What is prototyping?
Prototyping refers to the production of functional sample parts before the start of production. Series production, to test the form, function, accuracy of fit, material behaviour or manufacturability of a product. In rubber and plastics technology, prototyping is used to validate designs, Tools or to obtain customer approvals as part of the sampling process. Prototypes are primarily used for technically complex rubber parts, multi-component parts or customised special solutions.
Goals and importance of prototyping
Prototypes are advantageous before series production:
- Realistically test functionality
- to test material behaviour in later use
- Coordinate tools and processes at an early stage
- Minimise correction loops in the series
- to create a basis for decisions on production or investments
Prototyping process
Depending on the component, material and objective, different processes are used, e.g. Rapid Tooling or additive manufacturing using 3D printing processes. Both dimensionally accurate functional prototypes and visual samples can be created.