Develop A Prototype

After you have completed a search and satisfied yourself that your idea is unique, it is time to make a prototype (working model). It does not have to be elaborate or expensive. It does not have to be made of the materials that the final product would be made of. Just make it out of any material you can find. It only needs to demonstrate what your invention is, how it works and that it DOES work. If your invention is something that you cannot make even a rough prototype of yourself there are companies that specialize in making prototypes. Their fees, however, can sometimes be quite expensive so if you are able to make it yourself you are often better off to do so. 

If your prototype is something that needs to have a plastic injection mold they are extremely expensive. Now, however, there are less expensive alternatives. A process that is called "Rapid Prototyping" accomplishes the alternatives to plastic injection molding. The machines that do the rapid prototyping are basically 3-D printing machines. The machines take a drawing and "build" a model, microscopic layer by microscopic layer. There are several different machines that are able to build prototypes in this manner. The most common rapid prototyping machines are the ThermoJet, Genisys, Prodigy, JP System 5, Objet Quadra and the Z402. You can find listings for companies all over the world that provide rapid prototyping services by using the keywords, "Rapid Prototyping Service Bureaus" or by going to

www.additive3d.com

- or -

http://www.additive3d.com

On this site, page down to the heading "Commercial Service Providers" and you will be able to find the rapid prototyping service closest to you.

Rapid Prototyping does not replace plastic injection molding for durability. It is, however, able to make a prototype that will clearly demonstrate what will be needed to manufacture your invention. A prototype made with the rapid prototyping process is usually more than sufficient for an inventor to show a prospective licensee. And, the cost is dramatically less expensive. It is not unusual for a plastic injection mold to cost tens of thousands of dollars. Rapid prototyping can cost as little as $14.00 per cubic inch of material used to make it. That's quite a difference. 

Alpha Prototypes

Rapid Prototyping Services - the process of converting CAD drawings into physical parts. Specializing in stereolithography. Easy online quotes that provide instant pricing for prototypes.

Design Prototyping Technologies, a resource for rapid prototyping, recently came to our attention. They work with inventors all over the country. We have not used them personally but they appear to be honest and ethical. Of course, before engaging them you should check them out to your satisfaction. DPT fast Rapid Prototyping Technologies

Before you show your idea to anyone to have him or her make a prototype (or anyone else for that matter) it is essential that you have him or her sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Virtual Prototyping

When the cost of making an actual prototype is prohibitive virtual prototyping is an excellent alternative. Virtual prototyping consists of 3D CAD animated drawings that illustrate what your product would look like from every angle. If there are working parts to your invention they demonstrate how the parts work.

Jason Mitchell, is a mechanical engineer who is available to assist with designing and building your prototype.  He will provide a signed non-disclosure agreement to protect your idea.  He can also assist you with starting your own business and creating your own website to sell your invention.
Majority of payment is usually not due until after the prototype has been completed, but depends on your situation.  Visit http://www.jaybirdengineering.com to get started today!