10.2 Building Models and Prototypes

Question 1

What is an important consideration for building models and prototypes?

Answer 1

An important consideration for building models and prototypes is: Who is going to make it?

Question 2

What are two basic choices when we want a model or prototype?

Answer 2

Two basic choices when we want a model or prototype:

• Make and/or assemble in-house
• Outsource it

Question 3

What are three major factors that dictate who makes our model?

Answer 3

Three major factors that dictate who makes our model include:

• Expertise
• Expense
• Time

Question 4

Is it generally preferred to buy parts/components from suppliers or to make them in-house?

Answer 4

There are a lot of parts and components that are best bought from suppliers, unless we happen to be in the business of designing and making those particular items.

Question 5

What types of items should always be bought from suppliers?

Answer 5

Common mass-produced items should always be bought.

Caveat: It is wise to check your institution’s stockroom(s) to see whether the parts are already available.

Question 6

Which two developments have dramatically changed the ease with which we can find suppliers and parts?

Answer 6

The following developments have dramatically changed the ease with which we can find suppliers and parts:

• the internet
• the widespread use of just-in-time manufacturing

Question 7

What is one option for making basic models or prototypes?

Answer 7

One option for making basic models or prototypes is to construct a mockup of a 3D part from 2D cutouts.

Question 8

Describe mockups.

Answer 8

Mockups are constructions of 3D parts from 2D cutouts. Materials used for these mock-ups might be foam, thin plastic, or wood.

Question 9

What is the general process of building a mockup?

Answer 9

The process is as follows:

1. 2D parts can be made using a vinyl cutter or a laser cutter.
2. The parts are then assembled into 3D mock-ups of a design.

Question 10

What methods are employed in the production of models and prototypes?

Answer 10

The following methods are employed in the production of models and prototypes:

• mock-ups
• machining
• rapid prototyping technologies

Question 11

When would a designer resort to machining?

Answer 11

Designers may resort to machining if the designers intend to make/machine the parts themselves.

We may have the option of machining parts or all of our prototypes ourselves in a machine shop.

Typically, there are separate machine shops for woodworking and metalworking.

Question 12

What is a relatively fast and cheap method for creating protoypes?

Answer 12

Rapid prototyping technologies have emerged in recent years as relatively fast and cheap ways to fabricate prototypes that would otherwise need to be injection molded.

Question 13

What method for developing prototypes and models would a designer use in order to make part or all of a prototype/model themselves?

Answer 13

Machining

Question 14

What is the process for rapid prototyping technologies?

Answer 14

Rapid prototyping techniques:

1. 3D CAD models are used as inputs.
2. These 3D files are converted into thin 2D layers to build the 3D part.

Question 15

What is an important consideration when estimating cost?

Answer 15

It is wise to plan for miscalculations of:

• prices
• numbers of parts
• amounts of materials that we will use