Rapid Plastic Prototyping Service

We guarantee consistent quality for prototypes and end-use parts, in house and through our verified manufacturing partners.

  • 100+ metals & plastics, 50+ surface finishes
  • Instant quotes for 1-1,000 parts
  • Lead times from 3 business days

Rapid Plastic Prototyping Capabilities

CNC machining plastic prototype

Prototype CNC machining is a subtractive process, so it creates the final part by removing material from the initial workpiece. CNC plastic machining is a fast, accurate and cost-effective method for creating plastic prototypes from various materials. using computer-controlled machines to cut, drill, mill and shape plastic blocks or rods into the desired shape and size.

3D Printing plastic Prototype

Plastic 3D printing is a process that creates plastic prototypes by depositing layers of material on top of each other based on a digital model. 3D printing offers many advantages for plastic prototyping, such as speed, accuracy, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. There are different types of 3D printing technologies such as FDM, SLA, SLS that can be used for plastic prototyping, depending on the material, size, shape, and complexity of the part.

Urethane Casting Plastic Prototype

Urethane casting plastic is a manufacturing process that uses silicone molds and liquid urethane resins to create plastic prototypes with high accuracy and detail. Urethane casting offers many advantages for plastic prototyping, such as flexibility, durability, cost-effectiveness, and speed.

What is plastic prototyping?

Plastic prototyping is the creation of a scale model of a physical part that is made from plastic materials. Plastic prototyping is used for developing and testing new products or designs before they are mass-produced. it can help to assess a physical product before full-scale production begins. A plastic prototype enables you to work with the physical representation of your plastic product as quickly as possible. You also have the opportunity to present your ideas to potential investors and allow them to test them out.

plastic prototyping Specification

CapabilitiesCNC plastic machiningPlastic 3D PrintingUrethane Casting
Maximum build size1200×800×600 mm500 X 500X 500 mm900 X 900X1500mm
Dimensional accuracyMin±0.1mmMin±0.2mmMin±0.3mm
Min radii±0.05mm±0.2mm±0.1mm
Standard lead time3 to 7 days1 to 3 days5 to 10days
Cost (One PCS)$$$$$$

Plastic Prototyping Materials

  • CNC plastic Machining: PMMA(Acrylic), PC(Polycarbonate), POM (Delrin/Acetal), ABS, Nylon (Polyamide), PEEK
  • Plastic 3D Printing: ABS, Polycarbonate, Nylon, TPU
  • Urethane Casting: ABS-Like, Acrylic-Like, Polycarbonate-Like

Surface finishing for Plastic Prototypes

Surface finishingDescriptionColorTexture
PolishingPolishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface, either through physical rubbing of the part or by chemical interference.n/aGloss
PaintingPainting the surface of a part improves its aesthetic appearance and can provide brand recognition to consumers.All ColorGloss, flat, metallic, textured
Vacuum MetalizationVacuum metalizing is a form of physical vapor deposition (PVD), a process of combining metal with a non-metallic substrate through evaporation.Mirrorflat

Surface Finishing

Enhance product durability and visual appeal with our expert surface finishing services. From polishing to coating, we offer a wide range of specialty options to meet your needs for rapid…
Read More Surface Finishing

Plastic prototype Gallery

Other Services You May Like to Know

Rapid Clear Prototyping Sample

Rapid Clear Prototyping

Create transparent prototypes using clear materials like resin, acrylic, and glass. Ideal for optics, lenses, displays, and more. Achieve intricate and irregular shapes with clarity and precision.

Rapid Metal Prototyping

Rapid Metal Prototyping offers a diverse range of options to create metal parts and prototypes, using methods like DMLS(direct metal laser sintering), casting, CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication. Achieve strength, corrosion resistance, and precise designs for automotive, aerospace, medical, and more.

FAQs About Plastic Prototype

A plastic prototype is an early, scalable model of a product, designed to test and evaluate the design, function, and manufacturability before large-scale production. This process reduces product development costs by up to 65% by identifying design issues early.

The primary methods include CNC Machining, 3D Printing, and Urethane Casting, which can help reduce the time to market by up to 50%. The selection of method depends on the project requirements, complexity, budget, and lead time.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, plays a crucial role in prototyping. It facilitates rapid design changes and complex geometric creations. In fact, it can accelerate the prototyping process by up to 75%.

CNC machining offers high precision and accuracy, crucial for intricate designs. It is compatible with a wide range of materials, including numerous types of plastics, and can reduce material waste by up to 60%.

Urethane casting is preferred when a small quantity of functional plastic parts is needed. It’s a cost-effective method for low-volume production and can accurately replicate the aesthetic and properties of injection-molded parts.

Important factors include the part’s complexity and size, required quantity, prototype purpose, required material properties, budget, and turnaround time. Choosing the right method can enhance production efficiency by up to 40%.

The creation time for a plastic prototype depends on the design complexity, prototyping method, and quantity required. However, with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, prototypes can be ready in as little as a few hours, expediting product development by up to 30%.

Absolutely, plastic prototypes are often used for functional testing. The prototyping method and material chosen should align with the end product’s functional requirements. Effective functional testing can reduce product failure rates by up to 80%.

Potential defects are identified through rigorous testing and examination, including visual inspections, functional tests, and user testing. Early detection of these issues can prevent costly design changes later, saving up to 45% in product development costs.

Following prototyping and necessary adjustments, the product typically progresses to the pre-production phase. This phase may involve further testing, production process setup, and preparation for mass manufacturing, potentially increasing product quality by up to 60%.