Rapid Prototyping Services

Rapid prototyping cost varies by part size, geometry, material, quantity, tolerance, and finishing.

• 3D Printing (SLA/SLS/FDM): typically $50–$500+ for small parts; larger or high-detail builds cost more.

• Plastic CNC Machining: often $100–$1,000+ per part depending on machining time and tolerance requirements.

• Vacuum Casting: usually includes a silicone mold fee (often a few hundred to ~1,000+) plus per-part cost, so total projects commonly land in the hundreds to a few thousand range.

• Rapid Tooling Injection Molding: typically requires a prototype aluminum mold (often ~$2,000–$5,000+) plus per-part pricing; best when you need production-like material behavior or small batches.

To get an accurate quote, upload your CAD (STEP/IGES) and share target material, quantity, and any critical tolerances/finish requirements. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective route and confirm price and lead time.

In practice, the right choice depends on what you need the prototype to validate.

If the primary goal is speed and geometry validation—such as checking overall envelope size, ergonomics, or complex internal shapes—3D printing is usually the fastest option. It supports rapid iteration and complex geometries with minimal setup. The trade-off is that dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and material properties are process-dependent, and the printed material may not fully represent the final production-grade plastic.

If the goal is fit and functional verification on critical interfaces—including hole locations, mating faces, sealing lands, bearing seats, snap features, or other CTQ dimensions—CNC machining is typically the safer choice. In these cases, CNC milling is commonly used to control flat datums, pockets, and tight positional tolerances. Because the part is cut from real engineering plastics (such as ABS, PC, PA, POM, or PP), dimensional control, datum integrity, and repeatability are much closer to production intent. This is critical when the prototype must assemble correctly and reflect real-world functional behavior.

A practical rule of thumb we use internally:

– Does the prototype need to assemble and pass a dimensional or functional check? → CNC machining
– Does the prototype mainly need to validate geometry quickly? → 3D printing

If you’re unsure, share your CAD along with (1) target material, (2) quantity, and (3) which features are CTQ. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective process—and, when appropriate, quote both options so you can balance speed against functional fidelity.

Sometimes. For low volumes, CNC (engineering plastics) or certain 3D printing processes can produce end-use parts. When you need production-like material behavior and repeatability for small batches, rapid tooling injection molding is usually the best bridge-to-production route. Share your material, operating conditions, and quantity—we’ll recommend the right process and quote accordingly.

Yes. We plan rapid prototyping with manufacturing intent, so the work you do in prototype builds carries forward into pilot runs and production instead of being “one-off” samples.

In practice, the transition usually follows one of these paths:

• Prototype (fast iterations): 3D printing or quick CNC to validate geometry, assembly, and design risks.

• Pilot / bridge production (small batches): CNC for functional parts in engineering plastics, vacuum casting for cosmetic short runs, or rapid tooling injection molding when you need production-like material behavior and repeatability.

• Production: full-scale tooling/molding or a stable machining process with defined datums, tolerances, and inspection requirements.

To keep the transition smooth, we carry over the same fundamentals across stages—datums and CTQ features, tolerance strategy, surface/texture requirements, and an agreed inspection plan. If you share your expected ramp volume and target material early, we can recommend a prototype route that minimizes rework when you move to production.

For the fastest and most accurate quote, please provide:

• 3D CAD: STEP (.stp/.step) preferred; IGES (.igs) also accepted.

• 2D drawing (if available): PDF/DWG with critical dimensions (CTQs), tolerances, GD&T, and any surface finish notes.

• Material & process intent: target material (e.g., ABS/PC/PA/POM/PP) and preferred process (CNC / 3D printing / vacuum casting / rapid tooling) if you already know it.

• Quantity & target lead time: prototype qty per iteration and required delivery date.

• Finish & appearance requirements: texture, gloss/matte, paint-ready, color, or cosmetic requirements.

• Assembly context (optional but helpful): mating parts, clearance requirements, and any “must-fit” interfaces.

If you only have early-stage files (e.g., STL, screenshots, or a draft model), send them anyway. We can review and advise what’s needed to quote and manufacture reliably.

If your file format is not listed, feel free to contact our customer service team, and we will assist you with the conversion.

We treat prototypes as the first step of production—not one-off samples—so the decisions you make early can scale with minimal redesign.

During prototyping, we align on datums and CTQ features (the dimensions that must not move), then select a process and material that matches your validation goal (appearance, fit, or functional testing). As we build, we capture what matters for scale-up: tolerance stack risks, warpage/shrink tendencies (for plastics), surface/texture requirements, and any assembly interfaces.

When you’re ready to ramp, we recommend the most stable path for your volume and performance needs—bridge production via CNC, vacuum casting for short-run cosmetic parts, or rapid tooling injection molding for production-like material behavior and repeatability. We carry forward the same CTQ plan and, if required, add FAI/dimensional reports so the pilot run becomes the baseline for production.

Yes. We can sign an NDA before you share full design details. Your CAD files, drawings, and project data are handled under controlled access (only the assigned project team can view them), and we do not share customer designs externally without written approval. If you have specific security or compliance requirements (restricted file sharing, redacted prints, or limited distribution), tell us upfront and we’ll follow your workflow.