Rapid Prototyping
Developing new devices for use in any of today’s technology-driven fields, from medical device parts to parts for aerospace, semiconductors, or other high-tech applications, requires creating extremely close-tolerance components out of materials that are notoriously challenging to machine.
MedFab: Your Rapid Prototyping Powerhouse
At MedFab, prototyping is essential in bringing your concept into reality. From preliminary conceptual and visualization prototypes to functional alpha and beta versions, to the final pilot prototypes, our rapid prototyping services have helped our customers prove concepts, secure funding, optimize viability, and identify and address manufacturing issues, avoiding costly mistakes and saving valuable time once production begins.
Prototyping Stages
Successful prototyping is a multidisciplinary endeavor, often involving many disparate processes to render the proposed design in three dimensions. Taking a device from the merely conceptual to a production-ready design ideally requires multiple stages of prototyping.
For medical devices, in particular, several stages of prototyping are involved. Each serves a specific purpose, clearing the way for the next step toward the final product, and MedFab can steer you through them all:
Proof of Concept
The initial prototype demonstrates the device’s fundamental idea and general viability. The model at this stage is not typically functional, but merely a visual representation.
Alpha Prototype
The Alpha prototype is the first demonstration of the working device. It is used to test functionality and to begin refining the design for manufacturability.
Beta Prototype:
With the second functioning model, the design becomes more refined, and the user experience can be tested more extensively. The resulting user input determines changes in material, manufacture, configuration, and any software involved.
Pilot Prototype
The pilot prototype should be very close to the final product in appearance, user experience, and functionality. It can be used to establish regulatory compliance and to gain necessary certifications and approvals.
Prototype Production Methods
Deciding on production methods for the various prototypes is key to gaining critical insight into materials and user experience. MedFab utilizes 3D printing to generate multiple iterations of the device, refining the design as issues are identified. Our extensive CNC machining capabilities are essential to the quick, efficient building of cost-effective prototypes.
3D Printing
3D printing is the quickest way to create a physical representation of the form, allowing great flexibility and inexpensive refinements. This will enable engineers to easily and quickly check fit, form, and functionality.
CNC Machining
With CNC machining, highly precise prototypes can be machined out of the actual materials, thus making them suitable for functioning prototypes, suitable for testing, and compliance.
Why Choose MedFab for Your Prototypes?
MedFab provides rapid prototyping services, delivering high-quality, in-spec, quick-turn solutions to streamline product development and validation processes. We have the capability to take your concept or design and bring it to life. Our engineers are ready to assist your designers and engineers in developing and evaluating new products quickly, economically, and with less risk.
Put Our Process Engineering Expertise to Work
When you have your prototypes machined by us, you get a part made to your specifications from the actual production material or alternate materials if required for evaluation or testing.
Let’s talk today and figure out the best way forward for your production workflow.