What Should I Do When My Rapid Prototypes Don’t Work?

Bringing a great idea to reality means you need to take a number of works starting from 3D model building to prototype manufacturing then functional verification. If the idea can’t go through the rapid prototypes stage, the product/idea has no chance to present and show in public, which means your product can’t launch in the market.

Here are four steps to take when my rapid prototype doesn't work

1.Examine the Prototype’s Design

Though the prototype’s design is not likely to be the source of its failure, it’s still imperative to examine it thoroughly in case it is. One thing to look for is the presence of too many variables. If a design consists of too many variables, its errors can accumulate and lead to its failure because the prototype did not meet the intended specifications.
Typically, the simpler design the better function. So we always suggest our client simplify their design at maximum, which can improve the application of the product and cut down the manufacturing costs.

A second element of the error to consider in the design is the accidental transposition of numbers. The requirements and specifications that are needed to develop the prototype sometimes require many numerical calculations. It can be easy to accidentally transpose one or more of these numbers. Doing so can result in significant failures on the part of the prototype. To guard against this occurrence, all numbers, measurements, and other data should be verified prior to moving on to the next step.

2.Failure at the Material Level

The design of a product and its resulting prototype can be significantly impacted by any of the materials that are used in the design process. This is true whether the material is for one of the components, a finish, or some other aspect involved. An important consideration to keep in mind is that just because a material is touted as being equivalent, it might veer from the design specifications in such a way that brings on the product’s failure. While substitutions can be adequate when designing a prototype, they could also cause it to fail. For this reason, a check of the materials used — as well as any substitutions used — should be one of the first steps in diagnosing the reason behind the failure of your prototype.

3.Is it the Prototype?

Examining the prototype itself is also a good way to narrow down the reason for its failure. While it’s important to remember that a prototype isn’t going to be perfect, it should mimic the design’s component specifications and geometry as close as possible. Any limitations or variances in manufacturing could render the prototype different enough from the design that it fails. It is very important to find a good prototyping company that can make the prototypes as close to the original design.

4.Look at the Testing Parameters

The testing parameters need to be carefully scrutinized to determine if this is the site of the prototype’s failure. First, it’s vital to ensure that the components involved have been assembled correctly prior to testing. Another consideration is to determine if the test accurately stacks up against the criteria used in the original design.

Given the complexity of computer software, the data collected and measured could be different. One program used could demonstrate that the prototype is successful during the testing phase while a different one will show the same prototype as failing. During the development process, it’s vital that the same software program is used by everyone involved in the project. This helps maintain and protect the continuity needed for the project.

Prior to the testing phase, inspect the prototype thoroughly to ensure that there is no damage or any issues with its assembly. Each time it is used with a different software or testing phase, the prototype should be inspected again.

GPT Precision delivers top-quality rapid prototypes that meet their clients’ specifications. Able to turn projects around quickly without compromising quality, GPT Precision is your prototype headquarters. Read to learn more about our rapid prototyping services and capabilities. Contact us today!