A virtual prototype is a digital version of a new component. Instead of creating it in the real world, it is created on a computer, ready for testing in the virtual world.
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Virtual prototyping
A Virtual Prototype (VP) is a digital simulation of a physical product, system, or component used to test and validate its design, functionality, and performance before manufacturing a physical prototype. It leverages computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and simulation tools to evaluate different design aspects under real-world conditions.
Medical autoinjector
Applying integrated, simulated design solutions early on at the design stage of development reveals any problems before producing a physical prototype or the associated manufacturing tooling.
Virtual products, real people
Building experience into virtualization combines an understanding of real prototypes and manufacturing with insights from the digital world.
A powerful tool
Virtual prototyping is an amazingly powerful tool for avoiding delays and costs. Identifying an issue early in the process saves both time and money.
Getting it right from the start
Virtual prototyping helps get things right from the start.
Key features of virtual prototyping
- 3D Modeling – Uses CAD software to create detailed digital models of parts and assemblies.
- Simulation & Analysis – Employs CAE tools to analyze structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, and mechanical behaviors.
- Iterative Design Optimization – Allows rapid modifications to improve product performance without costly physical iterations.
- Integration with manufacturing simulations – Simulates processes like injection molding, CNC machining, or additive manufacturing and the assembly process to predict manufacturability issues.
- User interaction & testing – Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be used for ergonomic assessments and usability testing.
Benefits of virtual prototyping
- Reduces development time & costs – Eliminates the need for multiple physical prototypes.
- Enhances design quality – Identifies flaws early, leading to optimized product performance and a better understanding of core functionality.
- Improves manufacturing feasibility – Detects potential production challenges before tooling is manufactured
- Supports collaboration – Enables design teams, engineers, and stakeholders to review, improve and iterate virtually.
Application in injection molding
In plastic part design and injection molding, virtual prototyping is used to:
- Simulate mold filling, cooling, and warpage analysis to achieve a robust design.
- Optimize component weight, gate position, runner system, and cooling layouts.
- Evaluate material flow, fiber orientation, and shrinkage predictions.
- Test mold design and manufacturability constraints before fabrication.
VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING
Our knowledge, your opportunities
Our know-how brings better products to market quickly and can help people with medical conditions; real people and real lives enhanced and extended by virtual prototyping.
VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING
The Nolava project
Creating a virtual prototype considers everything that happens to the materials when they are processed during manufacturing.
The Nolava project was a joint venture between Nolato, Avalon, Altair and Ariadne. Its purpose was to create a fictitious but realistic medical device to showcase the different techniques used during product development. Nolato focused on using virtual prototyping, which uses manufacturing simulation results to improve the function of the final product. Manufacturing methods such as injection molding and assembly can also be simulated.
Contacts
If you would like more information about Nolato's services and solutions please contact our team member(s) below.
Bill Torris
Technical Design Center - The Americas
Patrik Ingvarsson
Technical Design Center - Europe
Mattias Bengtsson
Technical Design Center - Asia
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