Prototypes for testing and presenting
Rapid Prototyping in Nottingham
See and handle your design as a solid object, find any problems with how it looks or works, and fix them before full production begins.
- Free, no-obligation quotes
- CAD from drawings or photos
- One-offs to small batches
- Parts sent across the UK
Rapid prototyping
3D Prototyping Services
A rapid prototype is an early physical sample of your design. It lets you see a new item as a solid, three-dimensional object for the first time, so any problems with how it is used or how it looks can be spotted and corrected before production.
As the name suggests, rapid prototyping is quick. A scaled-down model to visualise a design, or a full-size part to test, can be made in a short time, which makes it a fast route from idea to market.
If you are starting from an idea rather than a file, our designers will model it in CAD first.
Why prototype
What a 3D Printed Prototype Lets You Do
Test how it works
Check the fit and function of a part before you invest in tooling.
Find problems early
Usability and appearance issues show up in your hand far more clearly than on a screen.
Win people over
A detailed model is ideal for a board presentation or for showing potential investors.
Change it and print again
Adjust the CAD file and print a new version as many times as you need.
Prototype engineering
Rapid Prototype Engineering in Nottingham
Businesses across the UK are always developing new products, and Nottingham’s engineers, designers and students are no exception. Whenever a new idea is conceived, its usability and function need testing, and 3D printing is often the best way to do it.
We print scaled-down or full-size models in fine detail, from large construction projects to a single household product. One customer used a scale model of a new development we printed to present to investors, and secured the investment.
Inventors and engineering students bring us prototypes too, from coursework projects to new household gadgets.
Testing
Several Prototypes in One Print Run
More than one design
Small items can be printed side by side, so you can compare different versions of a design.
Destructive testing
Print several copies of the same prototype and test them to failure where safe working tolerances matter.
Faster decisions
Seeing the options together helps you choose the design to take forward.
Ready to see your idea in 3D?
Send us your file, drawing or sketch for a free prototype quote, or ring us on a weekday between 8am and 6pm.
Questions
Rapid Prototyping FAQs
How quickly can you make a prototype?
It depends on how complex the design is and the material used. A small, simple part can print in around 30 minutes, while larger or more detailed models can take several days. We tell you the timescale when we quote.
What is additive layer manufacturing?
It is another name for 3D printing: building a three-dimensional object from successive layers of material. In the 3D printing industry, rapid prototyping is often referred to this way.
Can you print a scale model for a presentation?
Yes. We print scale models for architects, developers and product designers, from single buildings to whole sites.
Can you print several versions of a prototype?
Yes. Small items can be printed together in one run, which is useful for comparing designs or for destructive testing.
How do I send you my file?
Attach it to the form on our contact page. Zip it first: the uploader rejects a bare .stl file but accepts a .zip folder with your STL or CAD file inside. Prefer the phone? Ring 0115 671 3705 on a weekday between 8am and 6pm.
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