Did you know that 3D printing is an effective way to turn your design dreams into reality?
Nowadays, you can print functional 3D prototypes of your designs in only a few hours!
Are you ready to put your designs to the test? Read our article all about the top 5 tips for creating 3D printed functional prototypes before you begin!
1. Generate Plenty of 3D Printing Ideas
Embarking on a 3D prototype journey is exciting and full of potential. Actualizing your potential, on the other hand, can be initially challenging.
Don’t worry, facilitating your 3D printed functional prototype journey does not have to be stressful or complicated.
Begin by generating plenty of 3D printing ideas. Prototypes are created in order to test out ideas. Achieving a functional prototype may take a few attempts.
That is why it is a good idea to have plenty of prototype resources to draw from. Begin by understanding what your prototype priorities are.
What are the functions that your prototype must perform in order to be effective? Generate as many forms as possible.
Test out all of your ideas so that you know you are investing in the best possible version! This will save you time and money in the long run.
For example, if something should go wrong with your launched product, one of your initial prototype designs may have the solution.
Keep your initial close by as you journey through all of the stages of your functional 3D printed prototypes.
2. What Functions Will Your Prototype Need?
A prototype is often limited in various capacities. That is why it is imperative that you focus on what functions will be essential for your prototype to perform.
As you already know, there are multiple ways of accomplishing a single task. Spend time thoughtfully developing how you would like your prototype to carry out its task.
What design elements will your 3D printed prototype need to function well? What limitations do your failed prototype examples fall prey to?
Understanding what worked well in the past and what did not can help you create a functional version in the future.
Reviewing your failed attempts is all a part of the product development process. In the end, all of your failed attempts are learning opportunities that culminate in your finished product!
Figuring out what functions your prototype needs to thrive will help you know where to invest your resources.
3D printing is an expensive medium, however, it awards you the chance to experiment with a functional prototype. Spend time thoughtfully turning your visions into reality before you head to the lab.
3. Focus On Effective 3D Printer Projects
While you are developing your prototype designs, many ideas may present themselves. Do your best to focus on effective 3D printer projects.
Depending on your goals, a 3D printed prototype can be a complicated medium to work with. Research about products like the one you are trying to design.
Will the 3D printed medium be a compatible fit for your ideas to come to fruition? Focusing on this can help you prioritize your time and resources effectively.
Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of creating multiple prototypes. Can you effectively afford to print multiple ideas?
Will you have enough time to effectively test out your ideas by your team’s deadline? Do your best to use your 3D printer resources wisely to avoid wasting any time or materials.
4. Create Prototype 3D Printer Models
Did you know that you can test out your 3D prototype idea before you are even near the printer? Begin experimenting with your ideas in a cost-effective format.
Test out your ideas with simple materials like clay if possible. Beginning with primitive materials like clay and wood can help you see the scale of your desired prototype.
Don’t worry, creating this initial model does not have to be a daunting task. In fact, creating a prototype of your prototype is a small step in the overall prototype process.
Creating this initial model can help you walk into the 3D printing lab with confidence and direction.
If there are any design issues or questions, you can direct your team to the model for a general idea of what the prototype should look like.
5. Work With a Competent 3D Printing Service
Who you work with always matters. 3D printing services are no exception to this rule. Spend as much time as possible browsing through your 3D printing service options.
Make sure you listen carefully to any reviews and testimonials that you come across. How did others enjoy working with your prospective 3D printing service? Were there any production issues?
It is always a good idea to begin facilitating communication with your prospective service before you require their 3D printer.
Initiate a conversation with your prospective 3D service about prototype materials, costs, and timeframes.
This will help everyone stay on the same page and help you understand what kind of budget is necessary to work with this service.
All of this communication is an effort to create the best prototype possible so enjoy the journey and stay positive!
Are You Ready to Create Functional Prototypes?
Now you know all about the top 5 tips for creating 3D printed functional prototypes! Are you ready to create the functional 3D printed prototype of your dreams?
Good luck! Remember, take your time and think everything through to avoid wasting any time or materials.
Still in need of inspiration? Read our other blog articles to be updated on the latest lifestyle tips and trends!
