Prototyping

Your Glossary To Better Understand Prototyping

  • Posted by Dienamics
  • October 11, 2021

If you’ve got an idea for a product, the prototyping stage is one of the most important steps. 

However, there is a lot of different jargon used around prototyping that can make it confusing, especially with the varying types and processes. 

 To help you out, we’ve created a glossary of the most common lingo surrounding prototyping so you can understand it better.   

Rapid Prototyping 

Rapid prototyping is the process of quickly building a 3D object to visually, and functionally evaluate a design. You can choose from several popular methods to rapidly prototype your product, including vacuum casting, CNC machining and 3D printing. 

 There are two types of rapid prototyping; low and high fidelity prototypes. If it is low-fidelity, it will have distinct differences to the final product whereas a high-fidelity prototype will match exactly.  

 To find out more, read our blog Why We Use Rapid Prototyping 

CAD 

CAD stands for ‘Computer-Aided Design’ and refers to software that creates, modifies, analyses or optimises a design. If you have your design on a CAD file, you will be able to use 3D printing to create your prototype.   

3D Printing 

3D printing is a type of rapid prototyping, as well as an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing describes the technology that is used to build 3D objects. As its name implies, it involves adding material layer-upon-layer to create an object.    

Alpha/Initial Prototype 

An alpha/initial prototype is the first time you bring what you hope to be the final elements of aesthetics and functionality together.  

 You make this prototype with the hope that everything you’ve designed is 100% perfect and ready to be manufactured. Of course, that is rarely the case. 

Proof Of Concept 

Proof of Concept Prototypes are basic prototypes or mock-up models done to test an idea or theory of how something might work. 

 This is where you work out any obvious kinks and problems in your design to ensure that your product does exactly what it is designed to do. 

Need A Prototype Made? 

If you have a marketable idea that is ready to be tested and turned into a product, prototyping is a step you can’t miss. 

Dienamics has you covered for all of your Product Development & Prototyping needs. 

For rapid or 3D print prototyping that is right for your product, talk to our team to see how we can help you. 

Get in the know with our Prototyping Knowledge Series: