You’re working on a rapid prototyping project. What materials will help you get the best results?

Ao conceber um protótipo, direcione sua escolha de materiais conforme a natureza do projeto. Para validar a experiência do usuário, priorize a flexibilidade conceitual, sem necessariamente se vincular a materiais específicos. Se a ênfase recai sobre a viabilidade técnica, explore diferentes opções, adaptando-se ao escopo e à versatilidade do conceito. Concentre-se em pesquisas de mercado, priorizando a experiência do usuário e, se aplicável, utilize um MVP para testar conceitos antes de avançar. A seleção da tecnologia de fabricação deve ser guiada pelas características desejadas, mantendo uma abordagem aberta ao contexto e aos requisitos do projeto.

At work, we once faced a dilemma during prototype development. From experience, aligning the prototype's material with its purpose is crucial. For mechanical testing, we chose ABS for its strength, but for user experience prototypes, TPU was preferred for its flexibility. The key lesson I've learned is the importance of starting with a clear understanding of the prototype's goal. This clarity has significantly streamlined our development process, ensuring each prototype meets its intended objective, whether it's functionality, aesthetics, or user experience.

Si es un proyecto industrial, el prototipo debe ser desde el inicio resistente a ambientes hostiles, la apariencia no es un factor decisivo, sino su durabilidad. Si es un proyecto tecnológico lo que más debe impactar es la experiencia del usuario y el valor que le de al mismo. Si es un producto que va a un sector de consumo debe priorizarse su apariencia. Pero en cualquiera de los tres casos el propósito del proyecto debe estar encaminado en tres factores: - Facilitar el día a día del usuario - Ahorrar tiempo o procesos - Aumentar la productividad o satisfacción del usuario Estas son las bases sobre las que debe generarse un proyecto con propósito mas que el proposito del proyecto.

Hemos posicionado la innovación en ambientes solo de indole creativo, olvidando el aporte en el evolutivo de procesos, productos o modelos de negocios operando. En desarrollo de transformación de modelos de negocios he podido comprobar como definir que elementos eliminar del journey del cliente resulta ser un proceso muy innovador e impactante en la percepción de los clientes. Innovar involucra ver las cosas de manera diferente no solamente y no solo nuevas, en mi experiencia he visto como involucrarse en los modelos operando para adelgazarlos y caerlos agiles involucra pensamientos altamente innovadores. Y ese modelo de pensamiento genera mucho valor porque reduce fricciones en equipos que operan actualmente modelos de negocios.

Mi experiencia se basa en el prototipado de elementos software, los cuales no requieren de materiales físicos. En este sentido, diferenciamos entre prototipos de alta fidelidad, muy próximos a lo que sería un producto terminado y funcional, y prototipos de baja fidelidad, capaces de transmitir un concepto o idea a bajo coste. Las principales ventajas de los primeros serían el realismo, la interactividad y la facilidad de presentación a stake holders, mientras que los segundos requieren una menor inversión de tiempo y recursos, ayudan a la identificación temprana de problemas fundamentales, y su creación es más rápida. Siempre es recomendable comenzar por los segundos hasta tener el concepto validado por los stakeholders

'prototyping' could be referred to different things by different people or in different context. My experience is: first thing first, define the 'prototype' in your context with your team/stakeholders (same as to agree on the 'definition of done') to bring everyone to the same page and to aim at the same goal (even if you are one person team to prototype). Then to set what and how you would measure the success of the prototype. These 2 factors will guide you to select the suitable material.

Once you outline the purpose of the project, the next step is to define the type of technology fabrication so as to achieve your overall project goal. The reason why is that each technology offers different advantages and dowsides. For example, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is good for entry-level materials such as termoplactics, but the precision is not its gold standard. So, if you would like to have a prototype with good accuracy, a case in point is small text, FDM would not be your first choice. Other technologies such as Stereolithography technolgies (SLA) and Selective laser sintering (SLS) would work better. Try to first understand what each technology offers.

Antes de seleccionar cualquier material, es fundamental comprender el propósito y los requisitos del proyecto. ¿El prototipo será utilizado para pruebas de funcionalidad, pruebas de forma y ajuste, o para presentación visual? La respuesta a esta pregunta influirá en las propiedades de los materiales a elegir.

Melhor forma de fazer uma prototipagem é com papel, caneta e um quadro branco. Não há necessidade de investir muito logo no início, deixe para fazer isso quando tiver muita clareza do que realmente precisa ser feito. Pense grande e comece pequeno e aprenda rápido.

If the decision or choice is determined to be the focus on the material, due to the urgency of the project I would choose the material that is easiest to handle and adaptable! Don't harm the environment!

After selecting the technology to print, it is time to select the appropiate material. A process that shoudn't be tortuous. My short guideline: 1. Define the physical characteristics of the desired prototype, including endurance, elongation, flexibility, among other factors. 2. Analyse the list of available materials for the selected technology of fabrication. More than often, you will find this information on the website of the printer sellers. 3. Select two different materials at least from the list, so you could do a quick costs-benefits analysis of the alternatives. Don´t go directly for the one that offers the best physical characteristics, because, in the end, it is still a prototype. Justify your selection.

When choosing the most suitable material for your project, it is interesting not only to analyze durability and efficiency in the given use, but also to check its ease of handling and ease of adaptation!

Understanding the science of material properties is key, since it affects many factors like safety, performance and costs. Finding the right balance is essential. There are 118 elements on the periodic table with a wide range of useful molecules and compositions. Understanding your customer needs and your company values can help in selecting what materials are best.

1. 3D Printing Filament: For creating physical models quickly and accurately. 2. Cardboard or Foam Board: Ideal for creating quick mock-ups and prototypes for initial testing. 3. Clay or Play-Doh: Useful for sculpting and shaping physical prototypes. 4. Prototyping Software 5. Wood or Acrylic Sheets. 6. Electronics Components: If your prototype involves electronic functions, components like sensors, microcontrollers, and wires will be essential. 7. Markers, Pens, and Paper: For sketching and visualizing ideas before moving to physical prototypes. 8. Fasteners and Adhesives: To assemble different parts of the prototype together securely. 9. Fabric and Textiles: For prototypes involving wearables or soft goods.

Strength and durability: Depending on the intended use of the prototype, it may need to withstand certain levels of stress or wear. Choosing materials with appropriate strength and durability will ensure that the prototype can effectively serve its purpose. Flexibility and elasticity: Some projects may require prototypes that can bend or flex, while others may need rigid structures. Selecting materials with the right level of flexibility and elasticity is crucial for achieving the desired functionality. Heat resistance: If the prototype will be exposed to high temperatures or heat sources, it is important to choose materials that can withstand these conditions without deforming or melting.

Al seleccionar materiales para la creación de prototipos, es crucial considerar sus propiedades específicas. Por ejemplo, el PLA es económico, fácil de imprimir y proporciona un buen acabado superficial, pero puede ser quebradizo y sensible al calor. En contraste, el nailon, aunque más costoso y complejo de imprimir, ofrece mayor resistencia y durabilidad, soportando altas temperaturas y abrasión. Cada material presenta ventajas y desventajas en términos de costo, disponibilidad y posprocesamiento, lo que afecta directamente la viabilidad y la fidelidad del prototipo.

Iteration is an inherent part of prototyping, and because of that, it is crucial that you take into account a few factors when thinking of materials: -Cost: -always look for a cost efficient alternative to avoid overspending on something that will potentially get discarded. -Reusability: try to think of materials that can be re used on the next iteration of your prototype.

Toda e qualquer iniciativa de desenvolvimento deve leva em conta primordialmente o propósito x necessidade real. Não há como inovar de maneira assertiva sem este entendimento.

Algumas maneiras de organizar essa fase: 1 - Defina os parâmetros necessários para o material. Seu problema vai te guiar em relação a quais parâmetros são importantes (resistência a calor? peso? resistência a submersão em água? textura?). 2 - Busque fornecedores que possam te apoiar com informações e orientações no momento da compra. Fornecedores que disponibilizam manuais e documentos técnicos, ou compartilham outros projetos com aquele material. 3 - Antes de escalar, valide os parâmetros em uma prova de conceito, errando rápido e barato, antes de se comprometer com uma compra maior de insumos. Esta etapa normalmente será, embora reduzido, um novo custo, mas elimina muitos riscos no projeto.

A specific need for anyone working with a 3D printer would be choosing a material compatible with the tool! This innovation came to help a lot!

filament-based 3D printers typically require thermoplastic filaments such as PLA or ABS, while resin-based printers use liquid photopolymer resins. It is essential to choose materials that are specifically designed for the type of printer being used to ensure successful printing and optimal results. Additionally, some printers may have limitations on the types of materials they can accommodate in terms of size, temperature resistance, or other factors. It is important to check the specifications of the printer and verify that the chosen materials are compatible with its capabilities. By ensuring that the selected materials are compatible with the printer being used, you can avoid potential issues such as clogging, or failed prints.

In the realm of rapid prototyping, a fusion of cutting-edge materials is paramount. Harnessing the versatility of graphene for structural integrity, coupled with bio-resins for eco-conscious sustainability, yields a world-class synergy. Additive manufacturing thrives on polymers infused with conductive nanoparticles, enabling seamless integration of smart functionalities. This dynamic blend empowers innovation, creating prototypes that transcend traditional boundaries with efficiency, durability, and a greener footprint.

Choosing printer and the material that is compatible to it is essential. Some printers such as Makerbot can only allow their own brand filament to be used, which is more expensive (RM500 for Makerbot vs RM50 for non-Makerbot branded filaments). This is, therefore, will go into the cost of printing in total. Some other printers such as K1 Max has fast-printing capability, thus require special filament to be used at the default setting. But nonetheless it allows other filaments to be utilized thru quick change of setting. Printers with glass heated bed like Creality gives glossy smooth finish at the base, while those that doesn’t is a bit rougher.

Sin duda antes de comenzar a producir el prototipo para un producto final se deben tomar en cuenta cuales seran los usos y que necesidades cubrirá dicha creación, en base a lo anterior de podrá definir realmente que tipo de material cumple con las espectativas funcionales para poder dar compatibilidad a cada punto. Teniendo todo eso definido podremos ver si realmente el prototipo, más el material son compatibles con los recursos de hardware disponibles para materializar el producto. El ABS por ejemplo requiere de una camara cerrada para evitar liberar al aire gases y/o toxinas toxicas que respira el individuo, y con esto evitar daños a la salud de este.

3D Printing Filament: For creating physical models quickly and accurately Prototyping Software: Tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, or Figma for digital prototyping. Wood or Acrylic Sheets: Good for more robust prototypes or models requiring structural integrity.

a compatibilidad del material con la impresora es un aspecto crucial en la creación de prototipos. No todos los materiales son compatibles con todas las impresoras, y algunos pueden requerir ajustes o características específicas de la impresora, como una cama caliente o una boquilla de alta temperatura. Por ejemplo, el ABS, conocido por su resistencia y durabilidad, necesita una cama caliente y una cámara cerrada para evitar deformaciones y grietas. En cambio, el PETG, que también produce prototipos resistentes, no requiere estas características adicionales. La elección adecuada del material debe considerar estas compatibilidades para asegurar un proceso de impresión exitoso y eficiente.

Vale lembrar que neste estágio, o menor custo para comprovação é sempre bem vindo. O que trouxer um menor CVP, desde o início, será melhor.

Beim Rapid Prototyping kann ich mir den passenden Drucker suchen. Sowie das Material feststeht lasse ich mir das Teil mit einem passenden Drucker fertigen. Hierzu muss ich sie nicht selbst besitzen.

I have a very strong opinion that under no circumstances can we today work with any material that interferes with or creates a negative impact on the environment! This is non-negotiable!

Sin duda un punto crucial en el desarrollo de prototipos, en el caso de la utilización de ABS para su elaboración se deben tomar todos los resguardos medioambientales necesarios para poder desarrollar un proyecto amigable y compatible con la sestentabilidad de sello verde.

I do not like to work with ABS, since the fumes do cause some problems. Especially, when there are more easy to use materials, like PLA (if your use requires less strengths of material) or PETG, there is no need to go for problematic materials. An additional problem, I see, is the re-use of printed material. I would really hope for more suitable and affordable recycling techniques, like a self-crushing and melting pre-extruder, that takes old builds and feeds the molten plastic directly to the extruder (or something like that) ...

El impacto ambiental es un aspecto crucial en la creación rápida de prototipos. Es importante considerar materiales que sean ecológicos o reciclables para minimizar residuos y emisiones. El PLA, por ejemplo, es biodegradable y proviene de recursos renovables, pero requiere instalaciones industriales específicas para su compostaje o reciclaje. En contraste, el ABS, aunque reciclable en algunos contextos, no es biodegradable y puede emitir humos nocivos al calentarse. Elegir materiales sostenibles ayuda a reducir el impacto ambiental del proceso de prototipado.

Consider the environmental impact of the materials you are using: Opting for recyclable or biodegradable materials can be beneficial not only for the environment, but also for the image of your project and brand.

Según mi experiencia, el manejo del impacto ambiental no solo se determina en base alos materiales que se utilizan para un proyecto en específico, sino también está en toda la cadena de valor alrededor de los materiales donde uno debe hacerse las siguientes preguntas: - ¿Mi producto o prototipo será reciclado, reutilizado o desechado? - Su ciclo de vida y post-vida tiene impacto en distintos procesos dentro de la empresa o se extiende en procesos en el ecosistema donde la empresa tiene su red de stakeholders. - El impacto ambiental se va medir en como el prototipo ¿nos ayuda a reducir el consumo de agua, energía o en reducir el impacto de nuestra huella de carbono?. No todo se recicla como materia prima también se conserva y reutiliza.

Quantos aos aspectos ambientais, sempre devemos pensar em materiais que gere o menor dano ambiental possível em sua produção e descarte. De nada adianta também utilizarmos um material que nos gere benefícios no processo da prototipagem e quando partirmos para a escala, enfrentemos diversos problemas, como os de descarte, dentre outros.

Ultimately a material has to be chosen that is Capable of the task at hand, durable, and decreases waste ultimately decreasing the carbon footprint.

Novamente a etapa de definição retorna neste quesito. Na atualidade, a busca por um processo de baixo impacto negativo ao ambiente figura junto da busca por processos mais seguros, de grande qualidade e de alto rendimento. Balancear as questões é importante para o sucesso do que se deseja. Estar alinhada com as definições das Convenções e Leis ambientais é uma decisão estratégica importante, por isso, entender dos materiais disponíveis e suas particularidades é mais do que uma estratégia, sim uma necessidade.

I agree with the text, because depending on the difficulty of availability of a type of material, it does not compensate for certain costs or long delivery times and can make the project as a whole unfeasible!

I don't see this as a particular problem. If I want to build prototypes, I need a wide rage of materials available, at any time. For me, this means keeping an inventory. If something will soon run out, I will restock with some lead time. This means understanding your materials and, thus, storage requirements, though.

Para analisarmos a disponibilidade de material, precisamos mesmo pensar se teremos uma única localização geográfica da planta produtiva ou pulverizadas em diversos pontos ? Daí sim é possível se entender melhor a disponibilidade regional, seus custos pro região etc.

I had been thinking of including planet as asteroids for exploring new and advanced materials. Firstly we have the asteroid psyche, between Mars and Jupiter with plenty of rare earth. According to WEF, the asteroid is so rich it can make every earth dweller a billionaire.. NASA is planning a mission in and asteroid mining is a potential future business..

A common mistake that happens frequently is not being flexible when choosing the material! The most sensible thing to do is to test and experiment with different materials, even those that were not immediate choices, as we may be surprised by the efficiency and adaptability they provide.

Dies sollte bereits bei Punkt 2 in die Bewertungen einfließen - je nach Zweck wird am Ende der Tests ein Material ausgewählt das vielleicht im weiteren Verlauf durch ein anderes ersetzt werden muss. Dies ist ein Dynamischer Prozess und gehört zur Entwicklung.

Surely the initial stages of developing prototype should always follow some basic foundational rules and tools 😀. Yes, with time due to the introduction of many platforms by the grace of technology, the process becomes easier. However, there are some fixed options that can be applied leading to the development of prototype: ✅ Versatile materials like ABS or PLA for 3D printing ✅ The collaboration aspect can be fulfilled by the use of platforms like GitHub ✅The full use of Figma for design iterations ✅ Use of Agile for iterative development

In my experience, in the field of biotechnology, the use of genetic engineering techniques to develop genetically modified microorganisms, such as bacterial strains for industrial enzyme production, is a striking example of how biotechnology can revolutionize various sectors, from the food industry to biofuel production. This promising field requires versatile and technologically advanced materials for prototyping and experimentation, aiming to optimize processes and outcomes.

An example that happened in our company was that we always used light metal thrust or support washers until the day we did a test with Teflon and it worked so well that we never used iron again!

One suggestion is to evaluate the availability of shared infrastructure that provides access to specialized technical expertise, suitable equipment, and a local community. This approach fosters the exchange of experiences, helping to minimize potential delays and avoid unnecessary resource wastage.

Olá, sempre interessante buscar a opinião de especialistas em materiais, que podem ser contatados através das redes de institutos tecnológicos. No Brasil o IPT e o SENAI são exemplos de redes que podem apoiar no desenvolvimento dos protótipos, especialmente as startups que muitas vezes não possuem todo o know how necessário. Isso pode economizar tempo e recursos. :)

Unfortunately there are only plastic or biodegradable plastic materials proposed within the current contribution status. There are other material possibilities if the prototype needs to be reliable strength wise. Look into e.g. Fronius Additive. With a special welding process in combination with different metal wires you can print metal objects of huge sizes and forms. Every layer is welded on the one before and metal can be recycled countless times. There is also the possibility to laserharden fine metal particles layer by layer e.g. Trumpf.

Hay que tener en cuenta que el uso de los materiales o de proyectos de innovación con prototipos muchas veces estos van a parar a lugares donde no pensamos que estarían. Un ejemplo son las bolsas plásticas de los supermercados, en el primer mundo son plásticos que generan contaminación, pero en el tercer mundo para las clases sociales mas pobres son herramientas para mantener la higiene y juegan un rol importante en la salud de barrios con poco o nulo acceso a servicios públicos de recogida de basura. Cajas plásticas son utilizadas para guardar enseres o crear muebles, se reutilizan botellas como maceteros o sin requerir transformación son contenedores de agua en épocas de escasez. Los prototipos deben impulsar la economía circular.

You need to consider if your product may have harmful effects or not to the human body. The effects on the human body of the materials used in different environments like high temperatures or very cold temperatures. You also need to think about how you brand your product. Do you have a company logo that can be leveraged? I think pictorial logos are best as company logos because you can invite people to put their interpretations of them on social media and this sharing can expand your visibility for your logo.Your logo should be simple and memorable.

3D printing or additive manufacturing had been helping on achieving highest level of lean and Six Sigma ideologies very closely . To leverage this efficacy, can we imagine hyper personalised product and prototype approach into a technology singularity point to innovate manufacturing - though initial cost may be high.. but will it help in addressing personalised needs in a product?