rapid prototype
when designing an object, iterations are unavoidable and prototyping enables form, fit, and functionality inspection at any phase of the product development.
the idea is to rapidly produce iterations for testing and bench-marking so that the best configuration may be selected. essentially, the objective is to get the best possible final product out in the shortest time.
prototyping may begin with a 3d mesh model or a cad model. any manufacturing process can significantly benefit from rapid prototyping - 3d printing, cnc, injection moulding, casting, and more.
a rapid prototype may serve as a concept model, visual prototype, functional prototype, pre-production prototype, production tool protoype, or a production-mould prototype.
material
- resin
- pla (polylactic acid)
- stainless steel
- steel
- aluminium
- bronze
- brass
surface finish:
- print colour
- powder coat
- spray paint
- laser mark
reference:
- drawing
- image
- physical object
- 3d model
output constraints:
- scale
- file format
- file size
- max. point / polygon count
precision:
- laser cut (0.3mm)
- 3d print pla (1mm)
- 3d print resin (0.01-0.05mm)