A working prototype is a wonderful thing. It is also expensive to make, expensive to show and one of a kind. After spending thousands of dollars having a machine shop make your prototype you will be unlikely to want to ship it across the country and hope that it makes it back home safe. If there is a function that absolutely needs to be shown in order to prove that it works, a rough working prototype may be in order. Often initial working prototypes of electronic products are simple project boxes with wires connecting to the larger functioning technology. Production electronics are always smaller. The virtual prototype can show molded plastic details, perfect cast metal parts, and production size electronics. It gives the potential licensee a feel for the product and allows you to see just how many people are likely to want your product before you invest large sums of money in your first idea.