Prototyping

Prototypes in plastic and/or metal

SSEB makes prototypes of tooling, machines and products. In prototyping we aim for a high quality, short throughput times and a broad choice of materials. Following the idea, development and engineering stages a prototype is often made before a product is manufactured. A prototype enables testing to see whether the product, tooling or machine technically operates as required.Often, testing also brings out possible problems. And, using a prototype, you can easily demonstrate what you want to make.

SSEB and prototyping

SSEB carries out engineering in 3D, is capable of 3D scanning and has its own 3D printer for plastic prototypes as well as a 3D printer for metal prototypes. These printers, capable of using various materials, are an essential part of prototyping, whether Rapid Prototyping or Additive Manufacturing.

Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing

These names often run together. In Rapid Prototyping, we convert the data in the computer into the real object that will be made. This is a very accurate process. Compared to ‘real’ production Rapid Prototyping is a fast and cheap alternative. Designers and artists of one or a few products often realize their idea using Rapid Prototyping, while larger series are never produced.

Additive Manufacturing encompasses the process of making products from 3D data, built layer by layer. Additive Manufacturing entails several printing techniques that are used in e.g. the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Prototyping: just like real

SSEB engineers believe that a prototype should equal the final product as closely as possible. A prototype must be made fast and at low cost. During the development stage, we take into account the feasibility and cost.

The material used to make the prototype is, of course, essential for reliable results. As no other, SSEB engineers know which materials are available for your prototype, and which materials are best suited for reliable testing.

Making a prototype is a very important step in the development of the final version of the product. It helps in the development of the structure, functionality and looks of the final product.

Prototypes are also made to be shown to potential users of the product. The feedback received on the prototype contains useful information for further development.

From 3D engineering to prototyping to production

The fact that SSEB can work for customers, from idea stage, up to and including production, offers many advantages. All know-how and experience is deployed wherever needed. SSEB engineers are close to their customers, they are flexible and work the way you want on innovative projects and process optimization. They often work in multidisciplinary teams, together with your staff. Thanks to this way of working we safeguard know-how and can work effectively. Test results of prototypes are shared and discussed.

Thanks to our knowledge of the customer, his sector, his work floor, his challenges and goals, SSEB engineers can pro-actively advise with regard to optimization and innovating processes, tooling, machines and products. To the SSEB engineers, prototyping is important, as this is when products are tested to see if they are optimal, or whether engineering should be adapted.

When customer and SSEB engineers are satisfied with the test results of the prototype, the product, tooling or machine can be manufactured. Customers wishing to outsource production to SSEB so as to keep everything in one hand, are welcome at SSEB Systems, the production branch SSEB.

Want to have a prototype made?

Let SSEB show you the possibilities of prototyping. You will be in direct contact with an experienced engineer who can tell you all about prototyping. Please contact us for an appointment.