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There are a ton of different tools available for prototyping hardware. But how do you know which tool is the right one at any given time?
我们查看的主要属性之一是确定工具是否适合于给定的设计阶段是repeatability。Repeatability refers to the ability of a production method to fabricate in a consistently precise way.
正如您在上图所示，重复性与成本相关联，因此在早期设计阶段时，当您不担心一致的生产时，低成本工具最好。另一方面，当你在晚期设计阶段和一致的生产是关键时，是时候投资更昂贵的过程了。
帮助你选择正确的工具工作,each stage in the hardware development lifecycle, here’s what we call your “prototyping toolbox.” These are the tools you’ll reach for when you need to create a physical prototype of your design, organized by early, middle, and late design phases.
Early Design Phase
在此阶段，重复性不是最重要的问题。目标是简单地制作代表您的设计的东西form。这可能意味着下降到你当地的美元树，并购买他们的塑料剑系列，因为你正在设计寿命尺寸的铁宝座。我称之为愚蠢的构建。你会感到惊讶，你可以通过切割泡沫和粘合它们在一起来实现你的设计。
对于电子产品，这是您的面包板阶段。便宜的零件可以从Sparkfun或Digikey购买，并与传统的面包板一起使用，用于解决电路设计。在早期的设计阶段，电子原型方面没有很多选择。但是，如果您对设计电路的更现代的方式感兴趣，请退房Circuit Scribe通过电子链接，电路设计的“涂鸦”。
中间设计阶段
At some point, you’re going to want a more accurate representation of your product—one that can address both the形式和功能of your design. You want to know if the product performs and functions according to your expectations, accomplishing its purpose.
当您开始测试产品功能时，重复性变得越来越重要，因为产品的功能取决于精确的部件。
2D Cutters
在此阶段，2D切割器非常有用。向它们馈送2D图像，例如DXF或Vector文件，他们将使用激光，高速水或传统端盖准确地追踪您的部件。这些工具具有高度可重复和准确的益处。激光切割器和水喷气机是此类别中最常用的工具。
3D Printing
The entrance of3D printingin the consumer space has allowed many people to quickly and accurately prototype their designs. It has introduced a low-cost option that’s fast and easily repeatable.
If you’re considering the purchase of your own 3D printer, first read aboutthe true cost of machine ownershipand if you’re ready to start ordering 3D parts, head on over tofictiv.com创建一个帐户。
Electronics Prototyping Platforms
就电子原型制作而言，没有什么比这更好Arduino那an open source electronic prototyping platform with nearly limitless capabilities. Arduinos have been used to create projects from coffee robots to LED displays to synthesizers.
Additional choices for electronic prototyping includeRaspberry Pi那Particle for IoT那Intel Edison那Gumstix那andBeagleBoard。
晚期设计阶段
As you progress in the prototyping lifecycle, you should use prototyping tools with increasing repeatability, getting closer to your actual production method.
这些后期的设计阶段工具具有较长的转变（通常几周），但到目前为止，设计变更最小。
CNC
CNC那or Computer Numerical Control, machines have been used for decades to both prototype and manufacture products by hogging out a piece of material until the desired shape is achieved. They are generally used for metal parts but can also be used for wood, plastics, and composite materials.
CNC可能是本文中提到的所有原型设计工具中最昂贵的，但提供无与伦比的重复性和制造复杂金属件的能力。因为它是制造大量设计的唯一方法，使用这种原型的方法也可能在设计阶段中提到。
RTV成型
Room tempurature vulcanization (RTV) molding uses a silicone mold—a soft and flexible material that’s cheaper to work with than metal, but has a shorter life than injection molds. RTV molding is used for smaller runs of parts for that reason, but it offers a significant price advantage over CNC andinjection moldingand still provides a high quality finish with intricate details.
To learn more about RTV molding,check out this article from our Hardware Guide。
Now that you have an overview of the tools available for each phase of the design process, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal. Good luck!
