How can prototyping be used in digital fabrication?

Prototyping can be used in digital fabrication in several ways:

1. Design testing: Prototyping can be used to test the design of a product or component before it is manufactured. This allows designers to make adjustments to the design and identify any potential problems before they occur.

2. Iterative design: Prototyping enables designers to iterate on their designs quickly and efficiently. They can create multiple prototypes to test different design variations and refine their designs until they are satisfied with the final product.

3. Toolpath optimization: Prototyping can be used to optimize toolpaths for digital fabrication machines such as CNC routers or laser cutters. By testing different toolpaths on prototypes, designers can identify the most efficient and effective way to produce their product.

4. User testing: Prototyping can be used to test how users interact with a product before it is manufactured. This allows designers to gather feedback from users and make adjustments to improve the user experience.

Overall, prototyping in digital fabrication allows designers to refine their designs, improve efficiency, and ensure the final product meets user needs.

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