The Viability of Digital and Rapid Prototyping in Enhancing Ceramics Product Development

Prototyping

Prototyping is a fundamental design initiation which involves the construction of working models of conceived products for mass production (Adelabu & Kashim, 2010). A prototype is the first or original example of product that has been or will be copied or developed; it is a model or preliminary version (Chua & Leong, 2003). According to Soegaard (2010), a prototype is often used as part of product design process to allow engineers and designers the ability to explore design alternatives, test theories and confirm performances prior to starting production of a new product. For example, some prototypes are used to confirm and verify consumer interest in a proposed design whereas other prototypes will attempt to verify the performance or suitability of a specific design. Prototypes are also used to revise design for the purpose of reducing cost through optimizations and refinement.