Prototype Manufacturing
By: M. Hagaman | Updated May 2022 | 5 minute read
Examining different prototype manufacturing options.
What is Prototype Manufacturing?
Prototype manufacturing is designing and manufacturing products close to the finalized part.
Companies looking to build new products or working on product development will most likely start with prototype design and will need to work with prototype manufacturers.
During this process, parts, materials, and dimensions may change while the product is being developed.
It will be important to work with manufacturing companies that can accommodate changes in prototype manufacturing.
It is an excellent strategy to help get your products to market faster, while giving you flexibility with cost and design.
Prototype Manufacturing Companies
Some prototype manufacturing companies have additive-manufacturing centers that can produce almost any piece made of plastic, metal, or other materials.
Many different types of companies make prototypes, but the most popular types of prototypes are metal casting prototypes, CNC machining prototypes, and 3D printing.
Here at Precise Cast, we are part of a niche industry specializing in metal prototype manufacturing.
We offer aluminum prototype manufacturing, magnesium castings, and zinc castings. We are also part of a larger group of prototyping companies offering CNC machining and 3d printing services.
Prototype Parts to Production
When looking for a manufacturer, you will want to select prototype manufacturing companies that can provide the capabilities and expertise to bring your product to market.
Each type of prototype manufacturing process presents its own benefits based on your project needs.
Working with responsive and experienced prototype manufacturing companies will help you maximize your prototype manufacturing for cost, efficiency, and long-term manufacturing relationships.
Manufacturing a Prototype
Most manufactured parts start as a concept sketch. This gives the basis of ideas to help engineers chart how a product can be designed and eventually manufactured.
Next, most prototype manufacturers can help move concept sketch parts into a virtual prototype. CAD or similar files can be constructed to build 3D models of how a part (or parts) should look and fit together.
Most prototype manufacturing companies work with CAD models and your product developers to search for design flaws and parts optimizations prior to production.
CNC Machining Prototype Service Manufacturing
Some companies will choose CNC machined prototypes for their projects. CNC machining is a subtractive type of process that removes layers of material by precision, billet, and mill CNC tools. Parts can be produced with 3, 4, and 5-axis machining, all offering different axis and resetting options for prototype parts.
When using a company like Precise Cast, we can even machine your metal cast parts right on site, making us a perfect partner for efficiency and cost.
3D Printing Prototypes
3D printing in an additive type of manufacturing. Were layers are added to achieve the dimensions and shapes of prototype parts. 3D printing is a good alternative to CNC machining and metal castings but doesn’t offer smooth finishes and may not be the best choice for low-volume production.
American Prototyping Companies
There are many reasons to prototype companies in the US for your project. From supporting local businesses to supporting job growth in the American manufacturing industry, using American manufacturing companies can help benefit your projects in many ways.
In this blog, “Should I Prototype in the US or China?” Author Bryan Eagle explains a few various reasons to choose American prototyping when selecting a prototype manufacturer.
Another reason to choose American prototyping manufacturing is the direct relationship built with your manufacturer for ease of delivery.
Parts to Production
This is a crucial decision and one that could either make your product successful or drain you of time and money.
You will want a company that has the capabilities to move your prototype part to production with ease.
Working with parts to production companies like Precise Cast helps save money and time because everything is done under one roof.
The quality of our prototypes is so excellent that many clients can use their prototype parts as production pieces.
If you are looking for a partner in Aluminum Prototype castings, Magnaimzum Prototypes, or Zinc Prototypes, Precise Cast is the best option.
Our in-house Denver CNC machine shop and Non-Ferrous Foundry also help us provide a wide range of services to meet your most demanding needs. Speak with our prototyping manufacturer experts with our free, no-commitment consultation. Get started today!
