At ARRK, we can create prototype models for plastic products using the exact same materials as the final mass-produced products.
In the early stages of product development, being able to prototype with the same materials and conditions as the actual mass-produced product is crucial for improving development accuracy and speed.
• Forming stock blocks using customer-specified plastic resin granules.
• Rapidly manufacturing stock blocks through ARRK's exclusive manufacturing techniques.
• Machining the formed stock blocks to create the prototype.
• Completing the prototype model using materials identical to those used in mass production.
Hybrid manufacturing combines material forming with precision machining technologies. It allows for prototyping and verification during the product development stage using materials and processes that are close or identical to mass production conditions. This is particularly suitable for products requiring high-reliability testing and performance evaluation.
Typical applications include:
• Using actual mass-production materials for light distribution or functional verification, such as optical or structural components like DF23.
• Durability, strength, and reliability testing for new materials or new designs.
• Creating machinable stock through hybrid processes when suitable block materials for mechanical machining are unavailable on the market.
• Conducting simulation tests under mass production conditions before formal mold opening to reduce product development risks. This method is frequently applied during product design verification, material evaluation, and functional testing stages, helping to shorten development cycles and improve design accuracy.
•Balancing Cost and Development Efficiency Compared to producing complete prototype molds or moving directly to the mass-production mold stage, hybrid manufacturing offers a more cost-effective solution within specific production volume ranges, making it particularly suitable for low-to-medium volume prototyping needs. Its cost-effectiveness and applicable quantity range may vary depending on the size of the prototype model.
•Material Properties Close to Mass-Produced Products By using the same or similar plastic granules as those used in injection molding, the mechanical strength, thermal performance, appearance, texture, and functional characteristics of the prototype parts can more closely resemble the final mass-produced product, enhancing the reliability of testing and verification.
•Support for Common Engineering Plastic Materials Hybrid manufacturing is compatible with a wide range of commonly used plastic materials, including ABS, PC, PP, POM, PA (Nylon), and other engineering plastics. The appropriate material grade can be selected based on product application and testing requirements.
•Applicable to Diverse Product Development Needs Hybrid manufacturing serves as a vital bridging technology between prototyping and mass production, providing greater flexibility and feasibility throughout the product development process.
If you encounter the following situations during the development process, it is recommended to prioritize hybrid manufacturing:
•Requirement for authentic mass-production materials for testing.
•Prototype quantities ranging from a few units to dozens of pieces.
•Uncertainty regarding the immediate need for formal mold production.
•Need to complete product verification within a short timeframe.
Necessity to reduce technical and cost risks prior to opening expensive molds.