Prototype it

“…the value of prototypes resides less in the models themselves than in the interactions they invite.”

 

A design problem is not always noticeable on paper or on the computer screen. An actual version of the proposed product help you determine what aspects does the job and which may benefit from some refining. This is your chance to cost-efficiently gather requirement details and more accurate market feedback. This will help you to:

 

• Adjust functionality, shape, colors and textures. Now when you can see your product, what could you change to make it more marketable?

• Test - testing of prototypes provide as a step in the quality assurance process helpin to establish relevant testing methods and standards and may highlight issues that may jeopardice product performance.

• Establish accurate tolerance levels. This is your chance to decide if design adjustments can be made to improve operational performance and to reduce manufacturing costs.

• Establish correct manufacturing strategies and establish true product costs. Prototypes provide another level of insight and may help us eliminating cost-driving details.   

• Highlight design unknowns and structural weaknesses at an early stage in the development process avoiding downstream disappointment. 

• Plan for manufacturing. Prototypes may be used to assess the manufacturing process and possible need for production tools. 

• Assessing the details. You're in a position to judge if you are using correct fittings, bearings, seals and such, helping to produce a more durable product.

• Resolve potential conflicts. Committed design teams may have different views on product design details. Prototyping allow assessing such to identify which solution will provide the better product.

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Mentum provide different prototype services including Rapid Prototypeing as well as 3D machining.

 

Rapid prototyping is used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a concept physical part or assembly using 3D computer aided engineering (CAE) data. Construction of the part or assembly is typically achieved using 3D printing or “additive layer manufacturing” technologies, normally using a 3D model as starting point. 

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3D CNC Machining involves generating machining data directly from 3D solid models without the need to manufacture expensive injection or casting moulds or forged parts. The resulting parts are of high quality, accurate and can be very complex. Full scale parts can be machined relatively quickly and are easily altered in an accelerated time frame.

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As a building-brick in our development suite of services, Mentum can:

• Provide 2D/ 3D concept/ prototype models in any file format required.

• Build prototypes using sound rapid prototyping techniques/ 3D CNC machining.

• Develop testing protocols.

• Undertake prototype testing. 

 

Please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can help you with the above services.