Engineering Prototypes

    The engineering prototype is where design and engineering meet to create a minimum viable version of the final commercial product, that is designed for manufacturing (DFM). These prototypes are used for lab-based user testing with a select group of lead users, to communicate production intent to tooling specialists in subsequent stages, and to act as a demonstrator in the first sales meetings.

At this stage, details become increasingly important. 3D printing allows engineers to create high-fidelity prototypes that accurately represent the finished product. This makes it easier to verify the design, fit, function, and manufacturability before investing in expensive tooling and moving into production, when the time and cost to make change becomes increasingly prohibitive.

Advanced 3D printing materials can closely match the look, feel, and material characteristics of parts produced with traditional manufacturing processes such as injection molding. Various materials can simulate parts with fine details and textures, soft-touch, smooth, and low-friction surfaces, rigid and robust housings, or clear components. 3D printed parts can be finished with secondary processes like sanding, polishing, painting, or electroplating to replicate any visual attribute of a final part, as well as threaded to create assemblies from multiple parts and materials