What is the purpose of the prototype?

Prototypes are essential in creating a sample representation of the design for a product before
the final version or solution is produced. Its purpose is to evaluate and test a concept or process
in order to enhance and improve the product by system analysts and users. Generally,
prototyping gives an understanding of measurements and the process of functioning of the
product to engineers and designers. It is essentially the best way to illustrate and map out a
design before its final release. It makes your thinking tangible and allows other people to
understand and contribute in further improving the design.Prototypes are utilised in a variety of
fields including semantics, design, electronics, and software programming.

Explain 3 types of prototyping with examples.

3D Printing-3D printing is a manufacturing process where a 3D printer creates three-
dimensional objects by depositing materials layer by layer in accordance with the object’s 3D
digital model. 3D printing is good for prototyping as it is one of the best methods to produce
low-to-medium performance objects at a low cost. This method provides a lot of design and
material freedom, allowing you to match the technology and material to your design. Some
examples of 3d prototyping include prototype race car parts, bridges and Prosthetic arms.

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Subtracting- This machining and prototyping process involves subtracting from a solid
block of material, made of metal, plastic, or wood in order to produce an end product or
prototype.They’re especially useful in situations that require tight tolerances and geometries that
are difficult to mold, cast, or produce with other traditional manufacturing methods. A milling
machine cutting/hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic is an example of subtractive
manufacturing. Subtractive manufacturing or prototyping can also be done manually by cutting
the material .However, subtractive manufacturing and machinery can produce noxious,
sometimes toxic, fumes.
Examples include laser cutting gears to prototype for different products like clocks.

Other methods of Subtractive manufacturing are CNC machining and Electrical

Discharge(EDM)

Cardboard-
Cardboard prototyping is a common cheap method to
prototype and test the product with other factors and environments that are part of a service or
product experience.The prototypes are built quickly, using cheap paper and cardboard mostly.
Cardboard prototypes can be small-scale, actual size, or even bigger than the final product size.
This prototyping strategy focuses on identifying the initial concept and exploring its details,
strengths, and weaknesses. Although it looks simplistic, this method of prototyping can be
greatly utilized to create extraordinary designs and prototypes. Examples of these types of
products include a cardboard wheel chair, a Cardboard VR and prototype car frames and
designs.

Which type of
prototyping
will you prefer to
create a drone and
why?
3D printing as it wastes less material compared to subtracting. Subtracting would require lots of
material to be cut off and wasted. Additionally, subtracting technologies are also a lot more
expensive. Also 3D printing can have flexibility in production speed and the types of materials
used in a prototype. Moreover, it would be difficult to create a prototype from a digital design on
Cardboard as it would require 2D planes rather than 3D objects, parts and shapes.