What is Rapid Prototyping? A Quick Overview

Rapid prototyping is not a single method; the term rapid prototyping refers to a set of techniques aimed at optimizing the materialization time of an idea in order to obtain technical and market validation in the shortest time possible.

Technical validations with rapid prototyping.

The materialization of an idea involves, from a technical standpoint, two types of work: research and development. The research phase is what allows the team to propose solutions to the main technical challenges identified. It is the process through which innovative solutions are designed and tested to address a specific problem in a new way. In contrast, the development phase, through rapid prototyping, refers to the creation of all components that enable a product's functions—both the innovative elements and the less novel parts of an invention.

For example, in an invention designed to dispense wet food for pets, the device’s electronic control unit requires development work, but the true innovation in this prototype example is more closely related to the mechanical dispensing system.

By using techniques within the rapid prototyping universe, alternative solutions can be designed and tested in a very agile way.

rapid prototyping

Examples of Techniques Included in the Rapid Prototyping Universe

Stereolithography (SLA): A resin-curing process where liquid photopolymer is deposited in a kind of vat or tank. Through the controlled application of UV light, layers are cured to form the required parts. This technique allows for very fast production of components for proof-of-concept testing. 

FDM: A filament-melting process that uses a wide range of materials compatible with this technique. It is what we commonly refer to as traditional 3D printing.

CNC: Computer Numerical Control machines are essential in rapid prototyping processes. They allow for the machining of parts from a wide range of materials, offering a high level of mechanical resistance.

Rapid Prototyping Software Solutions

Currently, the market offers a wide range of accessible design software solutions that allow for the simulation of realistic scenarios based on the expected behavior of the parts being tested. These types of software tools provide a clear roadmap to minimize testing cycles that require physical part fabrication. 

Limitations of Rapid Prototyping

A significant portion of the challenges and inventions developed at Let's Prototype involve electronic and telecommunications solutions. While the techniques covered in the rapid prototyping literature refer primarily to the materialization of parts and components needed for inventions, there is little information on the methods that can significantly reduce the number of tests required to validate the electronic functionality of those inventions.

Considering the current limitations of rapid prototyping techniques, at Let’s Prototype, we have developed our own method for the development of electronic inventions.

The goal of our method is precisely to deliver functional electronic versions of inventions in less than 30 days. We invite you to read more about the details of this method and the process of materializing minimum viable products.

Advantages of Rapid Prototyping in the Innovative Product Development Industry

  1. Speed: It allows for reaching conclusions quickly about the best practical solutions to achieve the functionality of a new invention.
  2. Innovation: It enables the exploration and validation of “out-of-the-box” solutions by applying different methods to achieve greater efficiency in solving everyday problems.
  3. Intellectual Property: It allows for the drafting of stronger and more validated patents, helping to avoid unnecessary investments in solutions that lack logic or critical details.
  4. Costs: It helps avoid large investments in the industrialization of poorly thought-out and insufficiently tested solutions.

Market: It allows you to showcase and validate innovative solutions in the market long before making large investments with uncertain returns.

If you have an idea for an innovative product, we’d be happy to design a custom program based on rapid prototyping techniques that will help us innovate and document the best possible solutions while minimizing the required investment.


Do you want to turn your idea into a product?

The time to bring your ideas to life is now. We accompany you throughout the entire process: from idea to product.

 

 

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