Prototype construction with the Mr Beam

A prototype is an early, functional model of a product that is developed to test and evaluate design concepts, technical feasibility, functionality, and user interaction. It is used to put ideas and assumptions into a physical form to collect feedback from users, identify problems and make improvements before a product goes into mass production.

Prototypes can be created at various stages of development, from very simple models that only illustrate the basic idea ( low-fidelity prototypes ), to highly sophisticated versions that very accurately represent the final product ( high-fidelity prototypes). The use of prototypes is common in many fields such as product development, engineering, software development and design to save time and costs and improve the quality and usability of the final product.

You can divide the construction of a prototype into several basic steps. Here is a general guide that can help you:

1. Clearly define the idea : Start with a clear idea of ​​what you want to create. What is the goal of your prototype? What should he demonstrate or test?


2. Research and Planning : Research existing solutions and gather information about your target audience. Plan what features your prototype should have and what problems it will solve.


3. Design and sketching : Design your product. This can range from simple paper sketches to detailed digital designs, depending on what makes the most sense for your prototype.


4. Choice of materials and tools : Decide on the materials and tools you need to create your prototype. Consider functionality, appearance and cost.
5. 
   Creating an initial prototype (low-fidelity prototype) : Start with a simple model that represents the basic idea of ​​your product. This step is used to visualize the concept quickly and cost-effectively and to receive initial feedback.


6. Collect and analyze feedback : Present your prototype to potential users or stakeholders and collect feedback. Pay attention to both positive feedback and criticism.


7. Iterate and improve : Use the feedback you collect to revise and improve your prototype. This process can be repeated several times until you achieve a satisfactory result.


8. Create a more detailed prototype (high-fidelity prototype) : Once the basic design and features are established, create a more detailed and functional prototype that is closer to the final product.
9. 
   Final testing : Conduct comprehensive testing on your high-fidelity prototype to ensure all features work as intended and the product is user-friendly.


10. Preparing for Production : Once your prototype is completed and tested, you can begin preparing for mass production. This includes optimizing the design for manufacturing, selecting appropriate manufacturing processes and calculating production costs.

Remember that the prototyping process is flexible and should be customized to meet the needs of your specific project.

The choice of materials when building prototypes depends largely on the type of prototype, the stage of development, the functional requirements and the available budget. Here are some common materials used in various phases of prototyping:

Early stages (low-fidelity prototypes)

Paper and Cardboard : Ideal for very early, simple models to visualize the design concept.

Foam and Styrofoam : Good for slightly more detailed, but still inexpensive and quick modelling.

Wood : For slightly more robust models that allow for some processing, but are still relatively simple and inexpensive.

Plasticine or modeling clay : Allows quick shape changes and is ideal for ergonomic studies.

Later stages (high-fidelity prototypes)

• 
  Plastics (such as ABS, PLA, PETG) : Widely used in 3D printing technology and for detailed, functional prototypes that are close to the final product.


• Metals (such as aluminum or steel) : For parts requiring high strength or thermal conductivity, often used in mechanical components or for end-user testing.


• Silicone and Rubber : For flexible parts or components intended to provide seals or grips.


• Resins : Used in stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP) for prototypes with very high levels of detail.

Specialized materials

• Electronic components : For prototypes that contain electronic functions, including LEDs, microcontrollers (such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi), sensors, and circuits.
• 
  Glass or Ceramic : Specific to industries where these materials are key, although less common in general prototyping.


• Composites and Composites : For special applications that require a combination of lightness and high strength, such as in aerospace or automotive manufacturing.

Deciding on specific materials should also take into account the methods used to make the prototype, such as CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing or handcrafting, as not all materials are suitable for every technique. It is also important to think about the entire life cycle of the prototype, including aspects such as durability, cost, availability and environmental impact. The Mr Beam can definitely support you in both phases of prototype construction, depending on the material. You are also welcome to send us materials for testing. Simply contact our sales team.