Rapid prototyping is a process of software
development wherein physical objects are automatically constructed by
means of SFF or solid freeform fabrication. In the process of rapid
prototyping, a prototype or working model can be constructed quickly,
and tested for its functionality, performance and output. The new
features or ideas can be illustrated well in the prototype and early
user feedback can be gathered with regards to the product. There are
numerous advantages of rapid prototyping.
Benefits of Rapid
Prototyping: Significant advantages of rapid prototyping include
reduction of project cost and risk. Generally, one or more prototypes
are developed in the process of software development in a series of
incremental and iterative steps. Every prototype that is manufactured
is based on the previous designs' performance and it is a corrective
process through which the past design defects or problems are
corrected. The product is readied for production when the prototype is
refined as per requirements and meets all the design goals like
manufacturability, robustness and functionality.
Another great
advantage of rapid prototyping is that it finds use and application in
almost all the industries. The other advantages of rapid prototyping
include the following.
Visualization capabilities are enhanced in
the early designing phase with use of rapid prototyping. The user gets
a fair idea of how the final product will look by observing the working
model in early design stage.
The design flaws can be detected before manufacture process is initiated.
Rapid
prototyping enables producer and users to participate actively. Active
participation between the users and producer is encouraged.
The user is able to get a higher output.
The development costs are reduced considerably, hence rapid prototyping proves to be quite cost effective.
Rapid prototyping increases the speed of system development.
With
rapid prototyping, it is possible to detect deficiencies in the earlier
prototype, coding activities and requirement analysis.
Rapid prototyping assists in refining the potential risks that are involved in the delivery
The different aspects of the prototype can be tried and tested and immediate feedback is possible form user.
Better
communication is enabled between the users and designer as there is
clear expression of requirements and expectations in the start itself.
Rapid prototyping enables easy delivery of high quality product.
Cost
and Time Savings: Savings of development time and process costs are
some of the greatest advantages of rapid prototyping. Time can be saved
by reducing the amount of time required to produce the prototype parts
and tooling. Production costs are lowered as the mistakes regarding
tooling are identified in the early stages and hence, the modification
costs can be cut down in the actual production.
Advantage of
Innovation: Rapid prototyping can be used in many innovative ways.
There are many firms that use rapid prototyping innovatively, hence,
offering additional benefits. The advantages of rapid prototyping in
innovative applications are advancement of new testing procedures and
analysis, production tooling manufacture, improved communications
across production departments and support of customized manufacturing.
The new technologies can be used in a cost effective and successful
manner with innovative applications of rapid prototyping.
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