Rapid Prototyping Services 1 to 500+ Parts
What Is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping involves specialized manufacturing techniques for making high-quality physical models of a 3D design idea.
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If the number of parts is small, it is important to have a reasonably priced mold entry point, and rapid development in a short period of time is also crucial. Our prototype selection is very useful.
Consider the following chart when deciding which Rapid Manufacturing service is best for your project:
| Process Type | Function | Fit | Testing | Proof of concept | Tolerance <.005 in | Visual Quality | Plastic Material Selection | Metal Material Selection | Per Piece Price | Tooling Cost | Tooling Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3d Printing | Limited | Yes | no | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | High | N/A | N/A |
| Injection Molding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Limited | Low | Low-
Mid |
Unlimited |
| CNC Machining | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Unlimited | High | N/A | N/A |
| Cast Urethane | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited | N/A | High | High | < 50 |
Start your rapid prototyping project today
Our engineers are always ready to work with you to ensure you get a quality product quickly. When you submit a 3D design file, we will negotiate with you to ensure the manufacturability of the design, resulting in a product that meets and exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for a free quote and design review.
Why RJC Rapid Prototyping?
Design feedback
- Receive interactive design for manufacturability feedback and each quote so that adjustments can be made early before prototyping begins.
- Talk to application engineers about any design challenges and manufacturing issues that arise.
Iterative development
- You can have a physical prototype within a few days to quickly modify the design during early product development.
- Produce multiple prototypes simultaneously to compare and iterate designs simultaneously.
- Reduce time to market through iterative product development cycles.
Design verification
- Test the shape and fit of the assembly with a small number of molded parts.
- Perform functional tests using prototypes made of production-grade materials.
- Complete online design resource library, including guides, tips, whitepapers, and videos.
Market test
- Production of pre-produced injection molded parts to validate market benefits prior to launch.
- Reduce the financial risk of going to market by implementing reasonably priced aluminum tools before mass production begins.
Prototypes and Parts Delivered Fast with 4 Simple Steps
Upload a CAD File
To start, simply fill in a few information and upload a 3D CAD file.
Quote & Design Analysis
You’ll receive a quote shortly, and we’ll send you design for manufacturability (DFM) analysis if necessary
Order Confirmation
Once you review the quote and place your order, we’ll start the manufacturing process. We also offer finishing options.
Parts are Shipped!
Your prototypes or custom manufactured parts will be inspected and delivered straight to your doorstep
Choosing Between Rapid Prototyping Processes
For engineers and product designers in search of rapid prototyping services to speed up product development cycles, RJC offers a variety of rapid manufacturing processes that can be used to create prototypes quickly and affordably. Although there are countless different ways that any individual prototype can be produced, it is ultimately up to the engineer to determine which process and material is best suited to their product. In recent years, advancements in additive manufacturing technology have made 3D printing a go-to choice for engineers in search of rapid prototyping solutions: parts can be printed quickly and cheaply in a variety of different metals and plastics.
Rapid CNC Machining
CNC milling and CNC turning are great options for parts that require the prototype to be evaluated in its final material if cut from fully dense stock. RJC can machine a wide variety of metals and plastics. Many CNC machined parts can be manufactured and shipped within a week. CNC expedite options are available when quoting, and RJC cost-effective, market-based prices enable engineers to order multiple prototypes at once to enable rapid product evaluation.
CNC machined parts have a longer lead time than 3D printing because of the additional machine setup and run time. 3D prints run through a direct digital manufacturing process, with minimal setups or post processing.
Rapid 3D Printing Processes
3D printing is the most common rapid prototyping process. The key advantage of using 3D printing is that it is fast and affordable. At RJC, some 3D printed parts can be built and shipped in as little as a single day at for a few dollars.
The three most commonly used 3D printing processes for rapid prototyping are selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), and fused deposition modeling (FDM).
SLS is one of the most versatile methods for rapid prototyping due to a blend of speed, functional mechanical properties, good detail resolution, and low costs.
SLA has the best surface finish of any 3D printing process and the highest detail accuracy as well as tolerances. SLA is also great at prototyping clear parts, particularly with the QuickClear finish on some materials.
FDM offers a wide variety of engineered thermoplastics such as ABS, PC, and ULTEM. FDM can rapidly produce larger, bulky parts, up to 36” in a single piece.
Rapid Injection Molding
Rapid plastic injection molding is a process that results in a very durable set of identical parts for testing with multiple backup parts. Rapid injection molding can be used for both high-fidelity product evaluations as well as bridge tooling for temporary production at a product launch. The typical lead time for rapid tooling is 2-3 weeks for the initial parts. Rapid molding may be the best process for rapid prototyping over additive manufacturing or machining due to strict material requirements or mechanical needs that are not achievable in those methods.
While rapid injection molding is slower than 3D printing or CNC machining, it is often critical to see a higher volume of parts in as close to the final geometric form as possible. This is where injection molding excels, with high repeatability and near-net final shapes.
