The initial prototype to production phase is both daunting and lucrative. When you are balancing new designs with existing manufacturing, creating the first model is a challenge. But a prototyping specialist can reduce your time, money, and effort substantially.

Before shortlisting prototype companies near you, you should understand how prototyping works in manufacturing. Here’s everything you need to know.

Prototyping—What is it?

Many industries apply prototyping in the initial stages of product development. Prototyping gives you a visual idea of the product’s design and aesthetics. The process also helps you estimate production costs, techniques, and resources necessary for manufacturing.

But prototype manufacturing is not like production, as there are limitations to what the prototype parts can do or how exactly they can match production appearance or performance.  At the same time, however, prototypes can be very useful in getting from a CAD drawing to a final production-ready plan. Prototype models can aid appliance manufacturing by allowing developers to:

  • Test the product performance and its feasibility
  • Give product demonstrations in investor pitches
  • Speed up remodeling processes and delivery rates
  • Select the machinery for manufacturing the product
  • Streamline the design and engineering workflows
  • Identify areas of improvement with a quality check

Types of Prototypes

Different types of prototypes will each feature a unique look and function. You can create prototypes from a range of materials, from plastic to metal. The materials selected and the level of detail included in the model depend on the type of prototype being produced.

Companies that build prototypes typically offer visual, working, and functional prototypes. A visual prototype shows the size, appearance, and other aesthetic attributes of the finished product. It doesn’t feature functionality, but it is excellent for product demos in marketing campaigns.  So, when you are ready to get your customers excited about a new model of refrigerator or washing machine, this is the type of prototype you want. Think of the success that car companies have with the “show cars” displayed at auto shows.  These are generally visual prototypes.

A working prototype allows evaluation of a product’s performance. An example is creating a user experience prototype. Such a model is ideal for consumer testing. It allows you to see how customers can interact with the product. Any data you collect from this research highlights room for improvement.  While appearance may be important for this type of model, it is the operational aspects that distinguish this from a visual prototype.

A functional prototype gives you both the design and operation of a final product. This type of prototype manufacturing allows you to figure out the manufacturing process or technique for each component. This helps you to optimize production costs. In some cases, some prototype parts can actually be used for small volume production (if you have a range of low-volume, custom design options or need some parts to bridge the gap until your production tooling is complete.)

Benefits of Prototyping

Prototyping helps you address issues with product design, development, and manufacturing. It can also help you with the consumer research and safety analysis required before bringing the product to market. Besides identifying manufacturing issues, a prototype is ideal for testing and demonstrating.

Prototype companies generally offer a wide range of services. This includes 3D printing, custom product engineering, and a range of finishing procedures.  Electronics and lighting, as well as other components, can be installed and, if needed, designed and produced by some prototype manufacturers.

Find a Reliable Prototyping Partner

Global Technology Ventures Inc. can ensure your design and manufacturing processes work towards innovation. Our technical experts can guide you from the prototype stage until production to ensure project success. We provide prototype manufacturing for every new appliance you design by maximizing your resources. Contact us if you’re looking for companies that build prototypes