subject: What Lies Behind Rapid Prototyping [print this page] Rapid prototype is just what the name suggests. It is an actual model of a certain product with features like functionality, design, output and performance. This is done to see whether the product will stand to the expectations of the inventor or the company before its mass reproduction or before offering it to the market. Rapid prototyping is now seen as an important part of system design process where it can significantly reduce project risk and cost.
The model produced during the rapid prototype process is usually based upon the performance of previous designs. This way, it would be possible to correct mistakes or defects regarding the design. Before the prototype can even be made, it should first meet all the designing objectives. It will take sufficient refinement to reach this stage.
Rapid prototyping has a lot of advantages that is why a lot of manufacturers are using this method. Having a physical model of the actual product would interest investors even more compared to just showing the product on paper. Also, it is easier to find the flaws in design and functionality once a prototype is at hand. As a result of this, development cost is reduced for there will be less rejects and higher output.
The prototype can be manipulated and used to be able to find flaws, if any. There will be immediate feedback from the user this way. It will open the communication line between the user and the designer. The feedbacks are then noted and then sent to the prototyping manufacturer to have the revised prototype.
Due to the advantages of prototyping, a lot of prototype outsourcing companies has sprung up. However, there are still those who question its benefits. Some would argue that the prototype is not really the actual product so there can be no comparison. Eventually, some steps in the process of actual manufacturing will be omitted to lessen cost so the products marketed to the public will not be the same as the prototype.
Even if there are strong arguments about the disadvantages of prototyping manufacturer, often times it falls on deaf ears. Businessmen believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of the method. In the end, rapid prototyping still gives them a working model to critique in order to create high quality products.
