Prototyping and conceptual design seems to be dominated by the 3D print market at the moment. Clever software allied to the plethora of 3D printers has inspired the industrial press that innovation comes down to kit.
Granted, in some cases this will have an element of merit but real innovation is still initiated in the head of the designer and his team with a large dose of good old fashioned ‘elbow grease’.
Components do not always have to be hugely complicated to warrant prototyping for approval. Size, material and fitness for purpose may restrict the new technologies. However, the requirement still has to be fulfilled.