A prototype is the materialisation of an idea. New technologies applied to three-dimensional prototyping allow to obtain real models and instantly assess functionalities, limits, issues as well as costs and even the market reaction.
There are multiple materials that can be used to produce prototypes (resins, nylon, cardboard, wood, plaster, etc.) The largest part is represented by the plastics that allow to verify the design and assembly of the future objects.
Thanks to the sintering process, prototypes of moulds to be used for the casting can be created. In foundries, during the sintering process of the sand, moulds and cores can be made directly from the 3D model using a special sand with thermosetting resin.
This process eliminates the time consuming and expensive phase of the construction of all the necessary equipment and makes it easier to implement changes quickly.
The main issues with plastic materials are related to heat, but there are solutions like aluminium skins, when LED are involved and thermal dissipation is important.