Although prototyping applications are commonly used as a design verification activity before mass production, they can also be used as a functional tool in order to figure out the weak and strong aspect of the design ideas or inventions. In addition, it can be preferred as a production tool for low-volume or customized production due to the cost advantage instead of traditional manufacturing methods.
Unlike the mass production methods, prototype design is carried out by considering manufacturing requirements of each prototyping techniques. Especially 3D printing technologies allows designers to develop wide range of geometries without conventional molding limitations. In addition, the prototype model can be supported by easily applied production methods such as sheet metal bending or machining and it can be assembled with easily accessible components on the market such as power, sensing or control units. So, it is more feasible way to create structures which the product can be tested functionally.
