The mainstream classification methods of prototype models mainly include three categories: by manufacturing method, by raw material, and by purpose/function. Different categories correspond to different R&D scenarios, as detailed below:
- Classification by production method
Handmade prototype
Characteristics: Primarily handmade, with lower precision and longer cycle, but low cost and capable of quickly producing simple prototypes
Applicable scenarios: Small and medium-sized products with low precision requirements, such as small household appliances and children’s toys, that only require rapid verification of the general appearance or basic structure during the initial research and development stage.
CNC prototype (current industry mainstream)
RP prototype (3D printing/laser rapid prototyping)
Features: Extremely fast molding speed, capable of producing complex irregular structures in one piece without disassembly; however, the surface is relatively rough, requiring attention to product wall thickness, and the strength is relatively low
Applicable scenarios: rapid appearance verification in the early stages of product design, feasibility testing of complex structures, or small-batch, personalized prototype production.
CNC prototype (CNC machining center)
Features: High precision, accurate reproduction of drawing details, good surface quality, comparable to mass-produced products after spraying and silk-screening; wide range of material options
Application scenarios: Structural testing requiring high-precision verification, appearance review of high-end products, and reference objects before mold production. It is commonly used in core R&D stages of products such as laptops, automotive precision components, and medical devices.
- Classification by production materials
Metal prototype
Features: Made from aluminum-magnesium alloy and other metals, it boasts high strength, authentic texture, and high processing precision
Application scenarios: structural verification and functional testing of high-end products such as laptops, advanced audio-visual equipment, automotive sheet metal components, and medical devices, or appearance displays that require the characteristics of metal materials to be reflected.
Plastic prototype
Features: It can use plastic materials with different characteristics such as ABS, PC, acrylic, and POM, meeting various requirements such as transparency, high temperature resistance, and high toughness, with moderate cost
Applicable scenarios: The research and development of most common plastic products, such as televisions, mobile phone casings, and home appliance parts, can cover the entire spectrum of scenarios including appearance verification, structural assembly testing, and functional testing. Different materials cater to specific needs: for example, transparent parts use acrylic/PC, high-temperature resistant parts use epoxy resin, and high-toughness parts use PP.
Silicone prototype
Features: Soft material, fast molding, suitable for the restoration of complex surfaces
Application scenarios: Appearance design review of automobiles, mobile phones, toys, and crafts, used for simulating product shapes; also suitable for prototype production of products requiring a soft tactile feel, or small-batch replication production.
III. Classification by purpose/function
Appearance prototype
Features: Emphasizes precise reproduction of appearance, with lower requirements for internal structure. The surface undergoes delicate treatments such as painting and silk screening
Applicable scenarios: New product exhibition display, appearance design scheme review, market preheating promotion, used to verify the visual effects of product shape, color, and material, such as the prototype of a mobile phone displayed to customers at an exhibition.
structural prototype
Characteristics: Extremely high precision is required, with emphasis on structural rationality and assembly feasibility, while appearance requirements are relatively low
Applicable scenarios: Structural verification in the mid-stage of product design, testing the difficulty of part assembly and the feasibility of mold manufacturing, discovering structural defects in advance and optimizing the design, reducing the risk of mold opening, such as assembly and fit testing of mechanical parts.
Functional prototype
Features: Fully replicates the appearance, structure, and functionality of the finished product, and can be used as a substitute for the finished product in use or sales
Applicable scenarios: small batch trial production verification, customer functional experience testing, or direct sales as products in industries where mold development costs are extremely high (such as the medical industry), significantly reducing the risk of mold development.
Scale model prototype
Features: Made by enlarging/reducing at a fixed ratio, with emphasis on display and exhibition
Application scenarios: Exhibition display of architectural models and car models, commemorative collections, or display of scaled-down versions of large products, convenient for carrying and demonstrating to customers.