The Upload

Properly conceived new product introductions can mean the difference between success or failure.

Doing the right things in the prototyping phase is a bit more complex than it looks at first glance. Hardware requires special rules to get the results you need.

Part of the confusion could lie in the history and development of the technology. Over the past several decades, 3D printing has earned a solid reputation as an essential process for prototyping parts.

Often, injection molding is considered the most cost-effective production option for SKUs with estimated annual usage in the low-thousands for volume. It comes down to economies of scale—you just set up once to run tens or hundreds of thousands of parts. The highest volumes often bring you the lowest per unit price tags. But, the production setting also typically carries something else with it if you’re thoughtful—cost control, and lots of it.

Designers can benefit from integrating 3D printing and injection molding for an end-to-end product life cycle from prototyping to production.

Strategic prototyping plays a key role in the advancement of Human-Factors Engineering and medical device product development.

Learn about the various types of 3D printing technologies available for rapid prototyping and production parts and how to choose the best one for you.

Considerations for designing living hinges in 3D-printed parts while maintaining part integrity.