Hi Brenda,

There are lots of different types of prototypes and reasons to get prototypes. If you have a CAD model and the prototype is mainly to show shape, size and limited function you might want to have it output on a 3D printer. Certain items can be machined or molded and cast off of a hand carved prototype for shape. Items can be vacuum formed off of 3D shapes too.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for your prototype to do as to if you need to have it injection molded right off the bat or not. If you want to email me to discuss it you can, otherwise I think we’d all need some more info to steer you in the right direction.

Have you made preliminary prototypes for form or function? Proof of concept ones or are you ready to go full steam ahead with an actual functioning final design?

Click on the “Show Forums” link on this page, then click on
“Prototyping” link.

That will take you to a lot of post that will tell you everything you need to know about prototyping;
Here’s my favorite one on the “Prototyping” link that shows all the different materials and machines available to make a prototype:

COMPARING RAPID PROTOTYPING MACHINES— SEE THE QUALITY OF PART THAT EACH MACHINE PRODUCES— This link lists the various machines that do additive rapid prototyping, then lets you click on each of 5 views, UP CLOSE, that show the quality / detail that each

You’ll have to copy and paste the link to FineLine prototyping into your browser window, because for some reason you can’t just click on it to take you there…

www.mobiusproductdevelopment.com
look at a current release prototyped by this company.

www.caddyit.com

Unless you have a 3-D printer on-site, I generally recommend have a 3-D model rapid prototyped by SLA (Stereolithography). Of course, just because a prototype is made does not guarantee it can be injection-molded. The proper wall thickness, draft angles, etc. need to be designed into the part.

From an SLA master, silicone molds can be developed to create cast urethane parts which will be closer to the production version than the SLA prototype. The cast urethane parts may cost a few thousand dollars (which includes the silicone molds), and the molds should last for about two dozen prototype units or so.

To summarize, you need to hire an engineer (like myself) to create 3-D CAD models, and those files are sent to a rapid prototype manufacturer to create the prototypes.

To expand on what Chris said, you can also have Z Corp models made at a fraction of the price of SLA. Something not a lot of big service bureaus offer because they are cheaper they don’t make as much money.

Brenda,

lots of good input so far, can I make a suggestion before you get a prototype. I’m not a pro with experience in plastics. But you should find someone that is, plastics specific. A manufacturing engineer who is working for you might be able to give you some very valuable suggestions before you prototype.

I’ve done this for sheet metal components (offer suggestions), depending on how open you are to the suggestions and how qualified the expert is can make an incredible difference in both quality, functionality, and price.

Am MFG Eng. that is working for the shop does NOT have your best interest in mind. He is there to make a profit for the company not you. I wish I had a source for a plastic specialist myself, the school of hard knocks is slow and painful.

Mr. Avery touched on something briefly that deserves more attention. You may not need a prototype. You need to have a plan for the project and an exit strategy. If you aren’t going to manufacture and distribute the product on your own there is a good chance you may never need a prototype. In my humble opinion most of the time independent product developers don’t have the resources financially or otherwise to take a product from napkin to retail. There is no shame in that. Licensing is usually the most appropriate route.

Are you saying Mr. Avery did not have a prototype? Wow, that’s nice to know, what a relief!! I wonder how many others who submitted without a prototype and made it to G8?

Hi- Paul here… I’m not affiliated with this company in any way, but what they offer is just what a lot of us are looking for-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v438naw0wgs

http://www.anvilprototype.com/PrototypingTools/...

HOT PRESS RELEASE:

Z Corporation Device Builds Accurate, High-Resolution Prototypes

05/18/10
ANAHEIM, Calif., USA – Z Corporation today introduced a rapid prototyping machine that builds high-end functional prototypes at one-third of the price of machines with comparable performance. The ZBuilder Ultra will be available in July.

Despite costing a fraction of the price of a stereolithography machine, the ZBuilder™ Ultra builds durable plastic parts that rivals injection molding’s accuracy, material properties, detail, and surface finish. It enables engineers to verify designs for form, fit and function prior to full-scale production, eliminating costly modifications to production tooling and shortening time to market.

How It Works
The ZBuilder Ultra builds 3D parts additively using a high-resolution Digital Light Processor (DLP) projector to solidify a liquid photopolymer.

Key Benefits

Duplicate digital CAD models precisely
- Accurate; part features within /- 0.008 inches* (/- 0.2 mm*)
- Precision optics and motion systems for repeatability
- Innovative process with movement only in the Z-direction

Build true functional plastic parts
- Material properties rival final parts

- Strong and flexible
- Consistent regardless of orientation

- Razor-thin walls and sharp detail

- Minimum feature size: 0.005 inches (138 microns)
- X/Y resolution from highest resolution DLP engine
- Precise control of light source delivers sharp edges

- Ultra-Smooth Surface Finish

- Parts appear injection-molded
- Precise control of each voxel (3D pixel)
- No “stair stepping”

Save time
- 2X faster than other RP systems
- Verify designs the next day
- Speed independent of the number of parts in the build

Build Size: 10.2 × 6.3 × 7.5 inches (260 × 160 × 190 mm)

• Typical (may vary by geometry, part orientation, build parameters, and process)