Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Handcrafting/Manual Fabrication:

Process: Skilled artisans or engineers manually shape materials (e.g., wood, clay, foam, or metal) using tools like knives, lathes, or saws to create a prototype.

Advantages:

Highly customizable for one-off models.

Useful for conceptual or aesthetic prototypes (e.g., clay modeling in automotive design).

Limitations:

Time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Limited precision and repeatability.

Applications: Early-stage concept models, such as car body mockups or architectural models.

CNC Machining (Subtractive Manufacturing):

Process: Computer-controlled machines (e.g., mills, lathes) remove material from a solid block of plastic, metal, or other materials to form a prototype.

Advantages:

High precision and tight tolerances.

Produces functional prototypes with production-grade materials.

Limitations:

Requires programming and setup, increasing lead time (days to weeks).

Material waste and higher costs for complex designs.

Applications: Functional parts for automotive, aerospace, or industrial testing.

Injection Molding (Traditional Tooling):

Process: Molten plastic or metal is injected into a custom-made steel or aluminum mold to create prototypes. Molds are typically machined with high precision.

Advantages:

Produces high-quality, production-like parts.

Suitable for testing material properties and manufacturing processes.

Limitations:

Mold creation is expensive and time-consuming (weeks to months).

Less practical for low-volume prototyping.

Applications: Pre-production prototypes for consumer goods, medical devices, or automotive components.

Casting (Manual or Sand Casting):

Process: A mold is created (e.g., from sand, plaster, or metal), and molten material is poured into it to form the prototype. Often used for metal parts.

Advantages:

Suitable for larger or complex metal prototypes.

Replicates production-grade material properties.

Limitations:

Slow process due to mold creation and cooling times.

Limited to specific materials and less precise than modern methods.

Applications: Prototypes for heavy machinery, aerospace, or industrial equipment.

Model Making:

Process: Craftsmen build scale models or full-size prototypes using materials like foam, wood, or resins, often for visual or ergonomic evaluation.

Advantages:

Ideal for aesthetic or presentation models.

Allows for hands-on design refinement.

Limitations:

Not suitable for functional testing.

Highly dependent on the skill of the model maker.

Applications: Architectural models, consumer product mockups, or trade show displays.