Rapid Custom Prototyping Services

We can help you to create high-quality custom prototypes of any part that you have designed. Using our rapid prototyping processes, we help you to create accurate models at a low cost. This allows you to determine the viability of your part or model before committing to a full production run.

We also offer full rapid prototyping services and support for all levels of production. With us, you can produce a prototype of a single product or simulate a full production run through a large-scale prototyping project. Moreover, we provide engineering support in which we draw on our own experiences in the industry to help you to improve your prototypes and create better parts.

Why Should You Create a Prototype?

Prototyping allows you to test your designs without committing to a full production run. Typically, engineers use prototypes to obtain a physical model of their designs. They can then use these models to see how their designs work in reality.

Prototyping offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to a full production run. It allows you to obtain a physical part quickly, which means that you to make the changes needed to bring the part to market without any issues.

Beyond the production speed and low cost, prototyping also offers the following benefits:

  • It allows you to create a working model of your design to show investors.
  • You can test the market with the prototype product before moving up to full-scale production.
  • It allows you to spot inefficiencies in your production process.
  • You can create multiple prototypes of the same design using different materials and colors.

Our Services

We offer a range of services as part of our overall prototyping service.

CNC Machining

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining allows you to create both metal and plastic prototypes. Its key advantage is that it doesn’t require the same level of tooling as you would need in a full production run.

Moreover, the process uses pre-programmed computer software that emulates the design that you’ve created with a great deal of accuracy. The use of this software also automates the machinery, which eliminates the issue of human error. This results in prototypes that have tight tolerances and are accurate representations of the design that you’ve created.

3D Printing

A relatively new technology, 3D printing allows us to print complex parts and prototypes. This creates lightweight parts that also have a great deal of strength. Again, 3D printing also ensures that you don’t have to invest in the tooling required for a regular production run.

Unlike other prototyping processes, 3D printing is an additive process. This means that it adds layers of a material to create a prototype, rather than subtracting layers from a base material until it achieves the desired shape. As a result, the process creates far less waste than other prototyping processes. Furthermore, many modern digital design software packages allow you to create designs that you can port directly into the printer.

Unfortunately, 3D printers may not be the best choice if you want to create a large production run of your prototype. However, they’re ideal for creating single units and experimenting with different materials.

Engineering Support

In addition to helping you to produce your prototype, our technicians can also offer engineering support. This means that you can rely on our experts to provide guidance in regards to how to improve your design and create a better prototype.

This support may help you to answer questions that your engineers have struggled with. Even at its most basic, our prototyping support service can still help you to determine which prototyping service works best for your needs.

FAQ

How Much Does Prototyping Cost?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer this question. The cost depends on several factors, which include the following:

  • The size and complexity of the design.
  • The materials that you want to use.
  • Which prototyping process that you want to use.
  • Any finishing that the part requires.
  • The size of the production run, in cases where you want multiple prototypes.

We will discuss all of these factors with you to create a prototyping process that suits your needs.

How Long Does it Take?

Again, this depends on the size and complexity of the part. Some parts take a matter of minutes to create a prototype for, whereas others can take several hours.

Assuming that you have a complete design ready, it’s generally accepted that you can use one of the above methods to create a prototype in less than 24 hours.

How Do I Maintain Confidentiality?

We go to great lengths to ensure we maintain confidentiality when helping you to create prototypes. We create confidentiality agreements to ensure you maintain full control over your design. We also store any data that you send to us in a secure location and we encrypt any transmissions that we send to you.

Have you created a design and need a high-quality prototype? Or, do you have a prototype already and need engineering support to help you to improve it. In either case, we can help you. Contact us at (603)-769-3487 to arrange a free consultation to discuss your requirements.

References:

http://www.rutlandplastics.co.uk/prototyping/

https://www.starrapid.com/services/rapid-prototyping/