Virtually all prototypes are exceedingly time sensitive, some more so than others. It is important for the prototype supplier and design engineer to talk about time lines early in the developmental process. Holding back releasing the prototype build until the last minute, for whatever reason, is not beneficial to a successful prototyping process. The earlier you can bring the prototype supplier into your confidence the better for everyone.
You are approaching your prototype build and your casting design is not complete. How many of you have been in this situation?
Is your prototype quantity requirement 10 pieces or is it 250 pieces? Is it 10, and then 250? Is it 10 and then maybe 250? It is helpful for you to try to determine this, and to share this information with your prototype supplier at the quoting stage.
An example might be the designer of a structural component who went through a prototype program and initial prototypes failed in mechanical testing. A subsequent redesign yielded parts that performed well. The designer however, had prototyped the initial parts in an alloy and process that was not representative of the eventual production process.
Most configurations can be cast effectively. However it can often be considerably more cost and time affective to incorporate some features into a secondary machining operation.
