While an idea may appear crystal clear in an inventor's mind, others may not always be able to visualize the invention as clearly. This is why a 3-D prototype model can be helpful for inventors trying to explain their ideas to other people. A model gives people a better sense of what an invention would look like and why it would be useful. Most inventors enjoy seeing their ideas in a life-like model.
To assist inventors who have new product ideas, InventHelp is now offering a 3-D prototype model package. With this service, you'll receive a three-dimensional model of your invention. The steps we use to create these prototypes are detailed below, and you can also watch a video of InventHelp's 3-D Prototype Printing Process below.
Step 1: Your Invention Sketch
You provide us with basic information about your invention idea (size, shape, appearance, etc.) as well as a sketch. If you are a submission client, you've already done this in your Disclosure to InventHelp. Your drawing does not have to be professional quality – it only serves to help convey your idea to our design team.
Step 2: Professional Illustration
We will create a professional illustration using the information and the drawing you supplied. Before moving on to the next step, you will have the opportunity to review and approve or make changes to this illustration of your invention. If you are a submission client, this illustration will be provided as part of your submission service.
Step 3: 3-D CAD Drawing
A 3-D CAD drawing of your idea is prepared based on the illustration you approved. The CAD drawing is basically a digital blueprint that we input into our 3-D printers to construct your invention prototype model.
Step 4: Finished Prototype Model
InventHelp invention prototype models are produced using Dimension™ 3-D Printers. Dimension 3-D Printers employ a patented technology called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to construct physical models layer by layer from durable acrylnitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.
Models can be produced in various sizes, and may be designed to include a number of different features or details. Though your prototype model will not be functional, it will provide a reasonably accurate physical representation of your invention.
How does InventHelp make your prototype model?
Once a Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) has been prepared for your invention, we convert it into a special file that can be used in our 3-D prototype printing process. Our software automatically plots out the various components of your prototype model, and also generates the support material that will initially hold the model together.
Next, the 3-D prototype printers heat durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic into a semi-liquid state and feed it into the machine. One by one, the machine lays out thin ABS cross-sections of your invention model until it is complete. After the plastic hardens to a solid state, a chemical solution dissolves the support material, leaving only the finished prototype model.
What are the advantages of InventHelp's 3-D prototype printing?
A completely functional prototype can be very expensive and slow to develop. Our rapid 3-D prototype printing process can duplicate many of those moveable parts and special features, but at a fraction of the cost and time.
On the other hand, many "appearance" prototypes are built using flimsy materials, while ours are constructed from highly durable ABS plastic to ensure that your model will not fall apart at the slightest bit of stress.
Best of all, an InventHelp 3-D prototype model will allow others to visualize your invention as a tangible object, which could be useful in attempting to present your idea to manufacturers. If you don't have a prototype, contact InventHelp to learn more about our new 3-D printing service!