Online Rapid Prototyping Services
Rapid 3D Printing, CNC Machining, and Injection Molding – Parts Ship in Days
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Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
- AS9100D
- ITAR Registered
Choose the right rapid prototyping service for your product development needs.
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Our Rapid Prototyping Capabilities
SLS Rapid Prototyping
SLA Rapid Prototyping
FDM Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping Materials
Metal
Aluminum
For rapid prototyping, aluminum’s low density, good mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance make it a popular choice for CNC machining. Alloys like 6061-T651, 7075-T651, and 2024-T351 are frequently used due to their balance of strength, machinability, and cost-effectiveness in quickly producing functional prototypes.
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Brass
Brass, a copper-zinc alloy, offers good corrosion resistance and tensile strength comparable to mild steel, making it suitable for rapid prototyping. Its excellent machinability allows for high feed rates and minimal coolant use, speeding up prototype production.
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Copper
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel’s excellent machinability, uniformity, workability, and weldability make it highly suitable for a wide range of CNC rapid prototyping projects. Its high ductility and formability ensure prototypes meet specific design requirements while offering durability and corrosion resistance.
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Steel Alloy
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Steel Mild Low Carbon
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Titanium
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Plastics
ABS
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Acetal
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CPVC
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) offers excellent corrosion resistance at high temperatures, making it ideal for self-supporting rapid prototypes where thermal stability is critical.
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Delrin
Delrin (POM) is a high-performance plastic ideal for rapid prototyping of parts requiring high mechanical strength. 1 Its stiffness, low friction, and wear resistance make it suitable for simulating gears, bushings, and bearings.Â
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HDPE
HDPE is a lightweight, strong, and chemically resistant material suitable for rapid prototyping. Â Its low moisture absorption and corrosion resistance make it useful for prototyping applications like orthotic/prosthetic devices, water storage components, and tanks.Â
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LDPE
LDPE offers greater flexibility than HDPE while retaining its lightweight nature and chemical/corrosion resistance. 1 This high flexibility makes it well-suited for rapid prototyping of prosthetic devices and thermoformed parts.
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Nylon
Nylon’s versatility and exceptional properties make it well-suited for rapid prototyping. 1 Its high tensile strength, low friction, and wear/abrasion resistance are ideal for simulating durable and reliable parts like gears, bushings, and bearings. 1 Low moisture absorption and good dimensional stability ensure consistent prototype
Its ease of machining, coupled with its chemical resistance, also makes it suitable for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. With its remarkable combination of properties, nylon stands out as a versatile and reliable material for a diverse range of CNC machining applications.
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PEEK
PEEK is an excellent choice for rapid prototyping when thermal, chemical, and combustion properties are critical. Available in various forms (sheet, rod, tube, film), PEEK can be machined to create prototypes for demanding applications requiring high performance.
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PEI
ULTEM, a thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI), is well-suited for rapid prototyping requiring a combination of exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Its key attributes—high strength, high heat resistance, and high stress resistance—make it ideal for demanding applications. 2 The natural material is translucent amber.Â
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PET
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a versatile semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester suitable for rapid prototyping of mechanical and electro-mechanical parts. It offers excellent wear resistance, low friction, high flexural modulus, and superior dimensional stability.Â
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PMMA (Acrylic)
Acrylic (PMMA) is a versatile plastic ideal for rapid prototyping where optical clarity, light transmission, and UV resistance are important. This makes it suitable for prototypes of signage, displays, lenses, and lighting fixtures.
With its exceptional combination of optical clarity, machinability, and versatility, acrylic is an excellent choice for CNC machining applications that require precision and aesthetics.
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Polycarbonate
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Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) Copolymer is a versatile thermoplastic well-suited for rapid prototyping due to its ease of fabrication, resistance to cracking from vibration or wear, and suitability for applications requiring chemical resistance and/or FDA compliance.
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Polystyrene (HIPS)
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a cost-effective and easily machinable plastic suitable for rapid prototyping. Â Its impact resistance, machinability, and low cost make it a good choice for low-strength structural prototypes. Dimensional stability, paintability, and ease of gluing further enhance its suitability for prototyping.Â
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PPSU
RADEL R polyphenylsulfone resins are excellent for demanding rapid prototyping applications requiring exceptional hydrolytic stability and toughness at high temperatures. Its high deflection temperature, outstanding resistance to environmental stress cracking, inherent flame retardancy, excellent thermal stability, and good electrical properties make it a strong choice for challenging environments.Â
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PSU
RADEL R polyphenylsulfone resins are ideal for rapid prototyping in demanding high-temperature applications. Their exceptional hydrolytic stability, toughness, high deflection temperature, and resistance to environmental stress cracking surpass other high-temperature engineering resins. Additionally, they offer inherent flame retardancy, excellent thermal stability, and good electrical properties.Â
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PTFE
PTFE (Teflon) is a highly desirable material for rapid prototyping, especially for parts requiring low friction, such as bearings, bushings, and seals. 1Its non-stick properties and excellent chemical resistance also make it suitable for prototypes intended for harsh environments.
Additionally, PTFE has a wide temperature range, from -200°C to +260°C, which makes it suitable for applications that require extreme temperature resistance. Its electrical insulation properties are also noteworthy, making it useful in electrical components and insulation.
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PVC
PVC is a highly versatile polymer suitable for rapid prototyping in applications requiring corrosion resistance, a good strength-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness.
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NASA Generative Design X Quick-Turn Manufacturing
Learn how we partnered with NASA to crowdsource the generative design of a moon exploration tool on an ultra-quick timeline.Â
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In House Factories
We offer a range of capabilities through our in-house digital factories. If speed is essential, our factory capabilities have you covered, but if you’re in need of advanced capabilities and have more flexibility in your schedule, try our online quotation system.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Maximum Part Size | 157.48 in. x 59.06 in. x 23.62 in. (4000 mm x 1500 mm x 600 mm) |
| Minimum Part Size | 0.20 in. x 0.20 in. x 0.20 in. (5 mm x 5 mm x 5 mm) |
| Tolerances | ±0.0002 in.（0.005mm） |
| Production Volume | Prototoyping: 1-100 pcs Low volume: 101-10,000 pcs High volume: Above 10,001 pcs |
| Factory Capabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Dimensions | Diameter | 17 in. (431mm) |
| Length | 39 in. (990mm) | |
| Minimum Dimensions | Diameter | 0.003 in. (0.08mm) |
| Length | 0.019 in. (0.5mm) | |
| Wall Thickness | 0.004 in. (0.1mm) | |
| Angle | Below 90° | |
| Tolerances | ±0.0002 in. (0.005mm) |
Finished Parts in as Fast as 4 days!
Get machined parts anodized and chromate plated with our quick-turn finishing option. Eligible materials include aluminum 6061/6082 and 7075. Start your next machining project today.
Why Choose Us for rapid prototyping?
Fast and Reliable Delivery
Rapid prototyping accelerates product development by enabling fast design iterations with quick-turn parts. Automated design analysis identifies potential machining challenges early, preventing costly rework later in the process.
Manufacturing Analysis and Online Quotes
Upon uploading your 3D CAD file for a quote, our system analyzes the part geometry to pinpoint potentially challenging-to-machine features, such as tall, thin walls or non-threadable holes, ensuring efficient and manufacturable prototype designs.
Domestic Production and Support
Partner with a domestic manufacturer for reliable rapid prototyping and avoid the complexities of overseas production. Our team is readily available via phone or email to assist with ordering, design feedback, material selection, and any other inquiries.
Infinite Capacity
Eliminate production bottlenecks and support your in-house capabilities with our on-demand rapid prototyping services, providing scalable capacity to meet your project needs.
Material Selection
We offer a wide selection of over 30 engineering-grade plastics and metals to meet diverse prototyping needs across various industries. Our material portfolio includes plastics like ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, and PEEK, as well as metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, platinum, and copper.
Advanced Capabilities
Through our manufacturing network, you can access a range of finishing options like plating (black oxide, nickel), anodizing (Type II and III), and chromate conversion coating, especially beneficial for larger production runs. We also offer tighter tolerances and volume-based pricing .
What is rapid prototyping and How Does it Work?
Rapid prototyping creates quick physical models from 3D CAD data. It uses additive manufacturing or 3D printing. Parts are built layer by layer. This allows fast design verification and testing. It also improves design communication.
The process starts with a 3D CAD model. It is sliced into thin layers. This data goes to the prototyping machine. The machine builds the part layer by layer. Technologies include SLA, SLS, FDM, and CNC machining. Each uses different materials and processes. This creates prototypes with varying accuracy and properties.
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Advantages of Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping offers several key benefits for product development:
- Quickly create and test multiple design variations
- Identify and resolve design flaws early in the process.
- Evaluate prototype performance and functionality.
- Clearly communicate design intent to stakeholders.
- Accelerate time-to-market with faster prototyping cycles.
- Minimize tooling costs in initial design phases.
Rapid Prototyping Applications
Rapid prototyping accelerates product development by quickly creating physical models for various purposes. It enables early design validation, functional testing, and improved communication.
- Concept model creation
- Form and fit testing
- Functional part demonstration
- Manufacturing process validation
- Marketing and sales samples
Surface Finish and Post-Processing Options
Othala offers a variety of CNC machining surface finishing options to meet your part requirements. More advanced coating and plating options are also available.Â
Surface Finish Options:
- Edges broken with tool marks visible
- Edges broken with light bead blasting
- Sharp edges (tool marks visible)
Coating and Plating Options:
- AnodizingÂ
- Chromate coating
- Powder coating
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Tour Our Machine Shop (Virtually)
Take a quick tour through our 215,000 sq. ft. CNC machining facility in Minnesota to see how we manufacture parts in as fast as 24 hours.
What's in an Online CNC Quote?
Upload a 3D CAD file of your machined part and within a few hours we'll send you manufacturing analysis and an interactive quote. Within your quote you can modify materials and quantities and see pricing updates in real-time. Additionally, within your manufacturing analysis, you can assign threading with a click of your mouse.
Tolerances for Prototype Machined Parts
We offer a wide range of tolerances for prototype machined parts to fit your project priorities.Â
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.005 in. | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/-0.002 in. | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/-0.001 in. | 5-20+ days |
| Tolerances | Lead Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Factory | +/- 0.13mm | 1-3 days |
| Traditional Factory | +/- 0.0508mm | 4-15 days |
| Network | +/- 0.020mm | 5-20+ days |
Rapid Prototyping FAQs
How much does rapid prototyping cost?
Rapid prototyping costs vary depending on part complexity, order quantity, and required lead time, with prices starting around $65. The best way to get an accurate price is to submit your 3D CAD model for an instant quote that includes design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Our proprietary software and automated processes eliminate upfront non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs, making quantities from 1 to 200 parts cost-effective. While prices are comparable to or slightly higher than 3D printing, rapid prototyping often provides superior material properties and surface finishes.
What materials can be used for rapid prototyping?
A wide variety of materials can be used, depending on the chosen technology. Common materials include:
- Plastics: ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, PLA, PETG, PEEK
- Metals: Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, copper, brass
- Resins: Epoxy resins, photopolymers
The material selection depends on the desired properties of the prototype, such as strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and surface finish.
When should I use rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping is beneficial in several situations:
- Early design stages: To visualize and evaluate design concepts.
- Form and fit testing: To verify the physical dimensions and assembly of parts.
- Functional testing: To assess the performance and functionality of a design.
- Proof of concept: To demonstrate the feasibility of a new idea or technology.
- Marketing and sales: To create visual aids and samples for presentations and demonstrations.
What are the advantages of using rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping offers several key advantages:
- Faster design cycles: Quickly iterate on designs and accelerate time-to-market.
- Reduced development costs: Identify and fix design flaws early, minimizing costly rework later.
- Improved design communication: Tangible prototypes facilitate better communication among designers, engineers, and clients.
- Enhanced product quality: Thorough testing and refinement lead to improved product performance and reliability.
- Early functional testing: Evaluate prototype functionality and identify potential issues before production.
Additional Links and Resources
Check out these machining and sheet metal finishingoptions to protect parts and improve function.
Consider hole depths, threading, wall thickness, andmore to reduce production time and expense.
Learn a number of ways to modify your CNC machining design to not only improve functionality, but reduce manufacturing costs.
View a CNC machining sample quote to explore ProtoQuote's design for manufacturability feedbackand real-time pricing capabilities.