INVENTION PROTOTYPING

Invention Gear is dedicated to informing inventors, to help them navigate through the often frustrating challenges associated with inventing, prototyping, patenting, marketing and licensing their invention.

Invention Prototyping - What Inventors Should Know

Invention prototyping is a common stumbling block for most inventors.

If you are an engineer, then you are in good shape for invention prototyping.

However, for most independent inventors, there are concerns both about the feasibility of being able to develop their invention as well as the expected cost of invention prototyping.

Visual Invention Prototype

One way for an inexpensive invention prototype is by getting a "virtual prototype".

This type of invention prototyping consists of computer renderings utilizing CAD or other software to develop a life-like image or animation that can be helpful in invention marketing.

Types of Invention Prototyping

Depending upon the invention, there are several options when looking to develop a prototype. 

After a visual prototype, inventors usually need a proof-of-principle invention prototype, also called a "breadboard."  Such invention prototypes are not functional, but become models in which to use for developing the functional or "working" prototype.

Here are some of the common methods of prototyping:

• Stereolithography (SLA) is a type of rapid invention prototyping that produces a plastic part through the use of lasers.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a type of rapid invention prototyping that produces a part by extruding layers of plastic material.

• Soft molds such as wax or various resins can also be used to create a part.