Prototyping and functional models
To verify the functional and serviceability of technical systems, M.TEC engineers create meaningful prototypes for you. Depending on the complexity of the technical function to be verified and depending on the scope of the required prototype series, a wide variety of methods are used:
The design prototype is usually a technically less functional prototype, which serves primarily for the practical verification of aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of industrial design. The concept prototype serves to verify technical partial solutions and functions. A geometric prototype in turn helps to verify assembly and handling functions, as it represents a dimensionally accurate image of the system and only has possible limitations with regard to the material. The functional prototype is ultimately a prototype that has most or even all of the functions of the actual technical system and even allows for pre-qualification through adequate prototype material and process selection.
Depending on the goal of the prototype series, these samples allow a valid and, above all, early control of the component design. By testing the technical system in prototype series, even minor corrections can be made if necessary before the production of the tools for series production is started. If the scope of the prototype series or a high level of detail of the actual technical system is required in various aspects, rapid tooling methods are sometimes used. Here, simple shaping tools are used to create prototypes or injection molded components.
Services in Rapid Prototyping
- Planning and realization of prototypes / series
- Development and construction of functional samples and prototypes
- Selection of suitable production processes and manufacturers
- Construction and delivery of prototypes
- Testing of prototypes in accordance with technical and organisational requirements
Frequently used prototype methods
- Additive manufacturing / 3D printing
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Stereolithography (STL / SLA)
- PolyJet/MultiJet technology
- Vacuum Casting
- 3D CNC Milling