When Selling a New Product, It's Important to Have a Working Prototype. This New Series Explores the Various Model Techniques for Showcasing Your Product.

As I've mentioned before, creating a product prototype is very much within the ability of most people. And having a prototype is an absolute necessity when presenting your product to potential investors, licensees or manufacturers. So let's begin with the simplest approach: paperboard models.

Many proof of concept models can be made of paperboard or "Foam Core" board. Art supply stores carry these materials. Paperboard models are great to show size, shape and basic features. They can also be made quickly on your kitchen table with inexpensive tools.

Paperboard should be stiff (about 1/16" thick) and be able to be scored (a method of cutting partway through the material with an Exacto knife or mat knife so it will fold without cutting all the way through), and bent. I use "museum board" because it's the same color all the way through. Then if I make a score, the exposed edge is a uniform color. And you can actually sand museum board with 400 sandpaper to smooth the edges.

Foam core board is a sandwich construction with paper on the outside and white foam on the inside. It's strong and lightweight and easy to cut. Always use a sharp new knife blade for best results. Mark the area to be cut and use an aluminum straight edge ruler and watch those fingers--you'll need them later on!

Use white glue for joining edges. Edges must be joined without gaps. You'll need very little glue for the process. More glue means longer dry time. Use drafting tape or push pins to hold glued joints in place while drying. Curves may be obtained by making multiple light scores and bending.

Finished paperboard models can be covered with an outer layer of colored (glazed) paper or metallic paper. Cut paper to size and apply "3M Spray Ment" on the back of paper and stick it to the model. Be careful in alignment--once it's stuck, it's hard to pick up again.

SUPPLIES FOR MAKING PAPERBOARD MODELS:

1. Paperboard--Museum board for the same color all the way through. About 1/16" thick. Only comes in black, gray or white.

2. Crescent Board--Comes in assorted colors. Top coat, white inside.

3. Foam Core Board--Strong and light, paper outsides. The foam inside comes in different thicknesses, from 1/16" to 1/2" . I usually use 1/4".

4. Straight Edge--A 36" or 48" aluminum ruler works well.

5. Exacto or Mat Knife--Use #2 blades in Exacto Knife. Get plenty of extra blades. You need to replace them often to keep a good, clean cut.

6. Chipboard--Watch out not to cut the kitchen table!

7. White Glue (like Elmer's).

8. Push Pins, Drafting Tape, Clean Surface to Work on.

Next Issue: Explore another prototyping technique.

Ken Tarlow is president of Tarlow Design, a full-service product development company that helps independent inventors design, prototype, patent and license consumer product ideas. He has developed more than 300 consumer products worth over one billion dollars in retail sales. Tarlow's office is in San Rafael, CA. He may be reached at (415) 457-6428.

The above article was excerpted from Tarlow's MIND TO MONEY, a cassette tape/workbook package that can help you develop a new product from the idea stage to the marketplace. MIND TO MONEY may be ordered from the Dream Merchant at $59.95 plus $4.95 CA sales tax and$5 shipping and handling ($69.90 total). Send orders to the Dream Merchant, 2309 Torrance Blvd., Suite 104, Torrance, CA 90501.