What's the difference between a prototype and a handicraft sculpture?

What's the difference between a prototype and a handicraft sculpture?

Prototypes differ significantly from handicraft sculptures in terms of materials, uses, and production techniques:

1. Materials and Characteristics
Prototypes: Typically made of industrial materials such as PVC, resin, and nylon, they emphasize flexibility and workability, allowing for rapid prototyping and modification.

Handicraft sculptures: Often made of natural or traditional materials such as polystone, wood, and clay, they emphasize texture and artistic expression, such as ivory and wood carvings, offering greater durability and aesthetic appeal.

2. Purpose of Production
Prototypes: Primarily used for industrial design verification, they test the rationality of product structure through a small number of samples, providing a basis for mass production, emphasizing functionality and efficiency. Craft Sculpture: This falls under the category of artistic creation, expressing aesthetic emotion through carving or shaping, and possessing decorative or cultural symbolic meaning, such as religious statues and desk ornaments.

3. Craftsmanship and Details
Prototypes: Relying on CNC engraving or 3D printing technology, they pursue precision and standardization, with relatively simplified detailing.

Craft Sculpture: Often requires hand-carving or shaping, boasting richer details (such as fabric patterns and carved patterns), reflecting the artist's personal style.

4. Application Scenarios
Prototypes: Commonly used in manufacturing and product development, such as automotive parts and electronic device prototypes.

Craft Sculpture: Often used in art collections, architectural decoration, or cultural displays, such as museum exhibits and home furnishings.

In summary, prototypes are practical tools for industrial design, while craft sculptures are vehicles for artistic creation. The two differ in their core goals and technical approaches.