3D Development Mock-Ups

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a 3D product development mock-up is worth a thousand pictures. 3D models are a great tool for snaring investors or selling an idea, and they are also used in the design process to evaluate and further a design. The fact is, a model brings an air of believability and detail that no single drawing can attain. Our prototypers are highly trained to produce models to serve every step of the process: from early developmental testing mock-ups to fully-functional prototypes.

We follow a form-follows-function methodology, based on Human Factors and User Interface Design, from the consumers’ perspective. The Enlightened Solution at the end of the rainbow is the final design CAD part files, which are ready to proceed to tooling and mass production. You may have a sketch, crude or fully functional model, but you need to take it to the professional mass manufacturing prototype level and you need Designers and or Engineers who will lead and work with you to bring it all together.

WD offers complete high quality appearance and marketing models. These models are often used in promotional photography prior to the product being manufactured. The marketing or appearance model is typically a non functioning color mock-up of the proposed design. Although it may look real, it is typically made of solid forms and rapid prototyping techniques. Due to costs of tooling, manufacturing prototyping, a Client may request an appearance model to get final approvals from the management team prior to proceeding to tooling. 

Mock-Up Model (Foam-core)
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
Sleep Respirator Device/Tranquility® Quest
Respironics Corporation, GA
formally Healthdyne Technologies, Inc.

A mock-up is a full scale model of a structure or device, usually used for teaching, demonstration, testing a design, etc. Mock-up models are always full scale. They can be made from a variety of mediums, including cardboard, foam board, wood and sheet metal. The purpose of a mock-up is to assist in a full scale evaluation of the intended design. A mock-up should not be confused with a prototype. Prototypes are always meant to function, even if not fully so, whereas mock-ups are only meant to look like the real system, and do not function. In many cases it is best to mock-up a design or the user interface before hardware is built, to avoid having to go back and make expensive changes. Mock-ups are used when the size, impression and/or artworks have to be tested and approved. Mock-up is also a frequently used term when talking about an early 3D layout or full size sketch of a product.

Functional / Appearance Model
Proprietary Multi-valve Dispenser
6 Weeks – Concept sketch to 2 different working prototype models
The Coca-Cola Company, GA

Functional and working models are often recommended at the beginning of a project to prove the feasibility of a design. Functional or working models although they may not look like the final intended design, operate consistent to the base function of the design. Form models are often used to evaluate form and appearance in relation to the users. They are typically full or scale models, which are sculpted or machined from solid urethane foams and painted a mono-color. Mock-up models are always full scale. They can be made from a variety of mediums, including cardboard, foam board, wood and sheet metal. The purpose of a mock-up is to assist in a full scale evaluation of the intended design.

Rapid Mold – RTV Urethane Cast Models
Pre-production: Injection mold, thermoforming, twin sheet, extrusion

The purpose of RTV Molding or Cast Modeling is low volume prototyping technique that can produce parts from soft to hard using Polyurethane mold materials to cast Polyurethane and Silicone plastics. These parts can appear just like injection molded plastic parts with similar surface finish, color, properties. RTV models are recommended when a Client needs more than 10 and up to 100 units. These are just some of the modelmaking and prototyping techniques we use, and we will be happy to quote any type of modeling you may desire.

For a competitive RFQ or prototype quotation or complete shop tour please call us at (770) 277-7097 for an initial consultation.

Technical Support: Scott Stewart   scott@whitelightdesign.com
General Questions: Willis Whiteside   willis@whitelightdesign.com

See Prototyping