The importance of prototyping
The creation of a prototype becomes essential in the case of components intended for series production and subsequent marketing, especially if these are made from moulds.
The prototypes in fact allow people to test their drawings and designs by testing shapes, dimensions and assembly options. These tasks are much easier to perform with full-scale prototypes than from a PC screen.
It is much easier from prototypes to validate one’s designs and identify any modifications that need to be made before making the moulds.
The development and field verification of the characteristics of a prototype, enables us not only to ascertain that it actually meets the initial specifications, but also to perfect and optimise them before the project is even finished, with enormous advantages in terms of both time and cost.
This choice makes it possible to effectively put the design hypotheses conceived to the test, to comprehensively test the characteristics of the products, and to find and resolve any inconsistencies.
Once the moulds are made, it is difficult and expensive to make changes. In many cases it is not even possible. Thanks to the prototypes, it is possible to ascertain the validity of the design and make moulds with confidence and assurance.
Linea ar srl offers its clients a variety of prototyping technologies
depending on their needs:
3D PRINTING
Inexpensive and very quick to make, directly from your own 3D files. They are robust and can be tested with real assemblies. The surface quality varies depending on the chosen additive technology, but in general they always have a surface texture. Ideal for small-scale prototyping. Tolerances vary from technology to technology.
WOOD
Excellent aesthetic performance and robustness. It can be used in many shapes and sizes. Costs can be high depending on the specific shape of the project. There are no limits in size. It can be made from 3D files or by hand, depending on the design.
POLYSTYRENE
Ideal for producing large prototypes with significant thickness, such as cushions and upholstery cut from 3D files. Relatively low cost. It is sufficiently rigid to test the comfort of a product.
UREOL
UREOL is an easily processed plastic material that allows for a precise tolerance level. It is processed from 3D files. It is commonly used for moulding models as it allows very specific tolerances to be achieved. It is fragile and therefore not suitable for use under strain. High cost.
