Testing Prototypes

In most industries, you can get away with testing early prototypes using parts fabricated from various rapid prototyping technologies. In medical device design, performance issues are often so critical and part features so small that early testing must be done using parts fabricated from the actual resin that will be used in the finished device. Sometimes raw sheet or rod stock can be used to machine specific features that need to be tested, but usually adequate part geometry can only be achieved by using short-run injection mold tooling.

Though costly, this situation can be a blessing in disguise. The need for 50 parts to test often expands into a need for 5000 parts. These days, hardened steel tooling can be had for not much more than aluminum tooling. The increased quantities this allows provides an adequate supply of real parts that can be used very effectively in your marketing efforts. Just be sure to keep the tool “steel safe” so adjustments can be made with relative ease.