A prototype can be extremely important when it comes to representing your idea or product,  and expenses can fluctuate immensely relying upon the sort of prototype you want to create, the quality of craftsmanship, as well as the materials involved. As an initial step, inventors are advised to attempt to make a “rough draft” model on their own, before proceeding with a full on prototype, in order for engineers to have an understanding of the product. Usually, self-made prototypes are inexpensive when it’s just a crude model. 3D CADS are ideal for most innovators since it is an excellent method to envision a thought in digital form. Virtual (CAD), also referred to as “Computer-Aided-Designs”, which are digital working models that show what the invention looks like and functions on a hypothetical virtual level. They can be costly however they are important strides to transform your thought into a fabricated item and can drive the cost of prototyping down dramatically. Some inventors find other features about their products in the designing stage that they can include in their prototype and in their patent. Prototyping your invention can be a lengthy but rewarding experience and can rocket your invention one step closer to a final product.

A Prototype can be either a physical or digital demonstration of a “work in progress” project. Prototypes vary from software, working prototypes, non-working prototypes and virtual prototypes (CAD Modeling). The main goal of a prototype is to validate a proof-of-concept of a specific idea or program.

Prototypes are useful to show your idea to an interested party like a manufacturer, licensee, or product scout. Having a proof of concept such as a prototype can greatly lower future engineering and manufacturing costs by trimming further development expenses. Inventors planning on licensing their ideas may also benefit when it comes to demonstrating the idea to a licensor to license your idea. Most licensors and manufacturers refuse to do business unless some variant of a prototype or product is readily available.

For a prototype that requires electricity to operate, you would need to hire an electrical engineer. Electrical engineers will design the circuit board layout as well the wiring diagrams to be incorporated in the functional prototype. These components will be placed on GERBER or PCB (Printed Circuit Board) files to be manufacturing ready with the proper electrical capabilities.

The cost of a prototype can vary greatly depending on the type of product that is being developed. Below are some estimates based on a simple product and hiring manufacturing professionals on your own.

1. FREE - A simple sketch on a napkin or paper to have a basic understanding.
2. Homemade Prototype ($20-$150) - A simple rough prototype made from household items or scrap materials. This prototype might not function and is not very close to looking like the final product.
3. Preliminary 3D CAD Model ($400-$1700) - 3D CAD Modeling is an excellent example of a virtual prototype. Although this method is not manufacturing ready, it gives manufacturers and licensors an 8/10 perspective to what your idea looks like. 3D CAD modeling is usually done with software like SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, Autodesk, Autodesk 3ds Max, and others.
4. 3D CAD Animation ($500-$2800) - The 3D animation is like a piggy-back to the 3D CAD Modeling. This version of prototyping takes the 3D CAD files, also known as (.cad, .off, .dxf, etc.) and creates an animation that demonstrates the product functioning and operating in 3D. Animations can be effective in showing movement, functions, and mechanisms that show how the product would behave in theory.
5. 3D Printing ($600-$2800) - 3D printing is a relatively new kind of rapid prototyping technology where a moving head ejects a plastic resin (or other materials like metal or rubber) onto a moving base to create a structure. Although this is not a solution for mass manufacturing due to the lengthy processing time to print, it is an excellent way to create a prototype of a simple and small project. Once a 3D CAD render is complete, it can simply be uploaded to a 3D printer for creation. To achieve a finished 3D product it can take hours or even days for a project to finish printing.
6. Physical Working Prototype ($2000-$22000+) - A physical working Prototype is an actual prototype that is functioning, however, is not aesthetically on par with the final product. This version of the prototype may have some kinks or miscalculations but serves as a close transition to a final product. If the physical working prototype is made with great precision, it may be used as a “fully functional” prototype and ready for manufacturing.
7. Fully Functional Prototype ($4200-$25000+) - A Fully Functional Prototype looks and performs like the final product. Physical flaws are hardly noticeable, and the product is ready for production.

1. Rapid Prototyping - This method of prototyping focuses on additive manufacturing which includes processes like 3D printing, Stereolithography, Selective Laser sintering/melting, etc. Each one of these processes combines or adds material together in order to achieve a product, thus the term “additive”.
2. Traditional Prototyping - This prototype method is opposite of rapid prototyping by using subtractive methods to achieve a final product. CNC Machining and Injection Cast Molding are examples which focus on removing material in order to produce a product in the desired shape.

After a prototype is engineered and created, final revisions take place on the engineering side to correct any flaws in the prototype and prepare for final product plans. Final product plans should include a mechanical bill of material, dimensions, tolerances, part numbers, sources and manufacturing ready drawings and files. Once final engineering has finished, inventors can now approach manufacturers and/or seek licensing opportunities. One Stop Inventing works directly with manufacturers in a variety of industries including but not limited to, rubber, beauty, apparel, toys, technology, and many others.

Due to the volume of business transacted and ongoing relationships, we get the best manufacturing rates which reduces negotiation hassles for first-time inventors. During the prototyping phase, inventors usually discover they have to create certain tooling and/or molds in order to manufacture their project. These tooling designs and/or molds may also be necessary during manufacturing, so be sure to keep them available for the selected manufacturer. Licensing coaching is available for inventors seeking to go the licensing route with their products.

Submit your idea for prototyping today!