Rapid Prototype Tooling in its simplistic definition is fabricating designs quickly. The technology helps eliminate delays in production. Common types of rapid prototype tooling technology are Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) and Subtractive Manufacturing( CNC Machining). For entrepreneurs or small businesses looking to get their ideas on the market fast, Rapid Prototype tooling are particularly the best and quickest way for new product development in comparison to conventional manufacturing system.
Benefits of Rapid Prototype Tooling
The Rapid Prototype Tooling has a lot of benefits when compared to other styles of product manufacturing which are as follows.
Faster Time to Market
In conventional tooling systems, multiple manufacturing processes and ways might be involved in the product development cycle. This may increase the time spent on each step and extend the time from design turning into a physical product. Rapid prototype tooling involves a smaller way than conventional tooling systems. Which enables speeding up the whole process from designing to product.
Lower Cost
The longer time spent on product development cycle, the more the cost will be. Rapid Prototype Tooling advantage of speed could save your business unnecessary over time when compared to other styles of product manufacturing in the long run. Since you’re able to manufacture products a lot quicker with rapid prototype tooling, it means you can have more products to sell in the end. So, in the end, it’s a win-win situation for you.
Variety of Material Grades
Rapid prototype tooling allows you to use the real product grades of material. You can use it to fabricate custom samples. You can also produce as numerous prototypes from this sample as you can, creating samples with different material grades and test on their properties. This will allow you to have a clearer picture on which material grade performs well in real life operation. This way, you can easily make adjustments in designs and get the best product out in the market
Designs and Functionality Test
Rapid prototype tooling allows the mould to be fabricated in a short timeframe. Hence, this provides further freedom to test out the new ideas and make design adaptations. The samples can be mechanical tested for impact and stress strength to explore the design weakness before production. This will largely help a lot of issues arisen during future high volume production stage.
Process Parameter Testing
It can also be used for testing the process parameters during the production stage. For illustration, different injection speed and earth temperature for the injection moulding process will affect the part quality. In this way, the designers and engineers could have further measure control on the final part.
Conclusion
There are a lot of advantages in the rapid prototype tooling process. With the technology available, manufacturers can now produce better products with ease and better efficiency. Before starting your design, always consult with an experienced manufacturer for your demand and anticipation. Which include design budget, product development timeframe, part specification and materials to be use for the production.
