Making Necessary Improvements With Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping, also called RP, is a manufacturing method that is used to create a scaled down model of a product, part, or parts of a working prototype, which has been created with the assistance of a computer aided design program, called CAD.

This software creates three-dimensional renderings. The rapid prototype process is known by several other names, such as layered manufacturing, computer aided manufacturing, and solid free-form manufacturing.

The rapid prototyping process has its merits. Every design team needs a chance to physically see the concept design that they have created so that necessary improvements can be made in a timely manner.

The prototype will then be given to engineering and, finally, the manufacturing departments so that they can also approve the design and evaluate the necessary equipment needed for production, and the proper procedures for cost-effective production.

Lastly, the prototype model will be presented to the customer to ensure that the design, choice of materials, and costs all meet with their expectations.

Rapid prototyping is a very valuable process to any manufacturer for many reasons. It increases the levels of communication between the different levels of the prototype development team.

It eliminates the possibility of critical and costly errors once the manufacturing process has started. It allows for the elimination of safety issues that can only be discovered by looking at and handling an actual model of the part or product.

Finally, it allows for significant changes and improvements to the part or product prior to the start of production.

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