What is a prototype?

A prototype is an original model on which something is patterned. A prototype can range from a crude mock-up developed by the inventor to professionally designed virtual prototypes and/or fully functioning working samples.

The process of taking your idea and turning it into a tangible product is called “reducing the invention to practice” and the first step in this process is the development of a prototype. When it comes to prototype development, the inventor can utilize a professional prototype company, virtual designer, model-maker or construct it on his own. I have seen many prototypes from inventors ranging from cardboard and tape to professionally designed and constructed working samples. Keep in mind that the prototype process is evolutionary, meaning that you may start with cardboard and evolve the prototype through several iterations over time, as you refine your invention.

At one time, the USPTO required that a working prototype accompany all patent applications filed. This requirement limited the number of patent applications that were filed, particularly on inventions that did not actually work or function as intended. When the USPTO removed this requirement, the patent business exploded and we began to see countless hypothetical and theoretical inventions with issued patents on products that did not work as intended.

Should I develop a prototype?

As I discussed on the introduction page, there are two options for going to market: manufacturing on your own, or licensing for royalties. Various decisions that you make throughout the process will be driven by which option you choose in going to market, as described below.

Option 1 – Manufacturing on your own – if you are planning to manufacture your invention on your own – either domestically or by utilizing overseas manufacturers – you really don’t have a choice about developing a prototype. You will have to develop a prototype of your invention to prepare for manufacturing (i.e.: you can’t manufacture something unless you know how it works).

As for manufacturing, if you utilize a US manufacturer it will likely be an easier process of setting up the manufacturing but it may be more expensive for setup, molds, and unit costs, yet, going overseas also has its tradeoffs. With technology, the Internet, and the boom in overseas manufacturing in the last 5-10 years, it has become much easier to connect with manufacturers in China, Taiwan, and other countries; however, many inventors do not understand that typically, you need to provide them with an exact working sample or prototype that you would like produced. Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers are great at copying a finalized prototype that you provide for mass production but, don’t expect them to be as good at figuring out how your invention works and developing working prototypes. More than likely, you will need to do this in the US and then supply the prototype to your overseas manufacturer. Also, you should consider the language barrier of working with manufacturers overseas. We have been working with the same Taiwanese manufacturer for over eight years and I still have a hard time understanding and communicating with him.

Option 2 – Licensing for royalties – if you are planning on licensing your invention for royalties, it will still be helpful to develop some form of prototype; however, it is not always necessary to develop a fully functioning working sample, which can be very expensive. Depending on the particular invention, a “Virtual Prototype” may be a more cost effective solution. A Virtual Prototype is a computer-generated, animated model, which can be rotated on-screen and will enable you to showcase your invention to prospective companies. Oftentimes, this is all you need to attract interest in and to possibly license your invention; although, it is still possible that a company may ask to see a tangible prototype after a virtual prototype first raises their interest in your invention. In this instance, you could request that the company evaluate without the prototype or you could consider alternatives such as building a mock-up of your own. For example, in the case of a particular inventor of ours, we generated interest from a company based on a very professional virtual prototype, which peaked their interest initiating product conversations. Later in the process, the company asked if the inventor had a tangible prototype, which she did not. We suggested to the inventor that she construct a simple mock-up of the product using cardboard or foam board. The inventor spent less than $10 on supplies and a few hours to construct a very nice model out of foam board and the company was more than satisfied. The virtual prototype “sold” them on the concept and the tangible model gave them a better feel for the actual product dimensions and function while the inventor did not have to spend thousands of dollars developing a working prototype.

Reasons to develop a prototype

1. Without a virtual or tangible prototype, it will be more difficult for a buyer to understand your invention. As discussed, the chance of success increases as you move your invention through the development process. A prototype brings your idea to life for the person evaluating your invention, which increases the chances of ultimately taking your invention to market.

2. A developed prototype helps to work out the details of the invention. Identifying design flaws and weaknesses is much easier when you can actually test the invention. Engineering drawings and artwork alone cannot “prove” the concept in the same manner that a prototype can – prototypes help to ensure that the invention will work the way you intended.

3. Having a virtual or physical prototype helps to identify key details that should be included in the provisional and/or non-provisional patent(s). Filing a patent first before developing a prototype could lead to key details being excluded from the patent application – details that are learned only through prototype development. For this reason, I recommend that if you plan to develop a prototype, you do it first, before you file a patent.

4. Patent drawings will be much easier to complete if a model is available from which to work.

5. Developing a working prototype can also help to determine the best manufacturing materials and processes. Your original invention may be altered based on the prototype.

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Presentation to interested parties

When presenting your idea to an investor or company representative it might not actually be necessary to have a prototype. It is often possible to convey the idea or invention to an interested party using a graphic presentation. The idea should be designed, ideally using computer aided design, and then images of the product laid out on presentation boards. It is probably best to get a professional product designer to complete the design work and show how the product looks and what it does. Try to find a design company that specialises in product design for inventors. One UK based company is Innovate Design.

If funds are tight it is better to spend the money on a professional presentation rather than a prototype. The presentation will be more cost effective than the prototype and will be quicker to produce. The work done during the design stage can help reduce the cost of the prototyping stage if it becomes necessary at a later date.

When a prototype is necessary

Concept prototypes are sometimes necessary to either prove that an idea works or instantly convey an idea that is hard to describe on paper. If people need to interact with the idea to be persuaded of its benefits then a prototype can make all the difference.

Often people are more prepared to back an idea if they can see that a lot of the development work has already been done and a prototype demonstrates this. An inventor could typically expect to charge more for an idea if it has been prototyped so it is worth considering if the funds are available.

How much will a prototype cost?

Prototypes costs vary hugely depending on the size and complexity of the idea. Typically for a small handheld product with a unique shape it could be in the region of two to three thousand pounds.

Why are prototypes so expensive?

Often the idea has to be designed first to establish the layout of internal components and the shape of the casing among other considerations. Then a virtual model has to be built using computer aided design and then finally a prototype can be built using rapid prototyping. All of this takes time and therefore it is expensive.

What is rapid prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a technology that takes a 3D computer model and builds a 3D plastic part. There are three basic techniques for rapid prototyping: Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering and Fusion Deposition Modelling. For all these processes the model needs to be professionally designed using computer aided design.

Are there cheaper ways of building a prototype?

Some ideas can be prototyped simply from existing products or by using ordinary materials and these will be cheaper than prototypes that are built using rapid prototyping. Another cheaper way is to build a prototype that proves the principle of the idea without necessarily looking like the final product. This is called a ‘proof of principle’ prototype. Alternatively an aesthetic model could be built that shows what the product will look like but does not prove whether it will work.

What are the different types of prototype?

There are three main categories of prototype:

1. Proof of principle: A prototype that simply proves that a particularly new system or mechanism works. Often it is just part of the overall idea and it does not need to look like the final product.

2. Aesthetic model: A prototype that looks like the final product but is not fully functional.

3. Pre-production prototype: A pre-production prototype looks, feels and works like the final product. This type of prototype can be produced to mimic how it would actually be manufactured to check that everything will fit together correctly.

How can I get a prototype built?

If you do not have the facilities or expertise to build the prototype yourself then there are companies that specialise in building prototype inventions.

For more information on prototyping an idea or invention, click here: Invention Prototype

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Ever since Microsoft started in the 1990’s, various improvements have been made and the latest edition to the family is Windows XP. Why the upgrades some may ask? This is to satisfy the requirements of businesses and end users who are not satisfied with the current systems.

How does the company know that people are not satisfied? When systems fail, a report is generated that is then sent to the corporate office. Software designers will then find answers to this problems and then release product updates or a new program to the public, which is what prototyping, is all about.

But there are many ways to create a new prototype. The most common, which is making a few alterations to the program, is what is called prototype refactoring. After all, computer codes are identified in numbers such as 1 or 0 and most users want he problem fixed rather than going out and buying a new one.

This case also applies for automobiles so a customer who had a problem for example with the automatic transmission system will go back to the dealer to have this repaired instead of buying a new car.

Software developers usually try to solve two contradictions in order for it to work. This is like hitting two birds with one stone so a lot can be achieved with less effort and here are a few ways how this is done.

The first is by reviewing the HTML application that can be edited using Macromedia Dreamweaver. When the changes have been made, this can be saved and an update can be sent to the end user.

The second is by using MS Visio. This is better known as a drawing tool but those who are experts in making programs also use this to make alterations in the settings panel to make it work.

The last is by doing something with the worksheet compiler. Believe it or not, developers can make improvements by simply using tools such as Microsoft Word or Excel.

The three just mentioned proves that there are ways to conduct prototype refactoring without doing a major overhaul of the system. The fact is, the system works and the software developer has to fix a few glitches.

Low Jeremy maintains http://prototyping.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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CNC rapid prototyping solutions include: stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), RTV tooling, hybrid tooling, injection molding, and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Between these options, basically any part, mold, etc can be developed. Top quality engineers can help to make a dream a reality with the CNC rapid prototyping process.

However, the need for speed can become a loss in other categories. The need to develop parts in a short period of time comes as a trade off. Producing with speed causes less layers of resin on certain parts; therefore, the detail of these parts will be less. The trade off for speed is in the detailing. You just have to decide which one you would rather prefer.

Through the sintering process, parts can be created that are able to be directly used as they come out of the machine. No longer will customers have to build the parts, now all they have to do is to build assemblies. This can save a lot of time and money for many companies who utilize this type of technology.

Stereolithography uses a laser (UV) to cure resins. The laser builds the product by layers. The end product is usually yellow to white in color and can finished with a variety of different finishes.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is similar to SLA (stereolithography) but instead of resin a powdered is infused or sintered by a laser. The powder is spread onto a table that is heated and the laser provides even more heat to help build the shape of the desired end product. Once again, this is a layering process. Nylon among other things can be used in this process. The end product can be finished off with a variety of colors and finishes.

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) also uses a layering process to build the final product. Metallic powder is used in this process which is then spread over a plate and sintered by a laser beam to the specifications that the software file specifies.

As you can see, CNC rapid prototyping really incorporates some high technology and this type of technology can be beneficial to many different industries in today’s society. Not just anyone can operate these machines. It takes high skilled and well trained individuals, usually with an engineering background to produce these products through the use of these machines.

Computer numerical controlled technology and robotic technology combined with high tech software programs can pretty much create anything that anyone can dream of. If you have any questions about CNC rapid prototyping, ask any dealer who deals in these types of machines. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

Go to CNC Machining Zone to get your free eBook on CNC Machining at CNC Machinists Training. CNC Machining Zone also has CNC Machining Information, and forums and blogs all about Machining. Visit CNC Machining Zone today to sign up for free and get your free eBook on CNC Machining.

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The technique can even be used in order to manufacture quality useable parts in small numbers. Rapid prototyping has even found some applications in the art scene where sculptors use the technology to create intricate shapes that become art pieces.

An improved digital rapid prototyping system makes use of computers in order to create highly accurate design pieces. A digital rapid prototyping system makes use of virtual designs usually created with the help of computer aided design or animation modeling software programs.

The system then transforms the design into virtual cross sections which a special machine uses to recreate the exact design cross sections in physical space until a physical model is finished. The highly technical process enables virtual designs to take physical shape in very exact and accurate manner.

In rapid prototyping, there are usually two basic approaches to design systems being used. The approach chosen can either be formative or summative. The formative approach is being used for situations wherein the prototype is first built based on the current stage of the design. It is then tested on a control group with the results being used to integrate into the next stage of development in order to further enhance and improve on the usefulness of the current design.

The summative approach on the other hand takes a different course in developing product design. A single test exercise is performed at the end of the overall design enhancing process. At most times the approach is a two step stage. Following the summative approach can sometimes make it too costly to make design changes as the end stage nears.

But this approach is less time consuming and can be more cost effective initially if the projected design is seen to require little refinements when a prototype is done. But in the long run, using the formative approach will definitely be more beneficial. The main reason for this is because when a system is tested as a whole only once at the end of the design period, it may be very difficult to pin point the various flaws that may exist within the design.

Low Jeremy maintains http://prototyping.articlesforreprint.com This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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• The additive manufacturing technology helps the machine to read data from computer aided design and builds the model with the help of layers of liquid, powder and sheet material. Various cross sections are used while building up the model. The layers are combined with the virtual cross section automatically to get the final shape.

• The biggest advantage of the rapid prototype fabrication is that it is able to form or create any type of geometric feature or shape.

• The stereo lithography helps in the formation of the accurate shape of any object with the usage of triangular facets and aims at quality production.

• The models can be constructed within hours instead of days. The time depends on the complexity of the object to be created or the type of machine used. It definitely takes lesser time than the usual digital data or 3D.

• The technique of solid freeform fabrication uses two types of materials, the part material and the support material, which is later removed with a solvent, by water or by heat.

• There are 3D printers present in the rapid prototype machine that helps the manufacturers or the designers in the rapid development of the production.

• It helps the manufacturers by detecting the flaws and errors beforehand and thereby reduces the cost of re-work. It gives the right and clear concept of the idea and plan that is supposed to be implemented by the manufacturers.

• Rapid prototype helps in the construction of the prototype at a very low cost in a very short period of time. The prototype is almost similar to the actual product and it is created by the cross sections and forming layers in the free space until the model is prepared.

• It is beneficial for the implementation of new ideas and plans for the manufacturers and used in a short production cycle, where the time is very limited and the task is to be finished at a low capital investment.

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The Buddha was the inspiration it took to build another one using rapid prototyping. Adding the missing adornments was one of the purposes for doing this. The reconstructed Buddha was made using 0.1 mm layers and was based on 3D scanning at close range. In addition, digital modeling was used and the end result was the Buddha with the accessories that were believed to be missing.

The use of selective laser sintering made the reconstruction process possible and allowed very high definition. It was constructed in one piece. The original is displayed at the World Culture Gallery in Liverpool. Other sculptors have used the technological advances made in the world of rapid prototyping to make other intricately detailed pieces for displaying in art galleries the world over.

Using computer aided design (CAD) to acquire the designs of the object for rapid prototyping, the layers are broken down. This is the model that is used to create the nearly identical physical model. By breaking down the layers, this allows the user to create the layers needed to construct the actual model. They are put together to form the shape desired. The main advantage to the process is that any shape can be made simply by using this method.

Using the methods of rapid prototyping models normally can be produced in a matter of hours. This does however, depend on the number of models being produced at the same time and the size of the model. The intricate detail of the model being made is another aspect that must be considered. In addition, the machine being used can affect the time it takes to make the model.

Rapid prototyping is not always rapid. As you can see, there are many factors that have an effect on the time it takes to construct a form using this method. There are many companies in the technological field that are available for rapid prototyping. The big difference is the method used to build the layers when creating the model.

The boundary that exists between the CAD software and the machine being used is the STL file format. This is what predicts the shape of the model with the use of facets that are triangular in shape. The smallest facets generate the best quality. While some technologies use a softening or melting process to generate the layers, there are others that use liquids such as thermosets that have already been cured.

One of the types of rapid prototyping is freeform fabrication. With this method the use of two materials – one for constructing the model and one for the support – is used and the support material is later dismantled. With the use of rapid prototyping it is possible to automatically construct objects using the technology of additive manufacturing. This allows the creation of two objects – one virtual and one physical – that are typically identical. Using this fairly new technology the sky is the limit.

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The high demand for rapid prototyping services can be attributed to a number of factors. These services help in eliminating design flaws at the conceptualization stage itself. There are a number of devices that assist in rapid prototyping; 3D Printers being one of them.

Numerous industry verticals require its services; especially those that are associated with design and development of products; the automotive sector being the most prominent of all.

In our opinion, having the support of a reliable vendor can be the source of a sustainable competitive advantage. If your vendor can ensure quick deliveries and provide innovative solutions to your problems then it will greatly reduce your time to market and help you churn newer versions of products with a faster turn around time.

Another advantage is in terms of the safety of intellectual property. Rapid manufacturing solutions tools like 3D printers ensure that your designs never leave the premises of your company and your intellectual property is safeguarded.

This industry is all set for exponential growth in the times to come. However, what is proving to be the biggest impediment to the growth of this industry is the high cost of prototyping machines. This problem is likely to be solved in the near future as demand for prototyping services increase, leading to higher supply and thereby lower MRP of the machines.

Rapid Prototyping is in high demand in medical, engineering, and industry. With computers acquiring digital capabilities; users can input two-dimensional drawings and obtain three-dimensional models of their ideas. The availability of precise image manipulation software’s has helped designers to simulate designs with a remarkable degree of accuracy through the use of vectors.

Mathematically computed imagery helps in developing designs with a very low error margin of less than 1 millimeter. An example would illustrate this better. Suppose a group of surgeons want to operate upon the cranium of a patient but have not decided upon the right surgical procedure to be used. Rapid prototyping proves very helpful in such circumstances. By using a prototype of the cranium developed through a three dimensional printer; surgeons can arrive at a strategy before operating on a patient.

Thus, we see that rapid prototyping has the potential to become the backbone of the medical, design and manufacturing industries and is certainly one of the gifts of the digital age to mankind.

At EMS we deliver our 3d scanning, reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping service involving both on-site and off-site engagement models.

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This very new technology is welcomed by everyone. Many manufacturers have pitched in to make this machine that is all set to take over the market. The printers installed in these prototyping machines work fast and are extremely versatile. Rapid prototyping machines are very helpful to engineers, animators and product designers to convert their imagination into reality in the form of a model within the limited period.

It is not only quick in processing but the models can be made at a very low cost. This particular machine comes with a three dimensional printing system which leads to quick product development. The machine is in fact a blessing in disguise for manufacturers, engineers, animators or designers.

There are several benefits or advantages offered by rapid prototyping machine that has led to its overall development and has become successful enough to convert visions to reality within no time.

• This machine helps in the creation of multiple prototypes that is beneficial for the engineers to test each stage of development.

• With the help of rapid prototyping machine, problems can be easily identified before the actual making of the model. Therefore, it provides the most efficient method of identifying and eliminating all issues and challenges.

• As models can be created very fast with the help of rapid prototyping machine, it gets easier for people to communicate their ideas or plans and the approval board can better understand it.

• This machine is very affordable as the cost incurred while creating third models is not very high and the output is assured in a short period.

• It is a great innovation from a business point of view. Especially for executive, this machine is very useful as it helps them come up with new ideas or new products and study their application.

• The machine aims at rapid development of a product and can help in detecting flaws that can be corrected so there is no wastage of time.

• Its fabrication has lead to efficiency in production, improvement in quality and a decrease in expenses.

• The most common technology used in rapid prototyping is the stereo lithography that helps in providing high accuracy and assures a good finish. It is very helpful in making plastic parts and in layering.

Go to Rapid Prototyping Machine to get free information on this product. This website will give you all of the information you need on this topic along with a lot of other free information. Don’t miss out on this new website if you are looking for more information. Find us at http://rapidprototypingmachine.org/

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Benefits of Rapid Prototyping: Significant advantages of rapid prototyping include reduction of project cost and risk. Generally, one or more prototypes are developed in the process of software development in a series of incremental and iterative steps. Every prototype that is manufactured is based on the previous designs’ performance and it is a corrective process through which the past design defects or problems are corrected. The product is readied for production when the prototype is refined as per requirements and meets all the design goals like manufacturability, robustness and functionality.

Another great advantage of rapid prototyping is that it finds use and application in almost all the industries. The other advantages of rapid prototyping include the following.

Visualization capabilities are enhanced in the early designing phase with use of rapid prototyping. The user gets a fair idea of how the final product will look by observing the working model in early design stage.

The design flaws can be detected before manufacture process is initiated.

Rapid prototyping enables producer and users to participate actively. Active participation between the users and producer is encouraged.

The user is able to get a higher output.

The development costs are reduced considerably, hence rapid prototyping proves to be quite cost effective.

Rapid prototyping increases the speed of system development.

With rapid prototyping, it is possible to detect deficiencies in the earlier prototype, coding activities and requirement analysis.

Rapid prototyping assists in refining the potential risks that are involved in the delivery
The different aspects of the prototype can be tried and tested and immediate feedback is possible form user.

Better communication is enabled between the users and designer as there is clear expression of requirements and expectations in the start itself.

Rapid prototyping enables easy delivery of high quality product.

Cost and Time Savings: Savings of development time and process costs are some of the greatest advantages of rapid prototyping. Time can be saved by reducing the amount of time required to produce the prototype parts and tooling. Production costs are lowered as the mistakes regarding tooling are identified in the early stages and hence, the modification costs can be cut down in the actual production.

Advantage of Innovation: Rapid prototyping can be used in many innovative ways. There are many firms that use rapid prototyping innovatively, hence, offering additional benefits. The advantages of rapid prototyping in innovative applications are advancement of new testing procedures and analysis, production tooling manufacture, improved communications across production departments and support of customized manufacturing. The new technologies can be used in a cost effective and successful manner with innovative applications of rapid prototyping.

Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping at Prototyping. Prototype Zone also has Rapid Prototyping Forum, Prototype Manufacturing Blog and other information on Prototype Information and daily news. You can Find Prototype Zone at http://www.prototypezone.com/

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