virtualization of design and production a thesis - Bilkent University

Prototyping has a crucial importance in product design process. From the early
stages of design process, such as mock-up building, to the finishing steps, (i.e.
usability tests, physical durability tests, functional experiments) prototypes have
proven their value. Although 3D virtual models created with the help of CAD
software seems relatively satisfactory for the product designers (Chua 598), this
satisfaction does not include all steps of a design process: “In focus groups,
ideation groups, and ethnography studies, the invited participants prefer to see
and feel the real products, not just look at computer-generated images.[…]
Generating perhaps dozens of progressively refined prototypes, the process
moves each one a step closer to satisfying consumer demand for a product that
works well, is inexpensive to buy, looks cool, and is pleasing to touch” (Wright
36). In the light of this information it is obvious that Rapid Prototyping systems
can bring valuable benefits in process of product design in terms of model and
prototype building with their high speed of model production, accurate models
and simple operating needs.
On the other hand, Rapid Manufacturing (RM) refers to the direct production of
finished goods from a rapid prototyping device. “This definition suggests that
true rapid manufacturing systems are those that employ additive processes to
deliver finished goods directly from digital data, eliminating all tooling.” (Bak
340)
Although the mass production of a product is the last step of a product’s creation
cycle, it has a profound effect on the design process. Factors such as material
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