Although customers and clients say they want change, the reality is that humans do not want too much change, but they like to have new features, designs, and occasional changes. Of course, once a corporation has gotten too large, often they can no longer do the research and development in-house and feel the need to outsource.

In this case it has to find competent and trustworthy vendors to do discrete manufacturing, and design companies which are willing to keep a lid on things that they are working on. Sometimes large companies will outsource to think tanks that are capable of doing rapid prototyping and discrete manufacturing.

But one has to ask if that is a good business model? Are corporations really interested in outsourcing their R&D departments? It turns out they are, and many government agencies are also looking to do this. Many companies in the industrial military complex as well like the idea of having project management teams doing research and prototyping outside their company.

If a think tank or outsourced innovation team can be sworn to secrecy, and perform such services at a much lower cost then it makes sense for the Corporation to go ahead. The reality is that a company engaged in such research can make a good profit, and save the corporation millions of dollars. They make money by saving their clientele money, and therefore, it makes a very good business model. Please consider all this, and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes that all think tanks need a calling plan like the friends and family type plans for their members and fellows; Family Phones.

Note: All of Lance Winslow’s articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers. Lance Winslow believes those who use these strategies lack integrity and mislead the reader. Indeed, those who use such cheating tools, crutches, and tricks of the trade may even be breaking the law by misleading the consumer and misrepresenting themselves in online marketing, which he finds completely unacceptable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

The old school method of creating prototypes involved first creating two-dimensional drawings of a part and then taking those drawings to a model maker to create the prototype. The model maker would first have to correctly interpret the drawings (assuming that all of the necessary information was shown), and then a process for creating the prototype was identified. This process could be as simple as cutting metal with a band saw to as complicated as creating an injection mold. After the part was created, the smart engineer would have the part carefully inspected and measured to make sure that it fell within the specifications on the drawings. If it didn’t pass inspection, the part would need to be modified or, worse yet, scrapped and the entire process would start all over again.

Whew! The memory of it all is enough to give me nightmares, but thankfully, technology has provided an alternative… and what a spectacular alternative it is. Imagine taking the same part that took days or weeks to create and having it in your hand in 45 minutes. Consider the following process using the “new school” method.

A part is created digitally inside of a computer using 3D modeling software. The file is then saved in a common format and sent to a 3D printer. The printer builds the part one thin section at a time from the bottom up putting water soluble supports in where necessary. It takes from 20 minutes to several hours to complete depending on the size and complexity of the part. The part is removed from the printer, placed in a detergent solution to dissolve the supports, rinsed, dried, and is back in the engineer’s hands the same day. The dimensional accuracy of the part is in fractions of a millimeter, so most parts do not require additional measurement and verification. Bing… bang… done!

It almost sounds too good to be true. The printers must be RIDICULOUSLY expensive, right? Wrong. These printers have become relatively affordable in recent years, and while there are still models costing upwards of $250,000, there are very functional 3D printers between $20,000 and $40,000. Weigh that against the old school method of creating prototypes, and it doesn’t take long for the material, time, and labor savings to make a 3D printer a money making move for many businesses.

3D printers are by far one of the most intriguing components of Digital Prototyping, and I love watching people stand transfixed as they watch the printer quietly build the part one layer at a time. The parts don’t exactly materialize before your eyes, but when the printer door opens, and a functional part comes out, the reactions of the spectators would make you think it had just come out of a Star Trek replicator. The technology is not quite that advanced, but it is definitely very, very cool.

Tek Lentine is an expert in the field of Digital Prototyping and other hi-tech business solutions. Tek currently works as an account manager for Hagerman & Co offering not only Digital Prototyping software and hardware but also training and consulting expertise in the areas that he writes about. You can contact Tek with questions or comments by email at TekLentine@Hagerman.com or on his cell phone at (574) 386-7279. Be sure to check out Hagerman & Co’s web site at http://www.hagerman.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tek_Lentine

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_A_Williams

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy

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/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Irons

Manufacturing technologies have advanced geometrically over the past twenty years. And rapid prototyping techniques have grown even faster. In all most every process that is used to make components, a complimentary process has been developed to make prototypes and short production runs.

Aluminum die casting has been the process of choice for the majority of high volume applications for decades. Volumes need to exceed 50,000 pieces per year. So what if you have a new product that you want to launch with 5,000 units and it involves several aluminum castings per product?

Is there a way to produce these components on a limited tooling budget?

Fortunately there are numerous processes for producing prototype and low volume precision castings.
Several of the processes are:

1) Plaster Mold Casting

2) Graphite Mold Casting

3) V-Process Casting

What are the advantages of these processes? Precision castings that simulate the die casting method can be produced for a fraction of the upfront(tooling) costs required for die casting. Plus these methods have high volume production capabilities. All of the processes are capable of producing 100 units and then with the same tooling, can be ramped up to higher volume of 2,000 to 5,000 piece production runs.

These methods are also fast. Castings can be produced in 1-2 weeks if necessary.

These precision casting methods can produce components with .100 – .125 ” wall thicknesses, with a surface finish of 125 rms. They then can be machined to your required dimensions and tolerancing.

For more information about aluminum castings, plastic injection molding, forging technologies, machining and other production methods visit www.manufacturingtips.com

About The Author

New product development and innovation is much more difficult and time consuming than most other business activities. Automotive rapid prototyping greatly enhances learning speed and reduces the risk of new automotive parts development.

Historically, the automotive industry has been using rapid prototyping as an important tool in the automotive parts design process. The extremely fast-paced automotive design cycles require an extremely fast prototyping system which can produce car parts fast and inexpensively.

The main objective of automotive prototyping is to learn quickly: how a new automotive product behaves in its natural working environment, before transferring the prototype to the production line. Many times, mistakes are learned only after a new automotive part is launched. This is the main explanation for poor automotive parts design, from product mismatch, poor engineering and function or finish, and overpriced production. In order to accelerate the learning curve, before these costly automotive prototyping mistakes are made, one must accelerate and facilitate feedback loops from tests in the lab and market trials.

Automotive Manufacturing Technologies

Working with an assortment of rapid prototyping equipment, automotive prototyping engineers utilize the most advanced 3D printers, in their quest for perfect form, function and utility. Working in advanced manufacturing centers, the automotive engineers use the technology to verify what they are doing, and, equally important, to save tremendous amounts of time, and money.

Automotive Rapid Prototyping Compresses Development Time

The advantages of 3D rapid prototyping model creation versus viewing a cad/cam model on a computer screen is palpable. Automotive parts engineers get together discuss the pros and cons of a rapidly produced automotive parts model and discuss the pros and cons of the design, as they pass it around, twisting and viewing the prototype, and decide if that is what they had in mind. This way, problems get solved up front, before going to the assembly line! Once determined that the automotive prototype design is a go, the model can then be sent to a die maker.

Automotive Prototyping and the Die Maker Process

The die maker cannot use model to make the die, but because they have it in their hand and can look at it and feel it, they can determine where the parting lines will be and exactly how much steel they will need to produce it. The timing of the die process is greatly compressed.

Examples of Automotive Rapid Prototyping Parts

· Engine castings and parts

· Car Engine parts

· Auto Mechanical parts

· Car Dashboards

· Car Handles and Knobs

· Auto Body Components

· Car Trim parts

Fail first Paradox in Automotive Rapid Prototyping

The automotive rapid prototyping paradox is to fail earlier rather than later. By failing earlier, the design engineers surprisingly succeed in accelerating the project; this greatly reduces development cost risk. By considering all automotive prototype failures as learning experiments, the engineer has much less stress, knowing that they are practicing the old adage, that success comes from ninety-nine percent failure and introspection.

About The Author

The service providers of Rapid Prototyping work towards providing part quality, quick deliveries and personalized services. They provide part building or manufacturing services in the area of design and manufacturing. An efficient service provider is one who does the job correctly done at the right time at the very first time. Over the years the service providers have changed their working style by providing services to their clients in an atmosphere which offers less cost and easy to operate methodology.

The market of Rapid Manufacturing is gaining popularity widely and so is the market of the service providers. The service providers are increasing in number and so is the competition to win their clients by providing hassle free and effective services in the minimum time required. The service providers can be searched for on the basis of the services offered by them and selecting from the available options.

The qualities one can look for in a service provider are those which speed up the process of manufacturing of parts or prototypes of the clients. Then they should offer various designing and engineering services along with CAD/CAM to develop the various components and products. The development of products includes the use of better material which does not lead to the change in the properties after creation of the part. The best quality and precision is provided to the customers or clients with in no time duration. The selection of the right service providers can certainly give an edge to the customers in their business.

About The Author

Jon T Smith

Large corporations often have research and development departments where they define new strategies, and prototypes which their company can sell in the market place to consumers. This is how they come up with new services and products to appease their clientele and customers. Without innovation, a large Corporation can become stodgy, slow, and uncompetitive amongst their competition.

Although customers and clients say they want change, the reality is that humans do not want too much change, but they like to have new features, designs, and occasional changes. Of course, once a corporation has gotten too large, often they can no longer do the research and development in-house and feel the need to outsource.

In this case it has to find competent and trustworthy vendors to do discrete manufacturing, and design companies which are willing to keep a lid on things that they are working on. Sometimes large companies will outsource to think tanks that are capable of doing rapid prototyping and discrete manufacturing.

But one has to ask if that is a good business model? Are corporations really interested in outsourcing their R&D departments? It turns out they are, and many government agencies are also looking to do this. Many companies in the industrial military complex as well like the idea of having project management teams doing research and prototyping outside their company.

If a think tank or outsourced innovation team can be sworn to secrecy, and perform such services at a much lower cost then it makes sense for the Corporation to go ahead. The reality is that a company engaged in such research can make a good profit, and save the corporation millions of dollars. They make money by saving their clientele money, and therefore, it makes a very good business model. Please consider all this, and think on it.

About The Author