What are Rapid Prototypes when working with TriMech Design

Anyone can get a prototype built – however, for time-sensitive projects or for those who are looking to get their idea out there as fast as possible and want to have a physical created quickly, a rapid prototype is a helpful and innovative option. Our invention development firm offers product prototyping services – a quick form of fabrication of prototypes using physical parts or models mainly from 3D computer-aided designs (CAD).

The creation of the parts, models, and assembly is typically done through using additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. Simply explain, rapid prototyping is a prototyping workflow that consists of ideation, prototyping, and testing. It helps designers and inventors quickly discover and validate their ideas and design in the fastest and most efficient way possible.

Stereolithography 3D printing

Do Rapid Prototypes mean an instantaneous product?

A common question we receive regarding our rapid prototyping services is if rapid prototyping suggests that a prototype can be made and assembled within a week or even less!

Although we understand how exciting it is to have an idea and want to see it come to fruition as fast as possible, rapid prototype and instantaneous prototyping are not synonymous. Rapid prototyping refers to using advanced technologies like 3D printing to quickly receive the parts of your prototyping within a week and have them assembled and put together after the parts have been made.

3D Printed Prototype Parts

Rapid prototyping doesn’t mean that a prototype can be made overnight, but definitely within the month or less, which within the product development and prototyping realm is considered rapid! It’s important to remember that you want your prototype to be as close to the actual finished model of your product in order to fully see its limits, constraints, and possible areas of improvements that should be made so that you’ll be fully prepared and ready to move onto the next stage of product development.

How we use and perform Rapid Prototyping

Working with the Mako Design team at our Oakland invention development firm is as simple as just having an idea and bringing it to the team to discuss! After signing an NDA to make sure your idea is yours and fully protected, we can help walk you through the steps and give a better idea of the product development and process of your invention. If rapid prototyping is required, we can better layout a schedule of deliverables and what parts need to be made, brought in, and assembled to help create your first rapid prototype!

The TriMech team value transparency and communication while we navigate the product development process our clients are constantly sent feedback about how the prototype is going. Therefore we make sure to send over any updates as soon as possible to ensure that our client’s prototypes are going out on time, efficiently, and accurate to their design needs.

Learn more of our top prototyping tips, here!

A rapid prototype made for our client, the Companion Bike!

If you have a great new invention and you’d like to learn more about this process, get in touch with TriMech. Feel free to give us a call at +1 (888) 806-6256 (MAKO) and we can set you up on a call with our product analyst!