Design-driven manufacturing or DFM (design for manufacturing) is generally thought of as a way to optimize your design to ensure simplicity of production. But even in the prototype phase, there are design considerations that can make the final product meet not only your aesthetic requirements but also the performance and long-term manufacturing needs.

A 3D printing prototype service with broad experience in making prototype parts using a range of technologies can help direct your design process to ensure a good result. Before you commit to the final design, consider how the following concepts may improve not only the appearance of your product but also the ease (and cost) of making it.

Designs Don’t Have to Follow the Old Rules

When designs were made primarily by machining parts or building structures using wood, metal, or other linear materials, straight lines and round holes were preferred. But in today’s world of rapid prototyping, other shapes are possible and may in fact be preferrable. A 3D prototype manufacturer will tell you that holes and channels can be round, square, diamond, or arched – whatever works structurally for your design. Smooth corners with rounded radii rather than sharp edges may not only improve appearance but may also result in a stronger and better-looking part. In other words, as long as you (or your service provider) understand the requirements of the prototyping process, the sky is the limit on your design options.

More is Not Always Better

Traditional designing required each component to be separate file. Some parts were bought off-the-shelf, while others were custom made. The parts were then assembled together, often with some degree of adjustments to make it all work. Today’s 3D printing prototype company can produce a single part with a wide range of features, allowing you as the designer to combine multiple parts into one assembly. They can also help you determine what structural features are most important, such as wall thickness, horizontal spans, and angled surfaces. All of these features have implications for prototype manufacturing as they impact how much support is required and what the final surface appearance will look like.

Talk to Others in The Company

When different departments in a production house share the same data, they can build the most profitable products. That means it is important to coordinate across departments, even in the prototype phase, as when data in one area changes, it may have a ripple effect across other areas.

An experienced 3D printing prototype company has probably made enough parts for a variety of customers that they can anticipate the areas of possible problems between your design and other parts of the final product. Or they can help to reverse-engineer a component if you are trying to retrofit a new part into an existing design.

Get Design-Driven Manufacturing Services Near You

At Global Technology Ventures Inc, we can ensure your product design is not only unique but also practical. We have years of experience in prototype and small volume manufacturing and assembly, so we can help you optimize your designs and maximize the effectiveness of your prototype models. Besides the 3D printing prototype service, we also provide PCB design experts and product engineers to assist you with rapid prototyping.

To learn more about our services, call us today!