Guide for prototyping: from idea to product.

3D printing has revolutionized the world of prototyping, making it possible to produce physical models of a project in just a few hours. This given rise the concept of additive manufacturing.

Today we speak of “additive manufacturing” or additive manufacturing to describe a manufacturing method that directly from files, or rather, from a CAD model, produces objects by adding material one layer at a time: unlike the traditional subtractive process, in which a block of raw material is gradually removed the excess material until the required result is obtained, with Additive Manufacturing the material is added and each subsequent layer joins the previous one until the object is completed.

Prototype: what it is and what it is used for

The prototype is the physical representation of an idea or project. It is the first physical output created to evaluate both aesthetic and functional aspects of an application.

Rapid prototyping in the industrial sector: what it is and what it is used for

Rapid prototyping uses additive or subtractive manufacturing for rapid and economical reviews of projects aimed at industrialization. Today, the current industrial additive manufacturing systems allow real production batches to be created.

Benefits of prototyping

Thanks to industrial additive manufacturing technologies we are able to create rapid prototypes and models useful for:

• Evaluate aspects of an aesthetic nature
• Optimize geometries
• Improve production cycles
• Evaluate functional aspects
• Improve the technical characteristics of the products
• Evaluate and optimize production times and costs

Prototyping consultancy

Competence and know-how are the core of the work of designers and designers and remain essential for the perfect success of a project created in 3D printing together with the contribution of specialized production personnel.

However, all this is not sufficient to transform an idea into a product. It is necessary to carry out a feasibility study that highlights the criticalities and the technological limits so as to adapt the functional solution to the ideal concept. Youbiquo has a RnD team capable of transforming ideas that involve the mixture of industrial design, hardware, firmware and software into solutions ready for the market. For more information, consult the Youbiquo Concept Lab created to support Start-ups and SMEs to launch technological solutions. Youbiquo can also assist you in the application of your innovative idea in funded projects promoted both at national and European level.