Transform creative ideas into commercially successful products.

Product Prototyping.

Looking for a prototyping company to bring your idea to life?

Creating a prototype of your design is an important step in the product development process as it determines whether a project is viable or not. A design might look good in theory, but will it work in real life? Depending on the complexity of the part or model, it can be 3D printed at a low cost with a fast turnaround.  

As part of our full-service product development service, we specialise in rapid prototyping using 3D printers. We can print one-off prototypes and small volume runs inhouse, and work with partners to create more complex prototypes and larger volume print runs if required.

Why prototype
your design?

There are several benefits to prototyping a product’s design

Identify design issues

Interacting with the product allows us to discover potential flaws in the design. We will then be able to test and refine the design earlier on the process.

Cost effective

There are no tooling costs involved with 3D printing, so it’s a low cost, low risk option.

Test before production

Check the product’s intended use, and simulate the strength and visual appeal of a product.

Opportunity for feedback

Prototypes can be presented to end users or investors for feedback. Seeing a physical product brings it to life and can speed up product development.

What type of prototype do you need?

Prototypes are made for many different reasons, but all contribute to the success of a product’s final development.

Functional prototypes

Test design and form

Functional prototypes are used to:

Check the size
Test the weight
Observe how components fit together
Assess ergonomics

Aesthetic prototypes

What will it look like?

Prototypes can be made for aesthetic reasons, to check elements like:

Colours
Materials
Different variations
Texture

Material prototypes

Test different materials

Materials can make a huge difference to how the product functions. In addition to rapid prototyping we have built prototypes in various materials to test concept ideas. Materials can include:

Welded steel
Sheet metal
Aluminium
Resin
Wood

Pre-production prototypes

Is it fit for purpose?

Pre-production prototypes support the manufacturability of a product, the manufacturing processes and reliability. A prototype can quickly identify any design shortfalls that can be corrected before sending to a manufacturer.