Digital prototyping predicted to grow

Fascia Graphics research finds that 90% of electronics engineers predict that the digital prototyping industry will continue to grow over the next five years.

The research finds that although nearly half (40%) of electrical engineers are currently using digital prototypes of membrane keypads and graphic overlays, the vast majority (90%) are predicting that the digital prototyping industry will continue to grow over the next five years.

The research conducted by Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry, also found that nearly half (40%) of engineers cited the most important benefit to using digital prototypes as increasing the likelihood of more sales at shows/exhibitions.

Nearly two thirds (60%) of engineers questioned also stated that a professional prototype enhances their business chance of a sale at a show/exhibition/during a sales presentation by over 80%.

Nearly half (40%) also cited fast turnaround of product as a key benefit of digital prototyping and nearly a quarter (20%) stated that allowing modifications to the product before paying out for a full set of artwork and tools was a key benefit.

This was supported by nearly a quarter (20%) of those questioned, who stated that digital prototyping saved their business GBP 3000-5000 per annum.

Paul Bennett, Founder and Managing Director of Fascia Graphics commented: "Whilst taking an idea for a new product through to production can often be the start of a long and expensive journey, many companies are now finding that this need not be the case as digital prototyping of membranes and overlays can reduce expenditure and operating costs, provide rapid time to market and the ability to maximise the latest technologies at an early stage in product development".

"With our research also finding that 80% of engineers start the production process of a prototype less than three months before a major show, this further demonstrates the importance of component parts (such as overlays and keypads) being developed quickly and cost effectively".

"This we feel is why we have seen an increasing popularity in our 48 hour prototyping service".

The research also found that as Fascia Graphics is one of the only companies in the marketplace providing such a quick turnaround of digital overlays and keypads, knowledge and awareness of this type of service was low with nearly half (40%) of engineers unaware that a digital prototype can be delivered from an initial brief in just five days.

In many cases Fascia Graphics can deliver in 48 hours.

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