Types of prototypes refer to the classification of physical models based on production processes, материалы, 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, расходы, and lead time based on how they are manufactured. This classification is the most common starting point for prototype selection.
| Тип прототипа | Основные характеристики | Step-by-Step Production Flow | Применимые сценарии | Ключевые преимущества |
| 3D Printing Prototype | – Suitable for Сложные изогнутые поверхности и Полые структуры (НАПРИМЕР., internal cavities of a smartphone case).- Материалы: Плата, АБС, смола, нейлон (supports personalized customization).- Расходы: Низкий (≈ (5- )50 per unit for small batches).- Время выполнения: Быстрый (4–24 часа на часть). | 1. Export 3D CAD models to STL format.2. Optimize settings: Толщина слоя (0.1–0,2 мм), наполнять (10–30%).3. Print with FDM (ПЛА/АБС) или sla (смола).4. Remove supports and sand surface lines. | – Потребительская электроника (earbud shells, smartwatch frames).- Игрушки (action figure prototypes with intricate details).- Artworks and medical models (anatomical replicas). | – No mold required (low upfront investment).- Ideal for rapid iteration (1–10 единиц).- Захватывает мелкие детали (НАПРИМЕР., 0.5mm-thick texture patterns). |
| CNC Machining Prototype | – Ультра-высокая точность (терпимость: ± 0,05 мм) и гладкая поверхностная отделка (Ra 1.6–3.2μm).- Материалы: Mostly metals (алюминиевый сплав, медь) или жесткие пластмассы (Пома, акрил).- Расходы: Medium to high (≈ (20- )200 за единицу).- Время выполнения: 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 (cutting depth: 0.1–0,5 мм за проход).4. Sand or polish to remove tool marks. | – Механические детали (передачи, shafts for industrial equipment).- Автовальные детали (aluminum alloy brackets, Корпуса датчиков).- Высококачественная электроника (precision connectors for laptops). | – Durable for functional testing (НАПРИМЕР., load-bearing of a drone frame).- Matches mass production material properties (critical for performance validation). |
| Silicone Duplicate Prototype | – Based on a главная плесень (3D-printed or CNC-machined) for replication.- Материалы: PU Strain, эпоксидная смола, soft glue (ТПУ) (simulates rubber or plastic textures).- Batch Capacity: До 50 единицы (cost-effective for small-batch trials).- Время выполнения: 3–5 дней (including mold making). | 1. Make a high-quality master prototype (НАПРИМЕР., 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. | – Soft parts (Клавицы, TPU mobile phone cases).- Small-batch trial production (НАПРИМЕР., 20 units of a toy car shell).- Parts requiring uniform texture (НАПРИМЕР., 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 (древесина, глина, oil clay).- Relies on technician experience (skill-dependent quality).- Расходы: Низкий (no equipment fees, but labor-intensive).- Время выполнения: Медленный (1–7 days per part). | 1. Select materials (НАПРИМЕР., clay for sculpting, wood for carving).2. Shape manually with tools (carving knives, наждачная бумага, формы).3. Finish with paint or polish (При необходимости). | – Sculptures and film/television props (НАПРИМЕР., a fantasy movie’s wooden weapon).- Концептуальные модели (early-stage design sketches turned physical).- Artisanal products (hand-carved wooden toys). | – No specialized equipment required.- Easy to modify on the spot (НАПРИМЕР., adjusting a clay model’s shape). |
2. Classification by Material
The material of a prototype directly impacts its strength, появление, and functionality—this classification is critical for matching prototype performance to final product requirements.
| Тип прототипа | Material Examples | Core Features | Применимые сценарии | Ограничения |
| Пластиковый прототип | АБС, ПК, Пома, акрил, Плата | – Легкий вес (плотность: 0.9–1,2 г/см=) and easy to process.- Supports surface treatments (распыление, гальванизация, Шелковый скрининг).- Расходы: От низкого до среднего (≈ (5- )50 за единицу). | – 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).- Некоторые пластмассы (Плата) deform at high temperatures (>60° C.). |
| Металлический прототип | Алюминиевый сплав (6061, 7075), нержавеющая сталь (304, 316), медь | – Высокая сила (aluminum alloy tensile strength: 200–300 МПа) and good texture.- Excellent heat and corrosion resistance (stainless steel for outdoor parts).- Расходы: Высокий (≈ (50- )300 за единицу). | – Компоненты с нагрузкой (automotive suspension brackets).- Precision equipment (copper connectors for electronics).- Промышленные детали (stainless steel gears). | – Тяжелый (плотность: 2.7–8.9 g/cm³) — not ideal for portable products.- Long production time (CNC machining requires complex toolpaths). |
| Soft Rubber Prototype | ТПУ, силикон, Мягкий ПВХ | – Гибкий (Берег твердость: 20–50) and non-slip.- Хорошая эластичность (recovers shape after compression).- Расходы: Середина (≈ (10- )60 за единицу). | – Схватки (ручки инструмента, bike handlebars).- Sealing rings (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 | Эпоксидная смола, полиуретановая смола | – Transparent or translucent (легкая коэффициент пропускания: 80–90% for clear resin).- Гладкая поверхность (no post-processing needed for SLA-printed resin).- Расходы: Середина (≈ (15- )80 за единицу). | – Imitation glass/crystal products (resin lamp shades, отображать чехлы).- Медицинские модели (transparent anatomical replicas).- High-gloss decorative parts (resin toy eyes, jewelry prototypes). | – Хрупкий (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 (НАПРИМЕР., внешний вид против. функциональность).
| Тип прототипа | Core Objective | Ключевые характеристики | Применимые сценарии | Validation Methods |
| Appearance Prototype | Проверять форма, цвет, текстура, and assembly effect (no focus on internal structure). | – Focus on surface treatment (распыление, гальванизация, песчаная обработка).- Internal structure can be simplified (НАПРИМЕР., hollowed-out to reduce cost).- Low precision for non-visible dimensions (терпимость: ± 0,5 мм). | – Потребительская электроника (smartphone back covers, планшетные раковины).- Автомобильные внешние детали (headlight casings, bumper prototypes).- Home appliance panels (refrigerator door fronts, washing machine control panels). | – Визуальный осмотр (check color uniformity, texture consistency).- Stakeholder feedback (НАПРИМЕР., “Does the texture match brand guidelines?”). |
| Structural Prototype | Тест логика сборки, mobility, и структурная стабильность (НАПРИМЕР., folding, rotating). | – Exact dimensions required (терпимость: ± 0,1 мм) 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 (петли, пряжки) but no electronic components. | – Медицинские устройства (adjustable wheelchair armrests, Хирургические ручки инструмента).- Household products (folding chairs, detachable storage boxes). | – Mobility testing (НАПРИМЕР., fold a chair 100 times to check for looseness).- Load testing (apply weight to verify structural strength). | ||
| Функциональный прототип | Validate the core functions of the product (circuitry, hydraulics, optics). | – Integrated with electronic modules, датчики, or mechanical systems.- Close to the finished product form (internal structure and external appearance are complete).- High precision for functional components (терпимость: ± 0,05 мм). | – Intelligent hardware (smart speakers with voice recognition, wearable fitness trackers).- Промышленное оборудование (hydraulic valve prototypes, optical lens holders).- Scientific research instruments (sensor prototypes for environmental monitoring). | – Функциональное тестирование (НАПРИМЕР., “Does the sensor detect temperature accurately?”).- Экологическое тестирование (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.
| Тип прототипа | Основная функция | Ключевые функции | Applicable Stages |
| Design Verification Prototype | Confirm appearance design, size ratio, and human-computer interaction. | – Быстрое производство (3D printing or handmade).- Бюджетный (simplified structure).- Easy to modify (supports iterative design). | Early design stage (after 2D drawings, before structural finalization). |
| Assembly Verification Prototype | Тест 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 | Проверять production process feasibility (Инъекционное формование, штамповка) and material stability. | – Uses the same materials and processes as mass production.- Высокая точность (matches mass production standards).- Batch production possible (10–50 единиц) to test process consistency. | Late development stage (before opening mass production molds). |
5. Special Types of Prototypes
These prototypes are designed for unique scenarios (НАПРИМЕР., прозрачность, Высокая температурная стойкость) and address niche product requirements.
| Тип прототипа | Материалы | Core Features | Применимые сценарии |
| Transparent Prototype | Акрил, ПК, clear resin | – High light transmittance (акрил: 92%, ПК: 89%).- Supports polishing to enhance clarity (no cloudiness). | – Lamps (acrylic lamp shades, resin light guides).- Display frames (transparent phone cases, museum exhibit holders).- Медицинские устройства (transparent IV fluid containers, Хирургический инструмент ручки). |
| High-Temperature Resistant Prototype | А (Нейлон), PPA, металл (нержавеющая сталь, Титановый сплав) | – Выдерживает высокие температуры (А: 150–200 ° C., металл: 500° C+).- No deformation or performance loss in high-heat environments. | – Автомобильные детали двигателя (нефтяные кастрюли, Крышка клапана).- Industrial ovens (high-temperature sensor housings).- Аэрокосмические компоненты (small satellite parts). |
| Simulation Prototype | Силикон, foam material, мягкая резина | – Simulates soft touch (НАПРИМЕР., human skin, foam cushions).- Flexible and compressible (mimics real-world tactile feedback). | – Игрушки (silicone doll skin, foam puzzle mats).- Медицинские модели (silicone human organ replicas for training).- Потребительские товары (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, бюджет, и временная шкала.
6.1 By Development Goal
| Цель | Recommended Prototype Type | Пример |
| Appearance Validation | 3D printing prototype (смола) + spraying/electroplating. | A resin smartphone back cover prototype sprayed with matte black paint to test color. |
| Structural Stability Testing | Прототип обработки с ЧПУ (metal/plastic) + Сборка тестирования. | A CNC-machined aluminum alloy drone frame to test load-bearing capacity. |
| Столовая пробная продукция | Silicone duplicate prototype (PU Strain). | 30 PU resin toy car shells replicated from a 3D-printed master. |
6.2 By Budget
| Budget Range | Recommended Prototype Type | Причина |
| Низкий (\(5- )50) | 3D printing prototype (ПЛА/АБС) or handmade prototype. | No mold fees and low material costs. |
| Середина (\(50- )200) | Прототип обработки с ЧПУ (пластик) or silicone duplicate prototype. | Balances precision and cost for functional testing. |
| Высокий ($200+) | Прототип обработки с ЧПУ (металл) or mass production test prototype. | Ensures compatibility with mass production processes (НАПРИМЕР., Инъекционное формование). |
6.3 By Timeline
| Timeline | Recommended Prototype Type | Время выполнения |
| Urgent (1–2 дней) | 3D printing prototype (FDM/SLA). | 4–24 часа на часть. |
| Normal (3–7 дней) | Silicone duplicate prototype or CNC machining prototype (пластик). | 3–5 дней (силикон) or 1–3 days (CNC plastic). |
| No Rush (1–2 недели) | Прототип обработки с ЧПУ (металл) or mass production test prototype. | 5–10 дней (CNC metal) or 7–14 days (mass production test). |
Перспектива Yigu Technology
В Yigu Technology, 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 (НАПРИМЕР., CNC metal for appearance testing) or underperform ones (НАПРИМЕР., 3D-printed PLA for high-temperature parts). Наш подход: We first clarify the client’s core goal—Is it appearance, функция, or mass production feasibility? Например, a startup needing 5 action figure prototypes in 3 days gets 3D-printed resin prototypes (быстрый, подробный), 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%.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
- 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 (Инъекционное формование, штамповка), 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 (НАПРИМЕР., injection-molded plastic prototypes).
- What’s the best prototype type for a transparent product (НАПРИМЕР., a clear lamp shade)?
Choose a transparent prototype made from acrylic, ПК, or clear resin. For early appearance testing, use 3D-printed clear resin (быстрый, бюджетный). Для функционального тестирования (НАПРИМЕР., легкая коэффициент пропускания), 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 (терпимость: ±1–5mm). They are best for early concept verification (НАПРИМЕР., a clay model of a toy) but not for functional tests (НАПРИМЕР., checking if a hinge rotates smoothly). Для функционального тестирования, use 3D-printed or CNC-machined prototypes.