4. AM for product development

Question 1

What are the reasons for creating a physical model?

Answer 1

Tool to communicate ideas

Visualisation of product, or product function

Question 2

What are the types of physical model?

Answer 2

Geometric:

• Validate geometry and assembly
• Materials not important

Design:

• Full size or scaled
• Not that accurate
• For checking concept or aesthetic

Functional:

• Testing of product function
• Same materials as final product

Technical:

• Model has all the functional features of the final product.
• Slightly different manufacturing processes