechanical design, all the way to quality assurance of the finished product.
We execute assignments of all sizes, from designing individual parts to complex equipment manufacturing. For larger projects, a project manager oversees the management from initial preparations to project completion.
With virtual models, you can see what the finished product will look like at an early stage. The process is agile and cost-effective. As the design progresses, we create a physical prototype, choosing manufacturing methods according to your needs.
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Our work is guided by certified quality systems, ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. In the defense and aerospace industries, we also adhere to the standards AQAP 2110 and EN 9100.
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