Articles
How Prototype Molding Services Accelerate Product Development
Developing prototypes is a pivotal phase in new product development. Prototype parts provide the first tangible models to evaluate ergonomic design attributes, conduct engineering tests to validate strength and function, refine specifications based on physical rather than virtual models, and gather direct customer feedback on potential products. Thorough evaluation at the prototype stage minimizes risk before large investments in production tooling, manufacturing capacity, and market launch activities. Prototype injection molding produces a limited number of plastic parts using soft tooling for testing form, fit, and function before committing to hardened production tooling. Prototype molds are designed to provide parts quickly
Incorporating DFM in Prototype Injection Molding
Prototype injection molding enables companies to quickly and cost-effectively produce low-volume plastic parts to test form, fit, and functionality before investing in full production tooling. However, many organizations fail to consider design for manufacturing (DFM) principles when developing prototypes. If DFM issues are only uncovered after the part is molded, this results in extensive and expensive mold rework. Engineers can minimize mold fabrication time and cost by optimizing parts for manufacturability, even at the prototype stage, while maximizing learning around part performance with fewer design iterations. A prototype resembling production intent provides key insights into any DFM refinements needed for
Protoshop’s Dylann Ceriani Appeared on the “Being an Engineer” Podcast!
We’re excited to share a transcript from the Being an Engineer podcast featuring Dylann Ceriani, our co-founder and principal mechanical engineer at Protoshop. Dylann provides a compelling overview of her engineering journey, highlighting her expertise in prototype molding and the distinctions between prototype and production molding. She also delves into material selection strategies and the regulatory aspects of medical device development. Dylann’s insights offer valuable knowledge for both new and experienced engineers, emphasizing Protoshop’s innovative approach to prototype tooling. Check out her discussion below to explore the forefront of engineering innovation with Protoshop Inc. Stay connected with our blog for
Prototype Tooling Lifespan: Factors Affecting Durability and Maintenance of Molds
Savvy businesses rely on rapidly produced prototype injection-molded parts to innovate and efficiently bring new products to market. While these molds can produce thousands of parts (even tens of thousands), they are not nearly as durable as production molds. Factors such as tooling material, design complexity, and maintenance practices affect tooling longevity and, ultimately, the number of parts that can be produced. Material Selection and Its Impact on Tooling Lifespan The most significant contributor to mold durability and performance is the choice of material from which the mold is built. Aluminum, in particular, is a popular choice for prototype molds
How Prototype Molding Services Accelerate Product Development
Developing prototypes is a pivotal phase in new product development. Prototype parts provide the first tangible models to evaluate ergonomic design attributes, conduct engineering tests to validate strength and function, refine specifications based on physical rather than virtual models, and gather direct customer feedback on potential products. Thorough evaluation at the prototype stage minimizes risk before large investments in production tooling, manufacturing capacity, and market launch activities. Prototype injection molding produces a limited number of plastic parts using soft tooling for testing form, fit, and function before committing to hardened production tooling. Prototype molds are designed to provide parts quickly
Speed vs. Quality in Prototype Tooling: Finding the Right Balance
Prototyping is one of the most important steps in the product development process. Prototypes allow product developers to find design flaws and/or test different design options quickly by providing tangible models that can be evaluated for form, fit, and functionality before committing to full-scale production tooling. Different types of prototypes can be used during different phases of the project, including clay mock-ups, 3D printed parts, machined parts, and cast and injection molded parts. Due to advances in the speed of mold fabrication, prototype injection molding has become one of the most popular methods of producing both functional plastic prototypes and
