Testing, correcting, and improving designs using 3D-printed functional prototypes is important for several reasons. It helps identify design flaws, allows customization, allows for faster iteration, and is cost-effective considering the cost associated with not identifying flaws or the long lead times associated with traditional prototyping.
Functional prototypes allow designers to test their design in a real-world scenario, which can help identify any design flaws or potential problems before the final product is produced. 3D printing allows designers to create functional prototypes at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing methods, such as injection molding or CNC machining.
3D printing allows for faster iteration, as designers can quickly make changes to the design and get parts through Stratasys Direct in a couple of days versus having to wait weeks and enables designers to easily customize their prototypes based on their specific needs, such as changing the size, shape, or material of the prototype. It also allows for functional prototypes to be easily shared with other team members or stakeholders, allowing for collaboration and feedback on the design.
Overall, testing, correcting, and improving designs using 3D-printed functional prototypes can help reduce costs, improve product quality, and speed up the product development process.
