Advantages and disadvantages of rapid prototyping

Question 1

One advantage

Answer 1

Reduced design & development time. It helps because it means that the final product will release earlier than it should if rapid prototyping want used

Question 2

One disadvantage

Answer 2

Lack of accuracy – If the function of the product relies heavily on the accuracy of the parts, then rapid prototype parts and assembly might not be able to fulfil the same accuracy

Question 3

Another advantage

Answer 3

Reduced overall product development cost. Having a reduced overall development cost means that the project willl be easier to fund and, when released, will produce the maximum profit.

Question 4

Another disadvantage

Answer 4

Whilst costing less in the long run, the short term cost can sometimes be very high due to the new technologies needed to produce the prototypes. Rapid prototyping also skilled labour meaning that employee costs are going to cost more than the average wage due to the possible lack of skills to make the prototype.