Modern science has given us some amazing technology in just the past few years. This is especially true when it comes to medical components and devices. In fact, the quality of many important devices like implants and implant components has improved a great deal and many people are leading productive lives as a result of this technology. In order to develop and improve many of these fine products medical device prototyping is required. But what does prototyping mean and why is it so important today? Let’s take a closer look at the process.
What Are Prototypes?
A prototype can be explained as a “working model”. In other words, suppose you wanted to increase your product line and your engineers have ideas on ways to create a better knee replacement joint. You can’t test this new design on patients until you are sure it can deliver on its promise. This is where medical device prototyping enters the picture.
Once the new joint has been designed, it is then created in three dimensional drawings. This is done with computer aided design and drafting programs. This kind of software allows the engineer or designer to make as many changes as necessary until the design is ready to produce.
After the plan or blueprint is created, it then goes to the prototype stage. This process creates the device from the drawings and plans. In fact, some prototypes are created simply for examination or a specific kind of testing. This is very beneficial to the machining business for a number of reasons:
Materials cost – to save on costs, prototypes can be made from plastic or other inexpensive materials. There may be no need to use titanium or other expensive metals.
Scaling – there is no reason to create a full scale model and this can save on costs.
Testing – by creating a perfect prototype, all kinds of testing can be performed. Should a problem be noted, it can be corrected on the next prototype. In fact, it may take a number of medical device prototyping attempts before the product can be perfected.
The Difference between Drawings and Holding it in Your Hand
Have you ever examined drawings and plans of something and then experienced the “real thing”? There is a huge difference between personally examining something and simply reading about it. Thanks to modern medical device prototyping methods, engineers, supervisors and customers can see and feel new products before they go into production. This is a good way to eliminate issues like product recalls.
