As you probably know, a prototype is a model or mock-up created before a product goes into production. That allows the design team to evaluate the design and make any required changes. For providers of prototyping services, the material used plays a significant role in how things turn out.

Today, many of the best rapid prototyping companies offer 3D printing, which allows them to quickly create a design sample. This is helpful to prevent delays that could have a negative impact on businesses. Most industrial and commercial products on the market go through several rounds of prototyping, followed by testing, evaluation, and redesign. Now with 3D printing and other expanded prototyping options, prototyping service providers have the option to use many different types of materials.

Rapid prototyping service companies that can optimize the materials for the application can produce prototypes that provide the most meaningful evaluation of the design.  Ultimately, this can save overall development money while still providing superior quality.

Outstanding Materials Associated With Prototyping Services

The best rapid prototyping companies use the most appropriate material for any given project, considering cost, appearance, and timing as well as application. Below are just a few examples of some of the innovative materials they rely on.

Clear PMMA as an Alternative to Cast Urethane

Many clear parts, particularly lenses for automotive lighting, are injection molded from polycarbonate for durability as well as appearance and function.  In the prototype phase, you may assume that a urethane part is the only way to get similarly high quality results that meet both your appearance and optical standards.  There are times when cast urethane parts make sense.  However, with skilled CNC machining and post-processing (polishing and other surface treatments), a machined clear PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) part can achieve the same results without the costs of making a silicone mold to cast only one or a handful of urethane parts.

ABS

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a plastic material commonly used in manufactured parts across many industries.  When in the prototype development phase, you have many options for using ABS or a material with similar properties.  Whether you elect to have the part CNC machined, 3D printed, or made by another rapid prototyping technique, you can get a part with the same appearance and performance as the production part will have.  This gives you many options to reduce costs or maximize a specific aspect of the prototype (appearance for a show sample, or strength for testing purposes).

Nylon and Carbon Fiber

Many parts are injection molded from nylon materials, particularly glass-filled nylon (nylon with a percentage of glass mixed in, which provides specific appearance and strength characteristics). Carbon fiber is often used to manufacturer parts that need strength and also minimal weight.  Rapid prototyping services can now offer many options for machining or 3D printing with nylons, glass-filled nylons, and carbon fiber materials.  

Metal (Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Many More)

Production parts made from metal are often cast, forged, or stamped.  Most of these approaches are not cost effective for prototype work where only a small volume of parts are needed. However, prototyping services now have many options available to make metal components.  CNC machining of metal is firmly established.  But now there are new 3D printing and other options that can produce parts with fine detail at low cost.

The Bottom Line

When selecting a company for prototyping services, go with one willing to think outside of the box. That means that along with more conventional materials and techniques, it is willing to consider other material options to keep costs down while driving quality up. At Globaltech Ventures, we look for creative solutions. Give us a call to discuss your prototyping needs.