Lesson 4 - Making models
Why is it important not to take shortcuts?
In the previous times we defined basic concepts
And we talked about product design and planning.
If you have reached this stage of development
It is likely that you have already seen a 3D visualization of the product,
And you were faced with the dilemma:
Is it necessary to make a model of the product?
Or can the production phase be accessed immediately?
And here is the place for an important and critical tip:
Tip #4:
Prototyping is a critical step in the product development process
And don't skip it.
Producing models is such an important topic that it is worth expanding a little:
After seeing a 3D visualization of the product
We all have a feeling of tangibility,
And since you always want to save money and meet tight schedules,
The temptation to move quickly to the production stage is great.
But it is important to understand that even the best visualization
cannot be a substitute for a real model
You can hold it in your hand, feel its size
and examine its usefulness.
It happened to me in the past that a customer asked us to skip the model production stage and I did not agree,
And after we created a model and he discovered that there were more changes he wanted to make,
He thanked me again and again for insisting.
And what is true for all products,
Doubly true when it comes to medical and high-tech products
in which compliance with high standards is required in every parameter.
There are several technologies for producing models, the main ones being:
1. 3D printing
3D printing for the issue allows the production of models from materials
which simulate the final raw material of the product,
And in some printers it is even possible to produce from the final plastic raw material.
This is the most cost-effective technology,
But in some cases a model created by 3D printing will not give a full answer.
For example, when the product is relatively thin,
When you want to test temperature resistance
or when a high level of accuracy is required.
2. Machining
Machining is an old method that gives good results,
Because it makes it possible to produce the model from the final plastic material, with a high level of precision.
The disadvantage of the method is its high cost.
And while it's good, it still doesn't simulate product manufacturing perfectly.
3. Experimental design
An experimental design is the best sampling method
When you want to test the properties of an injected plastic product.
This pattern is a true pattern, with one enclave,
through which we produce a small amount of products.
The product is produced from the raw material in which the final product is produced,
And it fully represents the product for all its features.
You can conduct tests on it, test its usability,
its size, weight and color,
check the resistance of the material to different temperatures,
its suitability for different packaging and more.
A model created in an experimental pattern gives us an opportunity to fix the product,
Before we started an expensive process of making a mold for large production series.
I will end the lesson with a short summary:
The model preparation stage is a very critical stage,
And I strongly recommend not to skip it.
Among the prototyping technologies, an experimental pattern is the best way to produce a real product
which is identical in appearance and features to the final product.
Such a model will allow us to test the product
and make changes and repairs to it, before the start of production,
And will save us time, money (and heartache) in the future.
Next time I will talk about designing templates.
In the meantime, I will be happy to answer questions by email: boaz@plastomold.com
thanks and have a good day,
Boaz