The present study had the objective of developing prototypes of microsprinkler with good distribution uniformity to irrigate with overlap in vegetable crops, by rapid prototyping and mechanic tournament. The work was carried out in the Hydraulic Laboratory of the Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and in the Centro de Tecnologia da Informação Renato Archer (CTI). Two processes were tested in the development of the microsprinkler prototypes rapid prototype and mechanical lathing. Christiansen Uniformity Coefficient was used as indicator to evaluate the distribution uniformity. Among the tested materials, the PVC and the technyl showed more facility in the prototype development in the mechanical lathing process, however, the PVC was chosen due to better finishing. The prototypes built by mechanical lathing showed satisfactory results, but were hard work and handmade. On the other hand, with the rapid prototyping, prototypes were built with better finishing and were quicker. The utilization of rapid prototyping in the development of irrigation devices is something completely innovative and pioneering, besides being a tool of great utility in the product innovation in the Agricultural Engineering sector.
microsprinkler; vegetable crops; technology innovation
