Why You Should Consider a Proof-of-Concept Prototype
You have a great idea, a nifty napkin sketch, and you’re ready to bring the concept to life! But wait—isn’t prototyping expensive and time-consuming? Not necessarily.
Let Accurate CNC Services unlock your innovation with a proof-of-concept prototype made from cardboard or another inexpensive material.
For those seeking a radical new approach to rapid prototyping services, proof-of-concept prototypes enable you to visualize and scrutinize a prototype and, in many cases, avoid a return to the drawing board entirely—all without the hefty price tag associated with an actual prototype.
Let’s take a look at two recent projects that our Idaho machine shop successfully tackled with our unprecedented proof-of-concept prototyping method.
The Reading Cabin: Proof-of-Concept Prototyping at Scale
You may remember the Reading Cabin we manufactured for our local library: a huge indoor play space with an exterior that mimics the look of layered tree trunks. The surprise MVP of this architect-led project was the prototype itself: a scale model built entirely from cardboard.
Here’s a quick breakdown of our team’s process:
Scan the architect’s rough sketch
Separate the design into multiple layers
Cut scaled-down cardboard pieces for each layer
Cut alignment pinholes
The final result? A 12” scale model of what would eventually become a 12’ long child-safe structure. Architects West loved the cardboard prototype so much that they used it as their stakeholder presentation piece!
The takeaway is clear: Don’t underestimate the potential of a humble material like cardboard, especially when you’re in the brainstorming phase. Sometimes, the simplest solutions yield the most impactful results.
From Crafts to Cars: Why Cardboard Works
The very factors that make cardboard beloved by art teachers also make it a terrific choice for proof-of-concept prototypes.
Fast and easy
Cardboard proof-of-concept prototypes are impressively fast to make! We used cardboard to mock up an awning bracket concept for a customer’s Nissan Titan—a vehicle we’d already upgraded with a custom tailgate cover.
When a fitment issue arose, we quickly modified and recut the template in only 30 minutes. Meanwhile, our customer waited in our parking lot with his truck, where we refitted and finalized the prototype for production.
Low cost
Cardboard is incredibly affordable. Actually, allow us to rephrase. Cardboard is cheap. We can obtain a 4’x8’ sheet of cardboard for approximately $5. This price point is negligible, especially when you consider the overall costs of product development.
In addition to the low cost of the material itself, the cost of cutting cardboard is significantly lower than traditional prototype machining services that involve cutting other materials.
Minimal waste
Cardboard is recyclable. As long as the cardboard isn’t plastic-lined or wax-coated, it can generally be recycled at any recycling center. You can also easily repurpose cardboard for packaging and other projects—or donate it to your local elementary school art teacher!
CNC Solutions for Cutting Cardboard
Our Idaho machine shop can cut cardboard proof-of-concept pieces with either a CNC router or CNC laser cutter. The laser is our top choice; it’s extremely precise and exceptionally fast when cutting cardboard.
You may be wondering if using heat to cut cardboard is a fire hazard. It certainly can be, which is why we carefully manage our cutting speed to ensure the material doesn’t burst into a mini bonfire.
Alternative Materials for Proof-of-Concept Prototyping
Cardboard isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For prototypes requiring sturdier materials or etching, for instance, a thin plastic or MDF may be a better choice. Both are fast and easy to laser cut.
Best of all, once you’ve approved your proof-of-concept prototype, we can quickly advance to production with your finalized design file. We’ll begin by cutting a single test part from your selected metal, plastic, or other material, bypassing the need for pricier prototype machining services. Once we know the test part meets your requirements, we can fully launch production.
At Accurate CNC, the Proof Is in the Prototype
Anyone looking to prototype a sheet or plate project can take advantage of our Idaho machine shop’s proof-of-concept cardboard prototypes. With our low-cost, zero-waste rapid prototyping services at your fingertips, you have no excuse not to innovate.
Our team is here to help you identify the right prototyping solution for your project, so reach out and request a quote!