5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Prototype Tooling Solutions

Prototypes can be made in many ways, and each process has advantages and disadvantages. The best prototyping company will be able to explain which is right for your project.

It’s also important to consider the fidelity of the prototype needed. This may determine whether a high-fidelity SLA or vacuum cast method is required.

Quality

It’s important that prototypes accurately represent the finished product. This includes capturing the final product’s exact feel, size, and weight to ensure valid user testing results. A good prototype should also be durable enough to withstand repeated use.

Prototype tooling is an efficient method of creating injection molds – especially for plastic parts – without the cost and lead time of production of hard steel tools. It’s also a great way to bridge the gap between low-volume runs during the design and validation phases.

Production tooling, on the other hand, is intended for mass production. It’s more robust, with wear maintenance provisions and sensing built into the tool to maximize quality, efficiency, and production efficiencies. These attributes can add to the overall cost of production.

Speed

Prototype companies must be able to churn out prototypes at a quick pace. They should also be able to provide constant feedback on the project’s progress. This is essential for entrepreneurs and inventors who need to test their products and make changes based on the testing process results.

The resulting focused results from prototyping are vital for engineers to identify and correct any design or production challenges well before a production tool is made and the first batch of parts is produced. This saves time and money by reducing the risk of costly mistakes that could be expensive to fix.

The prototype tooling company you choose should offer input, advice, and options regarding your product’s best materials and processes. They should also be able to estimate how long the process will take before it’s completed.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is a key factor to consider when choosing prototype tooling solutions. It refers to responding quickly and appropriately to requests for assistance or input from peers. This can be challenging in many workplace environments, but it’s important to strive for responsiveness to improve professional relationships and project outcomes.

Prototype molds are typically made with softer materials than production molds, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. They must also be more robust and may require resurfacing or polishing to extend their lifespan.

Cost

A common misperception is that prototype tooling is an unnecessary step that increases costs and slows development and production times. In reality, the opposite is true; custom injection molding is done without a prototype tool results in a series of required production tool adjustments that significantly add to cost and time.

Prototype tooling is usually made from soft materials like silicone rubber, aluminum alloy, or a combination of aluminum and steel and can be used between 15 and 20 times. This allows a wide range of plastics to be performance-tested and comparisons to be made quickly, all while saving on overall cost.

Prototype tooling is less durable than production tools but is a great way to test your new design, get it in the hands of engineering teams and potential customers, and improve the product before it goes into full-scale manufacturing.

Customization

The choice of prototyping tools is a vital decision that has many implications. These include the ability to design wireframes, collaborate with stakeholders, user test, and generate code. Choosing a tool that can integrate into your workflow is important.

Injection-molded prototypes provide greater strength, detail, and material variety than 3D-printed prototypes. They also offer faster turnaround times and easy alterations. Choosing the right material for your prototype mold is crucial.

Hard tooling is best when your product requires tight tolerances or functional use. It takes longer to manufacture than soft tooling, but it can withstand more production runs and is cost-effective in the long run.