METAL PROTOTYPING
Our metal prototyping services deliver precision engineered parts using production intent prototype manufacturing methods. We are able to create prototypes that accurately reflect manufacture design requirements in both form and function, by using a trusted network of metal fabricators.
Whether you are iterating early concepts, validating mechanical performance or progressing towards full scale manufacture, our approach ensures rapid turnaround, precision tolerances and exceptional quality. The result is dependable prototype development that accelerates decision making, reduces risk and brings confidence in your design and manufacture readiness.
METAL PROTOTYPE SERVICES
METAL FORMING
Metal bending, welding and fabrication
CNC PROTOTYPING
One-off machined metal parts
LASER CUTTING
Highly accurate sheet cutting
THE ADVANTAGES OF METAL PROTOTYPING
Optimising a design for metal fabrication can save large amounts of time and money at production. Investing in accurate prototypes to ensure the correct design for manufacturing and assembly, allows you to perfect your product before committing to manufacture, making your product more profitable.
Metal prototyping techniques mirror manufacturing methods, using the same materials and manufacturing processes, just at lower volumes. These processes result in high quality prototypes to enable user and standard testing which can be used to validate your product, or used for small sample runs which can be installed in real world situations. These prototypes allow you to gain valuable design insight before committing to mass-production quantities.
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PROTOTYPE FAQs
How do I make a metal prototype of my idea?
First, we will guide you through new product development stages, including concept development and CAD design. Once the design is ready, we use a range of prototyping techniques - such as sheet metal forming, CNC machining and laser cutting - to produce a functional prototype tailored to your project’s needs.
How much does it cost to make a metal prototype?
Generally metal prototyping follow the same processes as manufacturing, to produce fully working prototypes which can be used for product testing and user trials.
Because of this there cost tends to be higher than other prototypes, costing upwards of one thousand pounds. The cost to create a metal prototype can vary depending on the complexity, materials and specific requirements of your product.
How long does it take to make a metal prototype?
Metal prototypes require the same processes used in metal manufacturing, including CNC, sheet metal fabrication, welding and powder coating, and can therefore have longer lead times. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, metal prototypes can take anything from 3 - 8 weeks to produce.
How many metal prototypes do I need?
Because metal prototypes closely replicate a real product. If your design is finalised and design for manufacture is completed, then a single metal prototype should give you all the confidence you need to begin manufacture.
If your product is earlier in the development cycle, several prototypes are usful to refine your design for manufacturing efficiency.
What can I use a metal prototype for?
Metal prototypes are very strong and produced using similar techniques and materials to manufacture. This means they are perfect as fully working prototypes which can be used for product testing and user trials.