Types of prototypes refer to the classification of physical models based on production processes, Materiali, functions, and uses—each type serves unique purposes in product development, from verifying appearance to testing mass production feasibility. Choosing the correct prototype type is critical for reducing development costs, accelerating iteration cycles, and ensuring alignment with final product goals. This article systematically breaks down the core categories of prototypes, their characteristics, applicable scenarios, and selection guidelines to help teams make informed decisions.
1. Classification by Production Process
Prototypes differ significantly in precision, costo, and lead time based on how they are manufactured. This classification is the most common starting point for prototype selection.
| Tipo di prototipo | Caratteristiche principali | Step-by-Step Production Flow | Applicable Scenarios | Vantaggi chiave |
| 3D Printing Prototype | – Suitable for superfici curve complesse E Strutture vuote (PER ESEMPIO., internal cavities of a smartphone case).- Materiali: Pla, Addominali, resina, nylon (supports personalized customization).- Costo: Basso (≈ (5- )50 per unit for small batches).- Tempi di consegna: Veloce (4–24 ore per parte). | 1. Export 3D CAD models to STL format.2. Optimize settings: Spessore dello strato (0.1–0,2 mm), riempire (10–30%).3. Print with FDM (PLA/ABS) o sla (resina).4. Remove supports and sand surface lines. | – Elettronica di consumo (earbud shells, smartwatch frames).- Giocattoli (action figure prototypes with intricate details).- Artworks and medical models (anatomical replicas). | – Non è necessario alcuno stampo (low upfront investment).- Ideal for rapid iteration (1–10 unità).- Cattura i dettagli ottimi (PER ESEMPIO., 0.5mm-thick texture patterns). |
| CNC Machining Prototype | – Precisione ultra-alta (tolleranza: ± 0,05 mm) e finitura superficiale liscia (Ra 1.6–3.2μm).- Materiali: Mostly metals (lega di alluminio, rame) o plastica rigida (Pom, acrilico).- Costo: Medium to high (≈ (20- )200 per unità).- Tempi di consegna: 1–3 days per part. | 1. Convert 3D models to G-code (using Mastercam or UG).2. Secure material blocks (metal/plastic) to the CNC machine bed.3. Machine with optimized toolpaths (profondità di taglio: 0.1–0,5 mm per passaggio).4. Sand or polish to remove tool marks. | – Parti meccaniche (marcia, shafts for industrial equipment).- Parti auto (staffe in lega di alluminio, Alloggi per sensori).- Elettronica di fascia alta (precision connectors for laptops). | – Durable for functional testing (PER ESEMPIO., load-bearing of a drone frame).- Matches mass production material properties (critical for performance validation). |
| Silicone Duplicate Prototype | – Based on a stampo padrone (3D-printed or CNC-machined) for replication.- Materiali: Resina PU, epossidico, soft glue (TPU) (simulates rubber or plastic textures).- Batch Capacity: Fino a 50 unità (cost-effective for small-batch trials).- Tempi di consegna: 3–5 giorni (including mold making). | 1. Make a high-quality master prototype (PER ESEMPIO., CNC-machined acrylic).2. Pour liquid silicone (viscosity 500–2000 cP) around the master to create a mold.3. Cure the mold at 25–80°C for 4–24 hours.4. Inject PU resin/epoxy into the mold and demold after curing. | – Parti morbide (portachiavi, TPU mobile phone cases).- Produzione di prova in piccoli lotti (PER ESEMPIO., 20 units of a toy car shell).- Parts requiring uniform texture (PER ESEMPIO., rubber grips for tools). | – Low per-unit cost (≈ (3- )15 per copy).- Preserves master details (no loss of texture or dimension). |
| Handmade Prototype | – High flexibility for artistic or special materials (legna, clay, oil clay).- Relies on technician experience (skill-dependent quality).- Costo: Basso (no equipment fees, but labor-intensive).- Tempi di consegna: Lento (1–7 days per part). | 1. Select materials (PER ESEMPIO., clay for sculpting, wood for carving).2. Shape manually with tools (carving knives, carta vetrata, stampi).3. Finish with paint or polish (se necessario). | – Sculptures and film/television props (PER ESEMPIO., a fantasy movie’s wooden weapon).- Modelli di concetto (early-stage design sketches turned physical).- Artisanal products (hand-carved wooden toys). | – No specialized equipment required.- Easy to modify on the spot (PER ESEMPIO., adjusting a clay model’s shape). |
2. Classification by Material
The material of a prototype directly impacts its strength, aspetto, and functionality—this classification is critical for matching prototype performance to final product requirements.
| Tipo di prototipo | Material Examples | Caratteristiche principali | Applicable Scenarios | Limitazioni |
| Plastic Prototype | Addominali, PC, Pom, acrilico, Pla | – Leggero (densità: 0.9–1,2 g/cm³) and easy to process.- Supports surface treatments (spruzzatura, elettroplazione, Screening della seta).- Costo: Da basso a medio (≈ (5- )50 per unità). | – Most consumer products (plastic toy shells, PC laptop housings).- Parts requiring corrosion resistance (acrylic display cases).- Non-load-bearing components (ABS phone stand). | – Lower strength than metal (not suitable for heavy-load testing).- Alcune materie plastiche (Pla) deform at high temperatures (>60° C.). |
| Metal Prototype | Lega di alluminio (6061, 7075), acciaio inossidabile (304, 316), rame | – Alta resistenza (aluminum alloy tensile strength: 200–300 MPA) and good texture.- Excellent heat and corrosion resistance (stainless steel for outdoor parts).- Costo: Alto (≈ (50- )300 per unità). | – Componenti portanti (automotive suspension brackets).- Precision equipment (copper connectors for electronics).- Parti di macchinari industriali (stainless steel gears). | – Pesante (densità: 2.7–8.9 g/cm³) — not ideal for portable products.- Long production time (CNC machining requires complex toolpaths). |
| Soft Rubber Prototype | TPU, silicone, PVC morbido | – Flessibile (Shore una durezza: 20–50) and non-slip.- Buona elasticità (recovers shape after compression).- Costo: Medio (≈ (10- )60 per unità). | – Impugnature (maniglie degli strumenti, bike handlebars).- Anelli di tenuta (waterproof gaskets for smartwatches).- Soft toy parts (silicone doll limbs, TPU toy wheels). | – Low rigidity — not suitable for structural components.- May degrade over time (exposed to sunlight or oil). |
| Resin Prototype | Resina epossidica, resina poliuretano | – Transparent or translucent (trasmittanza della luce: 80–90% for clear resin).- Superficie liscia (no post-processing needed for SLA-printed resin).- Costo: Medio (≈ (15- )80 per unità). | – Imitation glass/crystal products (resin lamp shades, Visualizza casi).- Modelli medici (transparent anatomical replicas).- High-gloss decorative parts (resin toy eyes, jewelry prototypes). | – Fragile (prone to cracking under impact).- Some resins are not heat-resistant (>80°C may warp). |
3. Classification by Function
Prototypes are designed to validate specific aspects of a product—this classification ensures alignment with development goals (PER ESEMPIO., appearance vs. funzionalità).
| Tipo di prototipo | Core Objective | Caratteristiche chiave | Applicable Scenarios | Validation Methods |
| Prototipo di aspetto | Verificare forma, colore, struttura, and assembly effect (no focus on internal structure). | – Focus on surface treatment (spruzzatura, elettroplazione, sabbiatura).- Internal structure can be simplified (PER ESEMPIO., hollowed-out to reduce cost).- Low precision for non-visible dimensions (tolleranza: ± 0,5 mm). | – Elettronica di consumo (smartphone back covers, gusci di tablet).- Parti esterne automobilistiche (headlight casings, bumper prototypes).- Home appliance panels (refrigerator door fronts, washing machine control panels). | – Ispezione visiva (check color uniformity, consistenza della trama).- Stakeholder feedback (PER ESEMPIO., “Does the texture match brand guidelines?"). |
| Prototipo strutturale | Test assembly logic, mobility, e stabilità strutturale (PER ESEMPIO., folding, rotating). | – Exact dimensions required (tolleranza: ± 0,1 mm) to simulate mass production. | – Robots (joint mobility, arm folding structure). | – Assembly testing (check if parts fit without force, no interference). |
| – May include simple mechanical structures (cerniere, fibbie) but no electronic components. | – Dispositivi medici (adjustable wheelchair armrests, maniglie degli strumenti chirurgici).- Household products (folding chairs, detachable storage boxes). | – Mobility testing (PER ESEMPIO., fold a chair 100 times to check for looseness).- Test di carico (apply weight to verify structural strength). | ||
| Prototipo funzionale | Validate the core functions of the product (circuitry, idraulica, optics). | – Integrated with electronic modules, sensori, or mechanical systems.- Close to the finished product form (internal structure and external appearance are complete).- High precision for functional components (tolleranza: ± 0,05 mm). | – Intelligent hardware (smart speakers with voice recognition, wearable fitness trackers).- Attrezzatura industriale (hydraulic valve prototypes, optical lens holders).- Scientific research instruments (sensor prototypes for environmental monitoring). | – Test funzionali (PER ESEMPIO., “Does the sensor detect temperature accurately?").- Test ambientali (simulate high/low temperatures, humidity to check function stability). |
4. Classification by Use
This classification focuses on the prototype’s role in the product development lifecycle—from early design to pre-mass production.
| Tipo di prototipo | Funzione core | Caratteristiche chiave | Applicable Stages |
| Design Verification Prototype | Confirm appearance design, size ratio, and human-computer interaction. | – Produzione rapida (3D printing or handmade).- Basso costo (simplified structure).- Easy to modify (supports iterative design). | Early design stage (after 2D drawings, before structural finalization). |
| Assembly Verification Prototype | Test fit between parts, screw hole position, and buckle structure. | – Parts are split to simulate mass production assembly process.- No need for surface treatment (focus on fit, not appearance). | Mid-development stage (after structural design, before functional testing). |
| Mass Production Test Prototype | Convalidare production process feasibility (stampaggio a iniezione, timbratura) and material stability. | – Uses the same materials and processes as mass production.- Alta precisione (matches mass production standards).- Batch production possible (10–50 unità) to test process consistency. | Late development stage (before opening mass production molds). |
5. Special Types of Prototypes
These prototypes are designed for unique scenarios (PER ESEMPIO., trasparenza, Resistenza ad alta temperatura) and address niche product requirements.
| Tipo di prototipo | Materiali | Caratteristiche principali | Applicable Scenarios |
| Transparent Prototype | Acrilico, PC, clear resin | – High light transmittance (acrilico: 92%, PC: 89%).- Supports polishing to enhance clarity (no cloudiness). | – Lamps (acrylic lamp shades, resin light guides).- Display frames (transparent phone cases, museum exhibit holders).- Dispositivi medici (transparent IV fluid containers, maniglie degli strumenti chirurgici). |
| High-Temperature Resistant Prototype | PA (Nylon), PPA, metallo (acciaio inossidabile, lega di titanio) | – Restende le alte temperature (PA: 150–200 ° C., metallo: 500° C+).- No deformation or performance loss in high-heat environments. | – Parti del motore automobilistico (padelle di petrolio, coperture valvole).- Industrial ovens (high-temperature sensor housings).- Componenti aerospaziali (small satellite parts). |
| Simulation Prototype | Silicone, foam material, gomma morbida | – Simulates soft touch (PER ESEMPIO., human skin, foam cushions).- Flexible and compressible (mimics real-world tactile feedback). | – Giocattoli (silicone doll skin, foam puzzle mats).- Modelli medici (silicone human organ replicas for training).- Prodotti di consumo (foam ear tips for headphones, soft rubber grips). |
6. How to Choose the Right Type of Prototype?
Use this step-by-step guide to select the optimal prototype based on your goals, bilancio, e sequenza temporale.
6.1 By Development Goal
| Obiettivo | Recommended Prototype Type | Esempio |
| Appearance Validation | 3D printing prototype (resina) + spraying/electroplating. | A resin smartphone back cover prototype sprayed with matte black paint to test color. |
| Structural Stability Testing | Prototipo di lavorazione a CNC (metal/plastic) + Test di assemblaggio. | A CNC-machined aluminum alloy drone frame to test load-bearing capacity. |
| Produzione di prove a piccoli batch | Silicone duplicate prototype (Resina PU). | 30 PU resin toy car shells replicated from a 3D-printed master. |
6.2 By Budget
| Budget Range | Recommended Prototype Type | Motivo |
| Basso (\(5- )50) | 3D printing prototype (PLA/ABS) or handmade prototype. | No mold fees and low material costs. |
| Medio (\(50- )200) | Prototipo di lavorazione a CNC (plastica) or silicone duplicate prototype. | Balances precision and cost for functional testing. |
| Alto ($200+) | Prototipo di lavorazione a CNC (metallo) or mass production test prototype. | Ensures compatibility with mass production processes (PER ESEMPIO., stampaggio a iniezione). |
6.3 By Timeline
| Timeline | Recommended Prototype Type | Tempi di consegna |
| Urgent (1–2 giorni) | 3D printing prototype (FDM/SLA). | 4–24 ore per parte. |
| Normal (3–7 giorni) | Silicone duplicate prototype or CNC machining prototype (plastica). | 3–5 giorni (silicone) or 1–3 days (CNC plastic). |
| No Rush (1–2 settimane) | Prototipo di lavorazione a CNC (metallo) or mass production test prototype. | 5–10 giorni (CNC metal) or 7–14 days (mass production test). |
La prospettiva della tecnologia Yigu
Alla tecnologia Yigu, we see choosing the right type of prototype as a “cost-saving catalyst” for product development. Too many clients waste resources on over-precise prototypes (PER ESEMPIO., CNC metal for appearance testing) or underperform ones (PER ESEMPIO., 3D-printed PLA for high-temperature parts). Il nostro approccio: We first clarify the client’s core goal—Is it appearance, funzione, or mass production feasibility? Per esempio, a startup needing 5 action figure prototypes in 3 days gets 3D-printed resin prototypes (veloce, dettagliato), while an auto parts maker validating engine components gets high-temperature resistant PA prototypes. We also prioritize material-process matching—e.g., using silicone duplicates for soft parts to avoid CNC’s rigidity. By aligning prototype type with goals, we help clients cut rework costs by 40% and speed up development by 30%.
Domande frequenti
- Can I use a 3D printing prototype for mass production feasibility testing?
No—3D printing prototypes use different processes (layer-by-layer deposition) than mass production (stampaggio a iniezione, timbratura), so they can’t validate mold compatibility or process stability. For mass production testing, use a prototype made with the same process as final production (PER ESEMPIO., injection-molded plastic prototypes).
- What’s the best prototype type for a transparent product (PER ESEMPIO., a clear lamp shade)?
Choose a transparent prototype made from acrylic, PC, or clear resin. For early appearance testing, use 3D-printed clear resin (veloce, basso costo). Per test funzionali (PER ESEMPIO., trasmittanza della luce), use CNC-machined acrylic (higher precision and better material stability).
- Is a handmade prototype suitable for functional testing?
Rarely—handmade prototypes rely on technician skill, so their dimensions and structure are inconsistent (tolleranza: ±1–5mm). They are best for early concept verification (PER ESEMPIO., a clay model of a toy) but not for functional tests (PER ESEMPIO., checking if a hinge rotates smoothly). Per test funzionali, use 3D-printed or CNC-machined prototypes.