For customers new to the CNC prototyping industry, it can be difficult to find a reliable company that meets their needs. However, knowing what to look for can save time and get the best prototypes for production. Sometimes a company may choose to manufacture certain components in-house. In other cases, the services of a prototyping specialist may be helpful. It all depends on what the manufacturer wants and how many resources are available to accomplish the task.
In some cases, it is easier to work with an external prototyping company in terms of cost and quality. Still, it all comes down to establishing a smooth partnership with the prototype manufacturer. Once this is established, these prototyping experts can deliver as per the customer's requirements. Before proceeding, it is important to know the types of prototyping.
Prototype Classes
In the CNC prototyping industry, there are two classes of prototypes, namely low-fidelity prototypes and high-fidelity prototypes. These types of prototyping define the similarities between prototypes and final products in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The greater the similarities, the more the component leans toward the high-fidelity end of the spectrum.
1. Low-Fidelity Prototypes
A low-fidelity prototype contains some elements of the final product. In most cases, these similarities are related to the appearance of the final product rather than its functionality. Therefore, a manufacturer creates a prototype to show the customer what a product will look like in the final stage of production. Low-fidelity prototypes take less time to produce and provide the manufacturer with more scalability. In other words, features can be added or removed more easily during the product development cycle.
2. High-fidelity prototypes
A high-fidelity prototype is a more comprehensive design that is similar in appearance and function to the final product. This prototype includes all aspects of the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the real part. High-fidelity prototyping is essential in the final stages of the product development cycle, as it involves the interactive and visual elements of the product for testing.
Hi-fi products are more expensive and difficult to customize than their counterparts; however, they provide customers with comprehensive details about the final product, which in turn provides feedback. A prototyping company may design a low-fidelity model early in the product development cycle and a high-fidelity model in the final phase.
Functionality of prototypes
It's important to note that prototyping is different from production. It can be integrated during the production cycle to demonstrate the aesthetic and functional potential of a product, but it is in no way the same as production. Companies can use prototypes for demonstrations, testing and evaluation, business presentations, patenting, market research, production, and other activities. However, prototypes are not intended for commercial use and do not replace final products.
Due to the functionality of prototypes, prototyping companies produce these individual parts in small quantities – 100 units or less. For this reason, these manufacturers do not require mass production facilities to produce such parts. The CNC prototyping industry offers customers CNC machining technology, building CNC machined prototypes in batches in a short period of time. This manufacturing process offers end users the flexibility needed to take production from concept to final production. CNC machining companies help customers improve product design, which allows them to save resources and create the ideal product for mass consumption.
Advantages of CNC rapid prototyping
Working with CNC rapid prototyping machines during production brings several benefits, including speed, accuracy, and efficiency. It is easier to complete a prototype in a short time with CNC machines than with human labor, especially when dealing with large quantities. This process also eliminates human error during manufacturing, as the prototype is cut at unimaginable speeds.
Another aspect that must be considered in CNC prototyping is the cost-benefit ratio. Manufacturers can quickly integrate prototype components into the production line without having to spend a lot of money. Due to the accuracy and efficiency of this type of prototyping, companies can also reduce material waste.
Manufacturers can integrate CNC prototyping with metal fabrication prototyping to reduce the complexity of metal prototype production. Metal processing involves several laborious, multi-layer processes. That includes:
- Stamp
- Welding
- extrusion
- To bend
- be crazy
- To bend
- Cut
- conclusion
CNC prototyping allows manufacturers to automate the metal prototyping process with less human intervention. This method reduces manual work and saves company resources. Machinists can program CNC machines to cut solid parts according to their designs using precise metal machining techniques. The computer reads the programs and converts them into specific instructions that instruct the machine to cut, twist, bend, and fold pieces of metal into the required shape and form before other production processes begin. For this reason, many manufacturing companies prefer CNC prototyping technology over other methods.
How to find the ideal CNC prototyping company
In the CNC prototyping industry, there are several manufacturers that specialize in producing prototypes for customers. Because of this, it can be difficult for the customer to find the right manufacturer. However, some guidelines in this section will help end users find a reliable CNC workshop.
1. Delivery speed
In CNC prototyping, the timing of product delivery is crucial to meeting market demand. A company that meets this requirement has an advantage over other competitors. An ideal CNC company should be able to design prototypes quickly to meet deadlines.
2. Quality control
As delivery speed is crucial to customer satisfaction, quality control is also very important. A CNC manufacturer must ensure that prototypes are of high quality and meet industry standards to ensure documentation and certification for these products.
3. Customer service
How a CNC company handles customer requests, questions, and complaints determines how much market share it will have in the CNC prototyping industry. A reliable CNC workshop should be able to offer expert advice and handle unusual requests in the best possible way, while maintaining all the etiquette of good conversation.
OA–Z of ordering a prototype at a CNC workshop
For customers new to prototyping, ordering prototypes from a third-party supplier can be a daunting task. These people need to find the ideal company that produces high-quality prototypes in a short time and at an affordable price. However, the process is not as complicated as you might think.
First, a customer sends a request to the prototype manufacturer, a so-called request for quotation (RFQ), in which they describe their individual needs in detail. Once the company receives this request, it evaluates it and prepares cost estimates for the manufacturing process based on the materials, manufacturing equipment, and labor to be used in the project. The CNC company sends the recipient a quote detailing costs, which they analyze to decide whether to stick with the quote or consider another company.
Thanks to advances in technology, customers can fill out an online quote request form through a prototyping industry website. This process saves time, effort and money. The client must send the digital project file with the drawing of the prototype to be designed. The project format can be Stereolithography (STL) or Standard for Product Model Data Exchange (STEP). This format allows the company to clearly visualize what the client wants to build. Without this project file, the company will still be able to work based on the customer's request, but it will not be easy to provide an actual cost estimate for the project.
If a customer gives the manufacturing company permission to proceed with prototype development, the company must sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) that prevents it from sharing or selling the plans to any other person or company. There are several NDAs available online for clients to access and use. Once this process is complete, the company begins manufacturing prototypes according to the user's needs.
The RFQ contains more details such as quantity, type of material, processing and deadline. The clearer the information, the easier it will be for the company to design an accurate prototype and meet the production deadline. To achieve the best result, customers must collaborate with manufacturers at all stages of prototype development. A reputable company will provide constant feedback on the design and discuss ways to improve prototyping. Depending on the requirements, you may also request additional information from the customer.
If the end user is not satisfied with any phase of the prototyped components, the CNC company may modify certain parts of the prototype to achieve customer satisfaction. Most importantly, the client must be able to deliver high-quality designs. This helps save time and reduce complexity in producing prototypes. There are design guidelines that govern CNC prototyping. Outside of these guidelines, a CNC shop may have difficulty turning the design into an actual prototype.
The CNC company may manufacture the prototype entirely in-house or outsource some design elements to other prototyping companies. This is the case when some of the prototype components are unique. In this case, the CNC workshop will notify the customer of such actions before accepting the project. The prototyping manufacturer can also offer a warranty on the machined components, holding them responsible if the parts are defective or damaged.
