Summary
In product design, the word 'prototype' is commonly used as a noun, a verb and as an adjective. It is created to inform the design and decision-making process. While traditionally prototypes have been perceived as highly developed physical models, contemporary designers use the term to refer to any kind of representation that is created to help users and clients to understand, explore and communicate what qualities a product has, and how a user might engage with it.
The first print
![Picture](/uploads/2/4/5/6/24563585/9909201.jpg?269)
When printing the first set of elements on the MakerBot 2X, a gap was created in the body of the teapot due to the imprecision of the machine. As well as that, I had to go back to the CATIA model and adjust the connection of the cylinder to the lid, so that the support material would not destroy the grip. Initially the lid had the two levers that sank in the holes of the cylinder - this had to be reversed. Now the levers are on the top of the cylinder and the lid has the two holes on the bottom.
The material (ABS plastic) is likely to expand and then shrink as first it is exposed to a high temperature, then to room temperature when taken out of the MakerBot. In my first prototype the wall of the Cup expanded due to the temperature changes and an unexpected slot appeared in the structure. Hence, it was unsuitable in terms of its function – could not be fitted on the Body to keep it watertight. In addition, the printer caused a minor mistake when the thread of plastic was misallocated by accident.
The material (ABS plastic) is likely to expand and then shrink as first it is exposed to a high temperature, then to room temperature when taken out of the MakerBot. In my first prototype the wall of the Cup expanded due to the temperature changes and an unexpected slot appeared in the structure. Hence, it was unsuitable in terms of its function – could not be fitted on the Body to keep it watertight. In addition, the printer caused a minor mistake when the thread of plastic was misallocated by accident.
The printing took approximately 4 hours and the prototype was built not to scale. The first version, as a trial, was built to be 75% of the actual version. The support material was removed using files and pliers.
Below are the pictures of the progress of the first prototype in a chronological order:
Dimensions
Below are the dimensions of the previous elements (these are applicable to both versions of the design):
Cup
· Diameter: 58 mm · Height: 12 mm · Thickness: 2 mm · Helix: 3 mm pitch, 12 mm height Lid · Diameter: 29 mm · Thickness: 2 mm · Height of knob: 10 mm |
Cylinder
· Diameter of upper circle: 58 mm · Diameter of lower circle: 50 mm · Diameter of middle (tube): 30 mm · Thickness of upper circle: 3mm · Thickness of lower circle: 2 mm with a 1 mm lip Body
· Outside thickness: 1 mm · Diameter of lower circle: 48mm · Diameter of upper circle: 62 mm |
Second Print
The second print was built by printing on the Objet printer, which prints slower, but more reliable in comparison to the MakerBot. The final quality of the product is also better than in the case of the previous prototype. It is expensive to operate and therefore members of the Institute of Making only get a single chance for free.
The printing took over 24 hours, as 5 elements were in progress simultaneously. By mistake the wrong files were placed in the printer and therefore the second prototype was not executed. The first design was printed by accident. It was also built to scale, to its realistic size. This time, the support material was much weaker and could be removed with ease.
The printing took over 24 hours, as 5 elements were in progress simultaneously. By mistake the wrong files were placed in the printer and therefore the second prototype was not executed. The first design was printed by accident. It was also built to scale, to its realistic size. This time, the support material was much weaker and could be removed with ease.
The Final Prototype
The final print was similarly built by Objet and took over 48 hours to build. It was built to scale with no structural or surface damage. As a result it can hold liquids but should not be in contact with temperatures above 40ºC.