Cutting 3d Prototype Design Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Building one or two items of anything, in general, is pricey. If you are building something unique that did not exist before, you need to figure out how to do so, especially when there is no manual or instruction. Hence, every company needs a 3d prototype design.

3d prototype design helps to understand each aspect of the idea and rework difficult aspects. Of course, each prototype is unique and requires a custom approach. But when you build prototypes, you also need to figure out how to do so.

In addition, you will need a team of experienced professionals, expensive equipment, and materials. However, there are still ways to reduce the cost of your prototype. Find out ideas in this article to cut costs without compromising quality.

Key Points

– Building one or two items of anything, in general, is pricey.

– Only do what is required to achieve the goal of your prototype.

– Mechanical components are much easier to implement.

– Prototyping requires a lot of time and material.

– The type of material being used to fabricate a product is one of the greatest factors in its overall production cost.

Number 1: Focus on Important 3d Prototype Design Goals

Lack of focus has financial implications on the manufacturing cost. Since 3D prototyping has a simplified approach, many companies are distracted by exploring more design options and trying out new but unnecessary things.

Only do what is required to achieve the goal of your prototype. For example, do not build a Mercedes if you only need a ford for your testing.

Number 2: Only Execute Product Development for Tested 3d Prototype Design

Before spending a penny on a 3d prototype design, ensure it has been market verified. Start building another prototype after you have tested and evaluated your previous one. Therefore, you can use adjustments from the test to create new designs.

Incorporating observations from the previous test in a new modification is best maximized when your prototype is tested on the right people. Interaction Design Foundation expounds on gathering and learning from prototypes in this article.

There are open-source prototype solutions that you can use. These options allow you to conduct early testing and user research.

Number 3: Start 3d Prototype Design Implementation with Electrical Components

Try to avoid tackling both electrical and mechanical systems at a time. Doing them simultaneously can get your team exhausted quickly. Also, you might need more staff and resources to complete the implementation if not closely watched.

On the other hand, if your product has an electrical component in it, work on it first. This approach is better because mechanical components are much easier to implement. Likewise, they are less expensive to modify.

Number 4: Scale Huge 3d Prototype Design

If your product is huge, start with a scaled-down prototype. Scaled models are miniature replicas of huge products. They provide useful data about the product.

Therefore, you can use the scaled design to determine if an error in the prototype needs modification. However, modifying a huge 3d prototype design can cost significantly more than altering smaller replicas.

Number 5: Use Economical Material for 3d Prototype Design

About every material in the market works well with 3d prototyping. Therefore, you can pick the least expensive material, where possible, to save cost. However, if the least expensive material can jeopardize the quality of the product, there will still be economical options that you can consider.

The type of material being used to fabricate a product is one of the greatest factors in its overall production cost. You will find more CNC machine ideas in this article by The Future of Things.

Alternatively, you can use the less expensive material at the beginning of the prototyping. For instance, if your product is designed to be metal, start by using plastic. There is a hand full of professional choices like PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol), Wax (MOLDLAY), ASA (the industrial substitute for ABS flaws), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate ABS, Acetal (POM), PMMA (Acrylic), FPE (Flexible polyester), and many more.

Number 6: Use Automated Equipment for 3d Prototype Design

Use more automated equipment such as 3D printers and CNC machines. Primarily, these options will help you to cut the cost of the production process. Additionally, it will save you the need to hire more labor to make your prototype.

Number 7: Start 3d Prototype Design Implementation with Commercial off-the-shelf Components

Lastly, use off-the-shelf components if possible. Most companies want to start building parts from the ground up. However, that method is not cost-effective.

If there are existing disassemble parts that you can use, start with those. Add your ingenuity to those parts and create something special. Then, if there is a need, later on, you can start producing all your parts from the start.

Hottest Questions About Cutting 3d Prototype Design Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Check the commonly asked questions about 3d prototype design costs below.

It’s a Wrap

3d prototype design is the most used type of prototyping during product development. While it is considered the cheapest prototyping option, you can still save a lot of money if you decide to use it. Hence, this article has identified cutting-edge ideas to reduce your 3d prototyping cost without compromising quality.

LA NPDT is your most reliable prototyping agency. We specialize in turning your product idea and concept into marketable and profitable products. We operate a proven service process and only give clear prices to our customers.

If you want to save some more money on your 3d prototypes without sacrificing cost, then you should contact us. Our website is lanpdt.com, or call us directly using 318-243-5789.