Designing a plastic prototype gives end users a lot of options. It involves a variety of processes to come-up with the finished output. Just like other manufacturing processes, those involved in the production of this industrial commodity are set apart by the differences in the methods used. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages as well.

Rapid prototyping

This is the most popular of all processes and is subcategorized into other techniques like stereolithography, selective laser sintering and three-dimensional or 3D processing. Each of these plastic prototype processes makes use of the 3D-CAD models before joining the materials together. This helps come up with the finished prototype.

Rapid prototyping is said to be the quickest process in the manufacture of this industrial product. It is also capable of dealing with the reproduction of complex shapes. With a very few materials used in the process, it is considered inexpensive. One drawback on the technique is the fact that it works with a limited set of materials. It also leaves a coarse finish into the material.

Rapid tooling

Rapid tooling creates, forms and molds the material. The mold may come from silicone rubber and its counterparts. This process produces better quality output than rapid prototyping despite the limited material sources. It is however slower than the first step. Since molds have to be created, it results to more costs. It cannot deal with a wide range of shape complexities.

Rapid Injection Molding

This plastic prototype process works with the 3D-CAD model with the use of CNC machining. It can mill aluminum molds thereby allowing the production of true injection-molded output. Since it produces functional parts with high quality finish, this process is favored. It is more affordable and faster than other methods.

Traditional Injection Molding

This plastic prototype technique is commonly used for production. It is capable of producing complex shapes and creating a better finish in the output. However, it is rather slower and more expensive than any of the other three prototyping processes.