Showing posts with label Prototype. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prototype. Show all posts

10 pcs Prototype Prototyping Shield ProtoShield with Mini Bread board For Arduino



100% band new and high quality
Prototype Size:7cm x 5.5cm x 2cm
Mini breadboard size: 4.4 x3.4 x1cm
Quantity:1pc
The breadboard sticks on the prototype shield with its self-adhesive backing
Small soldering area
The mini breadboard has 170 tie points
SOIC place for IC
1 reset button, 1 general use button, and 2 LED circuits can be used directly

Price: $45.00


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Prototype Prototyping Shield ProtoShield with Mini Bread board



100% band new and high quality
Prototype Size:7cm x 5.5cm x 2cm
Mini breadboard size: 4.4 x3.4 x1cm
Quantity:1pc
The breadboard sticks on the prototype shield with its self-adhesive backing
Small soldering area
The mini breadboard has 170 tie points
SOIC place for IC
1 reset button, 1 general use button, and 2 LED circuits can be used directly

Price: $90.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Upgraded Prototyping Prototype Shield Mini Breadboard



This RioRand kit is a great kit to new Arduino users and geeks who have sparkling ideas. You can choose to do soldering in the soldering area. You can also make good use of the mini breadboard which can save your time of soldering. Try any circuit you want to the Arduino. You also can choose to use your own breadboard.

Protoytpe Shield

* The small soldering area
* Access to a BlueSMiRF socket for wireless communication between Arduinos
* 2 general LEDs
* 1 general pushbutton switch
* 1 Arduino reset switch brought to top level
* 5V, GND, and Raw pins are exposed as well
* All Arduino pins are brought to the top level
Mini Breadboard

* 170 tie points.
* Self-adhesive backing to stick on the Arduino Protoytpe Shield
* Strong
* Measures 1.7"x1.3"
Package Content
1 x RioRand (TM) Prototype Shield
1 x Mini Breadboard
65x Jumper Cable

Price: $38.00


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SainSmart Prototyping Prototype Shield Mini Breadboard for arduino UNO



It is a great kit to new Arduino users and geeks who have sparkling ideas. You can choose to do soldering in the soldering area. You can also make good use of the mini breadboard which can save your time of soldering. Try any circuit you want to the Arduino. You also can choose to use your own breadboard.

Protoytpe Shield

* The small soldering area
* Access to a BlueSMiRF socket for wireless communication between Arduinos
* 2 general LEDs
* 1 general pushbutton switch
* 1 Arduino reset switch brought to top level
* 5V, GND, and Raw pins are exposed as well
* All Arduino pins are brought to the top level

Mini Breadboard

* 170 tie points.
* Self-adhesive backing to stick on the Arduino Protoytpe Shield
* Strong
* Measures 1.7"x1.3"

Package Content

1 x SainSmart Prototype Shield
1 x Mini Breadboard
65x Jumper Cable


Price: $19.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Prototype Prototyping Shield ProtoShield for Bread board



Prototype Prototyping Shield ProtoShield for Arduino Duemilanove with Mini Bread Board With Arduino Duemilanove used to build the circuit prototypes can directly solder components on the board, the circuit can also be connected through mini bread plate above. Sided adhesive connection between the bread board and the board, bread board and the circuit board is sold separate. ProtoShield prototype expansion board with two LEDs and two buttons circuit, can be used directly, pin and power have been elicited, very suitable and Arduino with the build circuit prototype

Price:


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Prototype Development




Designing and prototyping have revolutionized the manufacturing processes in all industries nearly. There is not a single industry or process that is untouched by the technology of designing and prototyping.

Designing: Designing is the process by which you will design a product in advance before actual production. Designing will help you to innovate, change, modify and invent. Designing involves the process of idea generation, conceptualizing and actual design development.

Prototyping: Prototyping is a process in which a working model or prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various design aspects like features, ideas, viability, functionality, output and performance. The prototyping will help in getting a quick user feedback. Prototyping is considered to be an essential element of the process of system designing.

Designing and prototyping go hand in hand, as both are complementary. In prototyping, new prototypes are developed on the basis of the performance of earlier designs. The deficiencies or problems in the previous designs can be detected and corrected. The prototype is redesigned after refinement and successfully meets the designing goals like functionality, manufacturability, performance and robustness. After this, the product can be readily produced.

Benefits of Designing and Prototyping: The scope of designing and prototyping is unlimited. Both have applications in all types of industries like CAD, CAM, automotive industry, workshops, fashion designing and innovative products and so on. With designing, you are able to create digital data in the form of 3D images and this digital data can be transformed into actual physical object by way of prototyping. You can visualize about how the final product will look. You can translate your inventions and innovative ideas in real terms with the help of designing and prototyping.

You may be toying with many innovative product ideas in your mind and you wish to convert them into realities. You can successfully develop your new invention from an idea to actual manufactured product with designing and prototyping. You can test your product by testing its commercial viability. You can have an open communication with the user regarding the expectations of the product and its performance. This will give you a fair idea regarding the designing and prototyping.

Appropriate Designing and Prototyping: If you want your invention or innovative product to be successful, then it needs to have a good design and there have to more additives than a plain good idea. The design should be such that it reduces the manufacturing costs. The design must have excellent functionality and it should be attractive as well along with the benefit of maximized durability. The designing and prototyping should work together to maximize the chances of success.

The best approach for an appropriate designing and prototyping plan, would be to design and create an eye-catching and working prototype along with good packaging. Necessary legal protection should be obtained. Engineering drawings should be produced and pricing data for manufacturing process should be generated. All the production facilities of the factory should be lined up. Take feedback from the end users and buyers and you will get an idea of the demand for your product. This appropriate designing and prototyping plan, is sure to spell success for you.




Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping at Prototyping [http://www.prototypezone.com/]. Prototype Zone also has http://www.prototypezone.com/




Rapid Prototyping Disadvantages




Rapid prototyping is a process wherein a working model or prototype is developed for the purpose of testing the various product features like design, ideas, features, functionality, performance and output. This process of development of working model is quite quick. The user can give an early feedback regarding the prototype. Rapid prototyping is, generally, a significant and essential part of the system designing process and it is believed to decrease the project cost and risk.

The prototype that is developed by the process of rapid prototyping is based on the performance of earlier designs. Hence, it is possible to correct the defects or problems in the design by taking corrective measures. The product can be produced if the prototype meets the requirements of all designing objectives after sufficient refinement. There are many advantages of rapid prototyping.

Rapid Prototyping -Advantages in brief: Rapid prototyping has manifold advantages. It can provide with concept proof that would be required for attracting funds. The prototype gives the user a fair idea about the final look of the product. Rapid prototyping can enhance the early visibility. It is easier to find the design flaws in the early developmental stages. Active participation among the users and producer is encouraged by rapid prototyping. As the development costs are reduced, rapid prototyping proves to be cost effective. The user can get a higher output.

The deficiencies in the earlier prototypes can be detected and rectified in time. The speed of system development is increased. It is possible to get immediate feedback from the user. There is better communication between the user and designer as the requirement sand expectations are expressed in the beginning itself. High quality product is easily delivered by way of rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping enables development time and costs. There are many innovative ways in which rapid prototyping can be used.

Despite all these benefits, there are many people who believe that there are many disadvantages of rapid prototyping.

Disadvantages of Rapid Prototyping: Some people are of the opinion that rapid prototyping is not effective because, in actual, it fails in replication of the real product or system. It could so happen that some important developmental steps could be omitted to get a quick and cheap working model. This can be one of the greatest disadvantages of rapid prototyping. Another disadvantage of rapid prototyping is one in which many problems are overlooked resulting in endless rectifications and revisions. One more disadvantage of rapid prototyping is that it may not be suitable for large sized applications.

The user may have very high expectations about the prototype's performance and the designer is unable to deliver these. The system could be left unfinished due to various reasons or the system may be implemented before it is completely ready. The producer may produce an inadequate system that is unable to meet the overall demands of the organization. Too much involvement of the user might hamper the optimization of the program. The producer may be too attached to the program of rapid prototyping, thus it may lead to legal involvement.

The cost reduction benefit of rapid prototyping also seems to be debatable, as sufficient details regarding the calculation basis and assumptions are not substantial.




Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping at Prototyping [http://www.prototypezone.com/]. Prototype Zone also has Rapid Prototyping Forum, Prototype Manufacturing Blog and other information on Prototype Information and daily news. You can Find Prototype Zone at [http://www.prototypezone.com/]




Prototype Machining History




Rapid prototyping is a revolutionary and powerful technology with wide range of applications. The process of prototyping involves quick building up of a prototype or working model for the purpose of testing the various design features, ideas, concepts, functionality, output and performance. The user is able to give immediate feedback regarding the prototype and its performance. Rapid prototyping is essential part of the process of system designing and it is believed to be quite beneficial as far as reduction of project cost and risk are concerned.

Rapid prototyping is known by many terms as per the technologies involved, like SFF or solid freeform fabrication, FF or freeform fabrication, digital fabrication, AFF or automated freeform fabrication, 3D printing, solid imaging, layer-based manufacturing, laser prototyping and additive manufacturing.

History of Rapid Prototyping:

Sixties: The first rapid prototyping techniques became accessible in the later eighties and they were used for production of prototype and model parts. The history of rapid prototyping can be traced to the late sixties, when an engineering professor, Herbert Voelcker, questioned himself about the possibilities of doing interesting things with the computer controlled and automatic machine tools. These machine tools had just started to appear on the factory floors then. Voelcker was trying to find a way in which the automated machine tools could be programmed by using the output of a design program of a computer.

Seventies: Voelcker developed the basic tools of mathematics that clearly describe the three dimensional aspects and resulted in the earliest theories of algorithmic and mathematical theories for solid modeling. These theories form the basis of modern computer programs that are used for designing almost all things mechanical, ranging from the smallest toy car to the tallest skyscraper. Volecker's theories changed the designing methods in the seventies, but, the old methods for designing were still very much in use. The old method involved either a machinist or machine tool controlled by a computer. The metal hunk was cut away and the needed part remained as per requirements.

Eighties: However, in 1987, Carl Deckard, a researcher form the University of Texas, came up with a good revolutionary idea. He pioneered the layer based manufacturing, wherein he thought of building up the model layer by layer. He printed 3D models by utilizing laser light for fusing metal powder in solid prototypes, single layer at a time. Deckard developed this idea into a technique called "Selective Laser Sintering". The results of this technique were extremely promising. The history of rapid prototyping is quite new and recent. However, as this technique of rapid prototyping has such wide ranging scope and applications with amazing results, it has grown by leaps and bounds.

Voelcker's and Deckard's stunning findings, innovations and researches have given extreme impetus to this significant new industry known as rapid prototyping or free form fabrication. It has revolutionized the designing and manufacturing processes.

Though, there are many references of people pioneering the rapid prototyping technology, the industry gives recognition to Charles Hull for the patent of Apparatus for Production of 3D Objects by Stereolithography. Charles Hull is recognized by the industry as the father of rapid prototyping.

Present-day Rapid Prototyping: Today, the computer engineer has to simply sketch the ideas on the computer screen with the help of a design program that is computer aided. Computer aided designing allows to make modification as required and you can create a physical prototype that is a precise and proper 3D object.




Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping at Prototyping [http://www.prototypezone.com/]. Prototype Zone also has Rapid Prototyping Forum, Prototype Manufacturing Blog and other information on Prototype Information and daily news. You can Find Prototype Zone at [http://www.prototypezone.com/]




Rapid Prototyping Benefits




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.




Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping at Prototyping [http://www.prototypezone.com/]. Prototype Zone also has Rapid Prototyping Forum, Prototype Manufacturing Blog and other information on Prototype Information and daily news. You can Find Prototype Zone at [http://www.prototypezone.com/]




Prototype an Idea Or Invention



Each idea is different and the best approach to prototyping depends on the specifics of the idea. However there are some basic principles that can help. The first question to ask is: "What is the prototype for?"


Presentation to interested parties


When presenting your idea to an investor or company representative it might not actually be necessary to have a prototype. It is often possible to convey the idea or invention to an interested party using a graphic presentation. The idea should be designed, ideally using computer aided design, and then images of the product laid out on presentation boards. It is probably best to get a professional product designer to complete the design work and show how the product looks and what it does. Try to find a design company that specialises in product design for inventors. One UK based company is Innovate Design.


If funds are tight it is better to spend the money on a professional presentation rather than a prototype. The presentation will be more cost effective than the prototype and will be quicker to produce. The work done during the design stage can help reduce the cost of the prototyping stage if it becomes necessary at a later date.


When a prototype is necessary


Concept prototypes are sometimes necessary to either prove that an idea works or instantly convey an idea that is hard to describe on paper. If people need to interact with the idea to be persuaded of its benefits then a prototype can make all the difference.


Often people are more prepared to back an idea if they can see that a lot of the development work has already been done and a prototype demonstrates this. An inventor could typically expect to charge more for an idea if it has been prototyped so it is worth considering if the funds are available.


How much will a prototype cost?


Prototypes costs vary hugely depending on the size and complexity of the idea. Typically for a small handheld product with a unique shape it could be in the region of two to three thousand pounds.


Why are prototypes so expensive?


Often the idea has to be designed first to establish the layout of internal components and the shape of the casing among other considerations. Then a virtual model has to be built using computer aided design and then finally a prototype can be built using rapid prototyping. All of this takes time and therefore it is expensive.


What is rapid prototyping?


Rapid prototyping is a technology that takes a 3D computer model and builds a 3D plastic part. There are three basic techniques for rapid prototyping: Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering and Fusion Deposition Modelling. For all these processes the model needs to be professionally designed using computer aided design.


Are there cheaper ways of building a prototype?


Some ideas can be prototyped simply from existing products or by using ordinary materials and these will be cheaper than prototypes that are built using rapid prototyping. Another cheaper way is to build a prototype that proves the principle of the idea without necessarily looking like the final product. This is called a 'proof of principle' prototype. Alternatively an aesthetic model could be built that shows what the product will look like but does not prove whether it will work.


What are the different types of prototype?


There are three main categories of prototype:


1. Proof of principle: A prototype that simply proves that a particularly new system or mechanism works. Often it is just part of the overall idea and it does not need to look like the final product.


2. Aesthetic model: A prototype that looks like the final product but is not fully functional.


3. Pre-production prototype: A pre-production prototype looks, feels and works like the final product. This type of prototype can be produced to mimic how it would actually be manufactured to check that everything will fit together correctly.


How can I get a prototype built?


If you do not have the facilities or expertise to build the prototype yourself then there are companies that specialise in building prototype inventions.


All Your Prototype Questions



In this article I will discuss the three most popular questions I receive when it comes to a prototype. What is a prototype? Should I develop a prototype? Reasons to develop a prototype.


What is a prototype?


A prototype is an original model on which something is patterned. A prototype can range from a crude mock-up developed by the inventor to professionally designed virtual prototypes and/or fully functioning working samples.


The process of taking your idea and turning it into a tangible product is called "reducing the invention to practice" and the first step in this process is the development of a prototype. When it comes to prototype development, the inventor can utilize a professional prototype company, virtual designer, model-maker or construct it on his own. I have seen many prototypes from inventors ranging from cardboard and tape to professionally designed and constructed working samples. Keep in mind that the prototype process is evolutionary, meaning that you may start with cardboard and evolve the prototype through several iterations over time, as you refine your invention.


At one time, the USPTO required that a working prototype accompany all patent applications filed. This requirement limited the number of patent applications that were filed, particularly on inventions that did not actually work or function as intended. When the USPTO removed this requirement, the patent business exploded and we began to see countless hypothetical and theoretical inventions with issued patents on products that did not work as intended.


Should I develop a prototype?


As I discussed on the introduction page, there are two options for going to market: manufacturing on your own, or licensing for royalties. Various decisions that you make throughout the process will be driven by which option you choose in going to market, as described below.


Option 1 - Manufacturing on your own - if you are planning to manufacture your invention on your own - either domestically or by utilizing overseas manufacturers - you really don't have a choice about developing a prototype. You will have to develop a prototype of your invention to prepare for manufacturing (i.e.: you can't manufacture something unless you know how it works).


As for manufacturing, if you utilize a US manufacturer it will likely be an easier process of setting up the manufacturing but it may be more expensive for setup, molds, and unit costs, yet, going overseas also has its tradeoffs. With technology, the Internet, and the boom in overseas manufacturing in the last 5-10 years, it has become much easier to connect with manufacturers in China, Taiwan, and other countries; however, many inventors do not understand that typically, you need to provide them with an exact working sample or prototype that you would like produced. Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers are great at copying a finalized prototype that you provide for mass production but, don't expect them to be as good at figuring out how your invention works and developing working prototypes. More than likely, you will need to do this in the US and then supply the prototype to your overseas manufacturer. Also, you should consider the language barrier of working with manufacturers overseas. We have been working with the same Taiwanese manufacturer for over eight years and I still have a hard time understanding and communicating with him.


Option 2 - Licensing for royalties - if you are planning on licensing your invention for royalties, it will still be helpful to develop some form of prototype; however, it is not always necessary to develop a fully functioning working sample, which can be very expensive. Depending on the particular invention, a "Virtual Prototype" may be a more cost effective solution. A Virtual Prototype is a computer-generated, animated model, which can be rotated on-screen and will enable you to showcase your invention to prospective companies.


Oftentimes, this is all you need to attract interest in and to possibly license your invention; although, it is still possible that a company may ask to see a tangible prototype after a virtual prototype first raises their interest in your invention. In this instance, you could request that the company evaluate without the prototype or you could consider alternatives such as building a mock-up of your own. For example, in the case of a particular inventor of ours, we generated interest from a company based on a very professional virtual prototype, which peaked their interest initiating product conversations. Later in the process, the company asked if the inventor had a tangible prototype, which she did not.


We suggested to the inventor that she construct a simple mock-up of the product using cardboard or foam board. The inventor spent less than $10 on supplies and a few hours to construct a very nice model out of foam board and the company was more than satisfied. The virtual prototype "sold" them on the concept and the tangible model gave them a better feel for the actual product dimensions and function while the inventor did not have to spend thousands of dollars developing a working prototype.


Reasons to develop a prototype


1. Without a virtual or tangible prototype, it will be more difficult for a buyer to understand your invention. As discussed, the chance of success increases as you move your invention through the development process. A prototype brings your idea to life for the person evaluating your invention, which increases the chances of ultimately taking your invention to market.


2. A developed prototype helps to work out the details of the invention. Identifying design flaws and weaknesses is much easier when you can actually test the invention. Engineering drawings and artwork alone cannot "prove" the concept in the same manner that a prototype can - prototypes help to ensure that the invention will work the way you intended.


3. Having a virtual or physical prototype helps to identify key details that should be included in the provisional and/or non-provisional patent(s). Filing a patent first before developing a prototype could lead to key details being excluded from the patent application - details that are learned only through prototype development. For this reason, I recommend that if you plan to develop a prototype, you do it first, before you file a patent.


4. Patent drawings will be much easier to complete if a model is available from which to work.


5. Developing a working prototype can also help to determine the best manufacturing materials and processes. Your original invention may be altered based on the prototype.


Developing a Successful Prototype of Your Idea



Prototyping is one the most important stages of the design process. A prototype allows many different aspects of the product to be tested, including its general aesthetic and shape, dimensions, mechanics, electronics and materials. Every unique product will require a very different approach to prototyping because both the type of prototype required and the timescale and cost involved will vary with the complexity, size, functionality and type of product.


Approaching potential buyers with a 3D computer generated model and renderings enables them to visualise the final product, gain an idea of how it would work and potentially express an initial interest. However, the best way to establish firm commercial interest from buyers is to place a prototype in front of them that gives an accurate reflection of the finished design.This is becauseprototypes allow potential clients and buyers to get hands on with the product and explore how it will work.


Types of Prototype : 


There are several types of prototypes, all of which have different functions.


A visual prototype gives an idea of the general shape and form the final product will take, but it is not necessarily made in the same material as the final product. Visual prototypes can be made using rapid prototyping, a process which creates 3D models of the product directly from CAD data. It is, as the name suggests, a quick process and is ideal for simple plastic products.


For slightly more complex products a proof of concept prototype is usually needed. This will validate the functionality of the product and test any mechanisms. Proof of concept prototypes generally do not look like the final product, as they may consist of a circuit board to confirm the electronics are correct, or a mechanism which needs to be tested. Proof of concept prototypes generally take longer to produce than rapid prototypes, and can be fairly complex.


Presentation prototypes aim to demonstrate both the working parts and the visual aspects of the final product, and can be taken to companies or the public to gain a further idea of interest in the product, and secure some letters of intent or preliminary orders. A presentation prototype will give a good idea of how the final product will look, feel and work, and is a great tool when pitching a product.


A pre-production prototype is the final stage of the prototyping process, and it will look and function exactly as the final mass produced product will, and will be made of the same materials, if possible.


For simple products it may be possible to create a visual or proof of concept prototype using cardboard and sticky tape or needle and thread, though when approaching professionals and companies to launch the product it is often more appropriate to commission a company to design and produce a prototype.


How are Prototypes made?


There are many processes which yield very different results, and should be chosen based on what the prototype is designed to do. For example a plastic part, such as a casing for an electrical device, could be rapid prototyped in SLS or SLA materials, whereas a vacuum casting process may be used for a rubber product, to allow the prototype to closely mimic the material properties of the final design. A professional design engineer can help guide you as to the best processes and materials for your prototype.


The Right Professional Help


When choosing a company to prototype your idea it is important to consider more than one option, approaching three companies and getting quotes from each will aid the decision, though it should be noted that the cheapest option is not necessarily the best one, because price is not the only factor to be considered. Ideas are precious things, and they should not be passed on lightly.


You should ensure that the chosen company will add value to your product during the prototyping process. For example, you really need a company whose team includes product designers who can think of further features, style the product superbly and refine the usability. You also need to ensure the company will develop your concept in a way that is possible to manufacture, not just something that looks good. For this reason you should choose a company which is actively involved in the manufacturing process.


The level of service is very important and reviews from previous clients should be requested. A meeting face to face will help ensure the company have a good understanding of the product idea and that you are likely to get on well with them. The path from idea to final product is a long one, and so it is important that you and your design engineer get along and understand one another.


How much do Prototypes Cost?


Costs and timescales are completely dependent on the product. Rapid prototyping a small, single part plastic product could cost between £300 and £1200, and take 2-3 weeks to produce. A simple electronic device may cost in the region of £2000 to £4000, and complex device with intricate electronic systems may cost £20000 to £30000. Complex products can take a few months to prototype, as it may be necessary to source different trusted suppliers to manufacture different components of the product.


Conclusion


Prototyping is an essential part of every design process and it should not be overlooked. A good product prototype is superior to any description or illustration, and a good design engineer will be able to inform decisions, develop ideas, add value, design for production and finally provide a presentation prototype that can be pitched to industry representative. A good prototype will speak for itself and should maximise your chances of successful negotiations.


Phil Staunton is Managing Director of D2M Innovation Ltd. D2M has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs protect, develop and sell their ideas. Check out the D2M website for further information on creating a prototype or for a detailed description of the patent process.


 

Fully Loaded Versalino Nano Prototype to Production Platform



This time we decided to up the ante. The Versalino Nano is a combination of everything you liked with the Versalino Uno, with the addition of several highly requested features on top of a dramatic miniaturization!

At one inch wide and just over 2 inches tall this board is still 100 percent compatible with all existing Versalino Loadboards. The board matches it's through hole counterpart pin for pin, and adds a second COM port. Which makes it possible with Serial port virtualization to run two Versalino Com devices simultaneously.

Believe it or not we even crammed an extra large and comfortable to use reset button, a power LED, and a built in LED for blinking fun! As with all other Versalino's the Versalino Nano will be available with multiple build options to include vertical headers and header-less options that help you save even more space in your builds. We can't wait to show you more, and are excited to see what you can do with our new designs. If you wan

Specifications:
Processor: ATMEGA328P-AU |16 MHz Clock Speed
Memory: Flash 32 KB | EEPROM 1 KB |SRAM 2 KB
Pins: Digital I/O Pins 14 | Analog I/O Pins 8 (two more than the Versalino/Arduino Uno)
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation): 6 pins
Versalino Bus's: 2 (BUSA,BUSB)
Versalino COM ports 2 (COM1, COM2)

5 Volt Fully Loaded VersalinoTM Nano includes:
5 Volt Regulated Vdd
90 degree Female headers BUSA/B PGM Port (Works with Versalino FTDI)
2 X COM drop BT2S ready!
ICSP

Package Contents:
VersalinoTM Nano
Pin-out and Quick Reference Guide

Price: $24.95


Click here to buy from Amazon

Prototype Shield V3 - Mini Bread Board For Arduino MEGA




Adobe Fireworks CS3 accelerates Web design and development. It's the ideal tool for creating and optimizing images & rapidly prototyping websites and Web applications. Fireworks CS3 offers the flexibility to edit both vector and bitmap images, a common library of prebuilt assets, and timesaving integration with Adobe tools. Rapid prototyping for interactive layouts and rich Internet applications New Pages panel contains slices, layers, frames, animations, and canvas settings - offering multipage support Organize and manage your prototypes with a new hierarchical layer structure Apply lighting effects, shadow effects, styles, blend modes - add depth and character to text and symbols Work with a common library of graphic symbols, text symbols, and animations for frequent use in Web applications, forms, interfaces and sites Intelligent scaling - 9-slice scaling for buttons & graphic symbols; combine with the new Auto Shape library to accelerate website and application prototyping Streamlined Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Bridge and Adobe Flash integration

Price: $ 45


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Prototype Today Announces Free Online Prototyping Directory



Prototype Today announced additions to their prototyping and manufacturing interactive website: PrototypeToday.com.  The site offers a source of trusted information and resources for professionals to stay up-to-date on the most relevant industry information.  Prototype Today officially went online in beta form on November, 1st 2010 and is receiving a positive response from companies in the industry.  Prototype Today’s goal is to offer a centralized database of information and content for a vast audience, from service bureau owners to garage inventors.


One of the most popular sections on the site has been the industry directory, where industry leaders can post in depth company information for free.  The directory includes photos and videos, which has a great impact on attracting interest among potential customers, all at no charge.  Companies can also update their page by attaching files for brochures and literature.  Visitors looking for a specific service or organization will benefit from the targeted categories and speedy access.
Prototype Today also features a job board section where companies can submit job opportunities to attract the best talent in the industry.  


Detailed company information can be posted on an employment specific profile page and many tools are available to simplify the application process for both employers and job seekers.  Job seekers can take advantage of this section by uploading their resume and profile to our database, which is searched daily by employers looking for talent.


In addition to the directory and job board, the site offers many interactive tools used to collaborate and share information including a forum, chat room, article comments and a social profile that can be customized with user details.  These tools offer communication and collaboration for a variety of topics and problems that people may be having.  The media section features the latest videos, pictures and podcasts submitted by staff members, businesses and visitors.


News is updated on PrototypeToday.com daily and contains selected press releases and articles submitted for consideration by registered companies.  Content for all sections may be submitted to: Info@PrototypeToday.com for consideration.  The site strives to level the playing field for companies across the industry by allowing anyone to submit relevant quality content for inclusion.


For those who like to get out and network, the events section lists upcoming industry events and members may submit events that are not listed.  Networking in person is still a very effective way to meet new customers and see the latest technology company’s offer.
Any questions or submissions can be directed to Brett Johnson, the web development manager at:


Brett Johnson
brettj@PrototypeToday.com
http://www.PrototypeToday.com


Prototyping, product development & manufacturing news, directory, videos, photos, podcasts, events, forum, employment, utilities and chat room. Join Today!


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Prototype Alex 7" Action Figure



Alex Mercer is the Prototype. Without memory and armed with deadly shape-shifting abilities, he must hunt his way through New York City to find the heart of the conspiracy which created him, and make those responsible pay! Neca Toys produced this line of 7-inch scale action figures based on the characters from the biggest video games of past and present. Collect them all, each sold separately.

Price: $18.99


Click here to buy from Amazon

UNO/Duemilanove prototyping prototype shield+ mini breadboard for UNO/Duemilano



UNO/Duemilanove prototyping prototype shield+mini breadboard work with arduino.

Price: $ 45


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Rapid Prototyping and Engineering Applications: A Toolbox for Prototype Development (Dekker Mechanical Engineering)



More quality, more flexibility, and less costs seem to be the key to meeting the demands of the global marketplace. The secret to success in this arena lies in the expert execution of the critical tasks in the product definition stage. Prototyping is an essential part of this stage, yet can be very expensive. It must be planned well and use state-of-the-art rapid and virtual prototyping tools to accelerate the process. Emphasizing the important role of prototyping in product definition, Rapid Prototyping and Engineering Applications: A Toolbox for Prototype Development covers a wide spectrum of prototyping tools with over 400 figures that give you instant access to the concepts.

The book discusses engineering procedures and the application of modern prototyping technologies, such as Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Virtual Prototyping (VP), that quickly deliver new products with lower costs and higher quality. Extensive examples and case studies make the author’s delineation of industrial practices easy to grasp. Practice exercises in each chapter develop problem-solving techniques and coverage of state-of-the-art RP technologies provides modern prototyping knowledge. And although the book highlights RP technologies extensively, it also explores other prototyping tools and methodologies, setting it apart as one of the few resources to cover both. It delineates the technologies required for well-planned prototyping that not only save money but decrease time to market.

Price: $167.95


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SainSmart C60 Kit with UNO + 2-Channel Relay Module + IIC 1602 LCD + Prototype Shield for Arduino UNO R3 MEGA Mega2560 Nano DUE Duemilanove AVR ATMEL Robot XBee ZigBee



Overview

The SainSmart Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button.

SainSmart Prototype Shield is a great kit to new Arduino users and geeks who have sparkling ideas. You can choose to do soldering in the soldering area. You can also make good use of the mini breadboard which can save your time of soldering. Try any circuit you want to the Arduino. You also can choose to use your own breadboard.

SainSmart IIC LCD1602 Module Display
* I2C Address: 0x3F
* Supply voltage: 5V
* Come with IIC interface, which can be connected by DuPont Line

SainSmart 2-Channel 5V Relay Module
* 5V 2-Channel Relay interface board, and each one needs 15-20mA Driver Current
* Equiped with high-current relay, AC250V 10A ; DC30V 10A
* Standard interface that can be controlled directly by microcontroller (Arduino , 8051, AVR, PIC, DSP, ARM, ARM, MSP430, TTL logic)
* Indication LED's for Relay output status

Package Content

1 x UNO
1 x Prototype
1 x LCD1602
1 x 2-channel 5V


Note: Please download documentation here:
https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/sain-amzn/20/20-011-916/IIC1602.rar

Price: $50.00


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SainSmart Prototyping Prototype Shield Mini Breadboard for arduino UNO



It is a great kit to new Arduino users and geeks who have sparkling ideas. You can choose to do soldering in the soldering area. You can also make good use of the mini breadboard which can save your time of soldering. Try any circuit you want to the Arduino. You also can choose to use your own breadboard.

Protoytpe Shield

* The small soldering area
* Access to a BlueSMiRF socket for wireless communication between Arduinos
* 2 general LEDs
* 1 general pushbutton switch
* 1 Arduino reset switch brought to top level
* 5V, GND, and Raw pins are exposed as well
* All Arduino pins are brought to the top level

Mini Breadboard

* 170 tie points.
* Self-adhesive backing to stick on the Arduino Protoytpe Shield
* Strong
* Measures 1.7"x1.3"

Package Content

1 x SainSmart Prototype Shield
1 x Mini Breadboard
65x Jumper Cable


Price: $19.00


Click here to buy from Amazon