๐ Rapid Prototyping
Accelerate Your Product Development Cycle
๐ Overview
Rapid prototyping bridges the gap between design and production. Tuohai Tech offers comprehensive prototyping services including 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum casting, and rapid tooling to validate designs quickly and cost-effectively before committing to production tooling.
๐ Prototyping Capabilities
- 3D printing: SLA, SLS, FDM, MJF
- CNC machining: Metals and plastics
- Vacuum casting: Urethane parts
- Rapid tooling: Aluminum molds
- Turnaround: 24 hours to 15 days
๐ง Prototyping Methods
3D Printing
Additive manufacturing for complex geometries and rapid iteration.
- SLA: High detail, smooth finish
- SLS: Functional nylon parts
- FDM: Large, cost-effective
- MJF: Production-grade nylon
- Turnaround: 24-72 hours
CNC Machining
Subtractive manufacturing for functional prototypes in real materials.
- Plastics: ABS, PC, POM, PEEK
- Metals: Aluminum, steel, brass
- Tolerance: ยฑ0.05mm
- Size: Up to 1,000mm
- Turnaround: 3-7 days
Vacuum Casting
Urethane casting for small batches with production-like properties.
- 10-500 parts
- Multiple materials
- Color matching
- Overmolding capable
- Turnaround: 5-10 days
Rapid Tooling
Soft aluminum molds for low-volume injection molding.
- 50-5,000 parts
- Production materials
- Real process validation
- Bridge to production
- Turnaround: 10-15 days
๐ Service Comparison
| Method | Lead Time | Quantity | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing | 1-3 days | 1-10 parts | $ | Form validation |
| CNC Machining | 3-7 days | 1-50 parts | $$ | Functional testing |
| Vacuum Casting | 5-10 days | 10-500 parts | $$ | Small batches |
| Rapid Tooling | 10-15 days | 50-5,000 parts | $$$ | Pre-production |
| Production Tooling | 20-35 days | 1,000+ | $$$$ | Mass production |
๐ฏ Prototyping Applications
Design Validation
Verify form, fit, and function before committing to expensive tooling.
- Form Studies: Aesthetic evaluation
- Fit Testing: Assembly verification
- Function Testing: Performance validation
- Ergonomics: User interaction testing
Market Testing
Launch products faster with prototype-grade parts for market validation.
- Foreshortened Runs: Limited market release
- Crowdfunding: Campaign fulfillment
- Trade Shows: Display models
- Focus Groups: User feedback collection
Regulatory Testing
Prototype parts for certification and compliance testing.
- Drop Testing: Impact resistance
- Environmental: Temperature, humidity
- EMC/EMI: Electromagnetic compatibility
- Safety: UL, CE certification
๐ฌ Material Options
| Process | Materials | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| SLA | Standard, Tough, Clear, Flexible | High detail, smooth |
| SLS | Nylon PA11, PA12, Glass-filled | Functional, durable |
| FDM | ABS, PC, ULTEM, Nylon | Strong, large parts |
| CNC | Plastics + Metals | Production materials |
| Vacuum Cast | PU resins (Shore A-D) | Production-like |
โ Quality & Finishing
- Surface Finishing: Sanding, painting, texture
- Color Matching: Pantone, RAL, custom
- Assembly: Multi-part assembly services
- Insert Installation: Threads, bushings
- Pad Printing: Logos, labels
- Quality Inspection: Dimensional verification
๐ก DFM Feedback
Every prototyping project includes DFM analysis to identify potential production issues early, saving time and money when transitioning to mass production.
๐ Prototype Your Idea
Fast turnaround from CAD to physical parts.
+86-13037600603
www.tuohaitech.com
Zhengzhou, China