MECHANICAL PROTOTYPING
Our mechanical prototyping services transform complex concepts into fully operational electro-mechanical assemblies by integrating custom production metal, plastic and electronic components. Our in-house prototype workshops enable our product designers and electronic engineers to design, build and test prototypes in-line with UK and EU standards.
Complex mechanical prototypes involve the integration of mechanical components with bespoke electronics, wiring looms and control software; to ensure every moving part works in harmony. Whether you are validating structural durability or testing complex automation, we deliver the technical detail and functional consistency required to move from a CAD model to a production prototype ready for real world testing.
MECHANICAL PROTOTYPE SERVICES
ELECTRONIC PROTOTYPING
Bespoke electronic integration.
MECHANICAL TESTING
Electro-mechanical validation.
PROTOTYPE ASSEMEBLY
In-house assembly facilities.
THE ADVANTAGES OF MECHANICAL PROTOTYPING
When designing a new product mechanical prototyping mitigates production risk by allowing you to validate interference fits, structural integrity and mechanical movement in a physical environment before committing to tooling or large-scale manufacture.
By utilizing materials which mirror the mechanical properties of manufacture-grade materials and components, mechanical prototypes function as true engineering benchmarks, which can be produced a fraction of the cost of full-scale manufacturing. These functional assemblies are designed for manufacture; they are high-performance tools designed to secure stakeholder buy-in during investor pitches and provide vital data to freeze your design for manufacture.
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PROTOTYPING SERVICES
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PROTOTYPE FAQs
What is prototyping?
Prototyping is a vital step in developing and validating product concepts, functionality, and design. At Duku, we offer a range of prototyping design services to bring ideas to life—enabling us to test, evaluate, and refine models to ensure the highest standards of innovation and usability. Our iterative process helps identify potential issues early, optimise designs, and streamline the path to manufacturing.
Why is prototype development important?
Prototype development is a crucial phase in your product design project at Duku because it allows us to transform concepts into tangible, testable models. By creating product prototypes, we can identify potential design flaws early, ensure the product meets user needs, and test functionality. This iterative process of designing, prototyping, and refining helps save both time and cost by addressing issues before full-scale manufacturing begins.
How do I make a 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 3D printing, vacuum casting, CNC machining, and metalwork—to produce a functional prototype tailored to your project’s needs.
How many prototypes do I need before manufacture?
Prototyping is as important as concept design for exploring and refining ideas for manufacture. While simpler products may be developed within a single prototype development stage, more complex designs often require multiple iterations to achieve the best results. When you request a quote, we’ll provide a bespoke plan outlining the costs and next steps tailored to your project.
How much does it cost to make a prototype?
The cost to create a prototype can vary depending on the complexity, materials and specific requirements of your product. Generally, our prototype design services range from a few hundred pounds for simple 3D-printed models to several thousand pounds for more intricate designs involving advanced manufacturing processes.
What types of prototype projects do Duku handle?
We support a wide range of prototype projects, from early-stage concept models to fully functional pre-production units across multiple industries. You can find exactly what services we have and specific materials on our prototype services page.
Can you support low and high volume prototype production?
Yes, we offer flexible prototype production capabilities, whether you need a single proof of concept or multiple units for testing and stakeholder review. We use different prototype techniques depending on the quantity, material and required prototype level.
How do you choose the right prototype manufacturer for my project?
We are able to handle a wide variety of prototype projects in-house, including 3D printing, electronic prototypes and mechanical prototype building. If needed we use trusted partner prototype manufacturers, depending on what material you product uses.