How a 3D Printed Prototype can produce a Sensory Experience

Sensory Experience with a 3D Printed Part

Some years ago, product development and simulation was limited to technical plans, graphic renderings and handmade models, which provided a limited description of how a product would actually work or be used by a consumer prior to its production. Many product features, reactions, textures, functions, and appearance were hard to imagine without a manufactured part. Due to the recent development of rapid prototyping technologies product designers are now able to overcome those limitations and obtain a full understanding of a product well in advance of its production.

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Designers and production engineers can make improvements at an early stage in the development process, accelerate time to market, and foresee design or manufacturing problems. 3D printed prototypes are also a great marketing and testing tool, which can provide valuable insight into how a consumer will react and interact with a product.

To demonstrate the benefits of a rapid prototype I have modeled and printed a clip assembly using an Objet Connex Multi-material 3D Printer. Because it is a functional prototype that acts just like the real thing I can take my design validation to the next level with a sensory experience:

• The clear material allows you to see through it, so you can confirm if internal components fit and work properly.
• When you touch the rubberized parts from the release tool, you will feel if they provide an appropriate grip.
• You can hear a click, when the hook snap fits to the mating part, so you can have an audible indication that the clip is closed properly.

Due to the multi material printing capabilities of a Connex 3D printer, most  plastics and elastomeric material properties can be reproduced with rapid prototyping models, adding a sensory experience to your design and pre-manufacturing process.