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
METAL 3D PRINTING
Complex parts to simulate castings
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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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.