Why 3D printing for a prototype?
Injection moulding first needs a mould. That pays off for large quantities, but makes every design change expensive and slow. With 3D printing, the part is printed straight from the file. A change is a new file, not a new mould.
That makes 3D printing suitable for:
- judging shape and size in your hand;
- testing the fit: does it fit on or into the mating part?
- testing the function, such as a click, hinge or clamp;
- improving a design over a few rounds before a batch follows.
A prototype in rounds
A good prototype answers a question: does it fit, does it work, does it feel right? Start with the most important one.
- Have one piece printed and test it where it will be used.
- Note what needs to change: a dimension, a wall thickness, the clearance.
- Adjust the design and have it printed again.
- Once everything is right, the batch follows.
Test in the material of the batch where possible. PLA is fine for judging shape and size, but behaves differently from PETG or ASA with heat, outdoors or on impact. What to watch for in the design itself is in the guide printing your STL or STEP file.
When a small batch?
After the prototype, 3D printing can stay the production method. For example for parts needed in small quantities, for promotional items with a logo, or for a product that is still changing. Every piece comes from the same file.
For large quantities of the same, fully developed part, injection moulding becomes cheaper per piece at some point. Where that tipping point lies depends on the size and shape of the part.
How is the price determined?
The quote states the price per piece. It depends on:
- the design work, if a design still has to be made or adjusted;
- the material;
- the print time per piece;
- the quantity.
The quote is free and without obligation; you only pay once you agree. Paying by invoice is possible.
What do you supply?
- a 3D file (STL, 3MF, OBJ or STEP), or a sketch, photo or a few measurements if there is no design yet;
- the quantity and colour, or the split across colours, for example 100 red and 200 blue;
- a logo or text, if it has to go on the product;
- where it will be used, so the material can be chosen to match.
Got a deadline? Open "Business or deadline?" in the quote form to fill in your company name and a preferred delivery date.
Your design stays yours
A design made on commission belongs to the customer. Confidentiality (an NDA) is possible on request, and customer designs never go online without permission. On request you receive the CAD file (STEP).
More about prototypes and small batches, with previous projects.