How to make that Prototype!!!
ThinkSolveDo
disadvantages. There are also MANY different types of prototypes. Let
me explain.
Frankenstein Prototype: This looks ugly BUT proves a concept. You see
it performing the task that you hoped it would perform. It may have
screws sticking outside the case and big swaths of duck tape squeezing
its guts inside BUT it works! Many of these you can make yourself with
a little ingenuity and some elbow grease. It won't be pretty but you
will beam like a searchlight when you see it work and show it off.
· Pros:
o Proves concept
o Low Cost to make
o You might be able to do it your self
o Shows you what is wrong and right with your idea
o Gives you practical experience with how your innovation will work in
real life with the user and the environment
· Cons:
o It's ugly. Even the best Frankenstein Prototypes do not make
investors eager to fork over cash. They make them worry you cannot
complete the project. Investors need to see something that shows them
you know what you are doing, can achieve what you promise and that it
really will work.
o May not give full indication of manufacturing problems. You can make
1 Frankenstein Prototype and $46.64 BUT can you make 100,000 real
products for the $.99 to make it sell for $4.99?
Virtual Prototype: You create a 3D cad model and the computer simulates
it.
· Pros:
o Cheap (Depending on what you are doing.) i.e. Cheaper to simulate a
New Jet Plane than build it wrong.
o Amazing to look at
o Can be used to make an ad or sell the idea to investors
o Can get you 3D Cad files if it was created using CAD and not
Animation software
o You can see the dream
· Cons:
o Expensive (Depending on what you are doing) i.e. if you are not sure
about the design you will be paying a CAD designer $60-$120 per hour to
play with you. If you do it yourself it will take many hours and the
CAD software can be expensive. Mine cost me about $7,000 (Solidworks
2006 Plus Service Contract). Cheaper programs like Rhino ($895), Alibre
($1,795) and others might be good too.
o If you have seen The Matrix, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars you will
know that not all simulations can be realized. There are things that a
bad virtual model will be able to do in the computer but not once you
make it.
o Costing the product is possible but not 100% accurate with only the
model
o You cannot touch it
Real Physical Prototype: This is one that is machined to a high
standard and it looks like the final product and is made from nearly
the exact material the end unit will be made from.
· Pros:
o You have one to show and sell from
o You KNOW it works because you see it work
o You can take ad photos from this and even show investors
o You know it can be made
o You know the problems involved in making it and how to overcome them
o Your dream is brought to life and you have a great deal of
credibility
· Cons:
o Cost 10, 100 or 1000 times more to make than the actual unit will
cost
o You do not have the ability to produce them in quantity (cost is too
high, production method is usually too slow)
o You might be showing it to too many of your competitors
Rapid Prototype: These are printed parts that are 3D and can be used to
test theory, get something in hand and actually see a product. Some RP
Machines can make useable prototypes while others can make molds or
patterns. These are great when working out a design and can be used for
photographs and to 'sell' the innovation.
· Pros:
o You can have a sample in a few days (after your CAD files are
complete)
o Fairly inexpensive
o Can be used to make patters and molds to allow small production runs
o Can be painted and finished to allow you to see what the final
version can look like
o Excellent to show manufacturers what you are thinking about and how
it will be made and manufactured
· Cons:
o Need CAD files
o Tolerances (precision of finished parts) is not as high as it needs
to be for manufacturing so things do not always feel tight
o Strength of final unit is not as strong, in most cases, as actual
unit will be
o Not really good for very big parts
o Not really good for very small parts
RTV: Room Temperature Vulcanization is the process of making plastic
parts from 2 part chemicals. These parts can be very strong and very
detailed. With a little practice and some skill shaping clay you can
make some amazing things for a few hundred bucks. Companies like
www.Alumilite.com and www.Smooth-on.com make good products and have
good tech support.
· Pros:
o Strong Parts
o Small production runs are possible
o Can make saleable parts with good mold
o Low cost
· Cons:
o Some skill needed to make molds
o Slow process for manufacturing
You can combine all the above to make a prototype that fits your needs.
Your needs are what you have to think about first and most. I have
tried to bring Frankenstein Prototypes to investors and they simply
cannot see the vision. You show them it works and they see it performs
the task and still cannot make the intellectual leap to the finished
product. You hear things like, "how come the screws are all different
colors?" and "why is it not painted". For investors it is better
to make a Virtual Prototype so they can see the vision. For
manufacturing showing a Frankenstein Prototype can help get the gears
turning.
Think about how you will use the prototype and then decide how you will
make it.
For resources to make your prototype go to your local phone book and
look up "Machine Shops" or "Metal Workers- Machining". You
should be able to find a small shop with good hourly rate and highly
skilled person to help you bring it to life.
reykjavik
out of plastic. However, what Im finding nearly impossible is a
company that can make my idea come to life. This is because my idea
involves both metal AND plastic. I've called places and no one seems
to know where this is done.
Do you know of any reputable prototyping companies that would sit down
with me (which means they must be in the NY area) and produce this
prototype? Its a very small invention (roughly the size of a scissor)
but nonetheless requires both metal and plastic.
Thanks
ThinkSolveDo
companies can do what you want but I am guessing you do not have the money
to bring it to life. If they can cut molds to make plastic they can cut
metal to make a one off prototype.
You really need to decide what you are doing with your prototype?
Are you testing a concept; i.e. Can a heavier than air craft fly?
Gearing up for production; i.e. Can I injection mold this shape and insert a
metal part into efficiently and precisely?
Making something to raise money and start selling with; i.e. Let's make big
fat wooden pencils shaped like penguins! I need to prototype to take
marketing photos and begin selling.
Or making something to show your friends you have made; i.e. look, here is
my own personal Pez dispenser that shoots gum too. Cool!
What are you trying to do with your prototype? That is the first question.
To have it made locally go to a local and small machine shop. There must be
many in NY. Make sure you agree in advance what payment will be and that you
contract properly. You do not want to see your machinist claiming they
invented your invention. You should get them to sign a contract that states
what you will be paying them and also who owns the rights to the product and
their work as well. Look up "work for hire" to get more information.
And great luck to you.
Bob Huehn
state of New York. You could contactt
those that are nearest you to ask for recommendations.
As well the UIAUSA itself is based in Rochester, NY and may be able to make
suitable suggestions.
http://www.uiausa.com/Resources
Bob Huehn