Prototyping is incredibly important in the world of invention and design.
Creating product prototypes offers the opportunity to assess the functionality of an item, as well as providing the chance to discuss room for improvement.
And the art of creating effective prototypes is one that has only grown in terms of efficiency and quality with the rise of laser cutting.
But why is this technology making such a huge difference?
We’re going to take a close look at how and why laser cutting has revolutionised prototype creation, as well as the benefits of using such technology to create examples of your next big product.
We’re sure you’ll soon be considering adopting this technology into your next prototype if you haven’t already.
How is laser cutting used to create prototypes?
3D laser cutting and 3D printers are revolutionising the world of prototypes. It’s largely down to the fact that laser cutting is a precise art, and one with little room for error, and it’s thanks to Computer Aided Design (CAD) / Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) that this is possible.
CAD/CAM software works by instructing the laser cutter to perform precise movements. These movements are so precise because CAD requires the user to put their exact measurements into the software, and then it can communicate your design with the laser cutting machine.
This can be done quickly, and once the data is inputted, it doesn’t need human supervision.
The freedom and speed of cutting in this way means prototype creation is suddenly a lot quicker than previously possible.
On top of this, because the laser software is programmed by the computer itself, there’s also little room for human error – saving everyone involved in the process both time AND money.
Accuracy and speed are both attractive qualities for a machine to have when it comes to creating prototypes, which is why laser cutting is flourishing in this sector.
Which industries are using laser cutting to create prototypes?
Laser cutting prototypes can be user in an array of industries. From engineering to electronics and even fashion and design, any product that requires accurate cutting methods can make the most of this technology. It’s this versatility that makes the technology so popular.
Below are a list of industries where laser cutting technology has been used to create prototypes:
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Vehicle Manufacturing
- Engineering
- IT
- Catering and Food Manufacture
- Military
- Oil and Gas Industries
There are, of course, even more sectors that use laser cutting.
And it’s not hard to see why such industries choose to do this.
Producing your prototype with laser cutting technology will ensure it looks exactly how you designed it using CAD software.
This means, providing you measured and have drawn everything correctly, that the prototype of your product is likely to meet your hopes and desires for creation – perhaps even exceeding it.
Which can only be a good thing when it comes to getting your design off the ground.
What are the benefits of laser cut prototypes?
Using laser cutters to create prototypes has a wide selection of benefits.
Creating a prototype is essential for designers looking to get a product off the ground. If investors have a physical example of your product – they are more likely to exercise faith in your product and provide you with that all important investment.
However, this can sometimes be a slow progress if you’re not making the most of laser technology.
Yet the quick turnaround offered by laser cutting means you’ll be able to quickly produce precise and impressive prototypes in order to help you secure funding, to get your project up and running much more quickly.
Furthermore, because of CAD, the possibilities that come with laser cutting services are quite brilliant.
Endless products can be created from dress designs through to medical tools – so it’s not hard to see why more and more companies are turning to laser cutting for their prototypes.
Yet the benefits don’t end there.
The process of laser cutting itself is known for its smooth finishes, and also because it allows for a no damage to the material being cut as there is no contact with a conventional cutting tool.
Other processes may tarnish the material or have higher chances of it going wrong – but laser cutting simply does not run with this risk, and you’ll receive smooth, accurate prototype that will not suffer damage under the production process.
In short, CAD and laser cutting both allow for a quick, efficient, accurate and also cheap method of creating prototypes, which is a lot more than can be said for other manufacturing processes.
The future of laser cutting and prototyping
Each year, more and more developments find their way through to laser cutting technology.
2015 will see companies such as Blackman & White releasing new laser cutting technology that is set once more to improve the industry. They spent 10 years developing their Versa Tech laser cutter – and it includes drag knife, kiss cut, router, oscillating knife, driven rotary knife and, of course, laser technology.
To find out more about the product, then take a look here.
If we can take one thing away from the Versa Tech it’s that production is becoming quicker, more efficient, and incorporating more and more technology into one device – a development that’s set to improve prototyping for everyone.
3D printing looks set to continue to revolutionise ‘rapid’ prototyping – allowing access to create prototypes as quickly and accurately as possible.
It’s the versatility of the industry and the ability to adapt and develop that makes it such a popular choice for prototyping across a multitude of sectors.
Do you require any laser cutting for prototypes or otherwise?
Then get in touch with Yorkshire Profiles today.
We specialise in precise, accurate and fast laser cutting experiences for all of our customers – and we’d love to provide the same services to you too.
To find out more, give us a call on 01904 737095 or email us at sales@yorkshireprofiles.co.uk. Alternatively, have a browse around our website to see what services we can provide for your company.
We’re also on Twitter @YorksProfiles if you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news and developments within the laser cutting industry.
Laser cutting could revolutionise the way your business works – so what are you waiting for? Find out what our innovative technology can do for your company.
