Rapid Prototyping

Scale models built straight from your 3D CAD data, backed by 30 years of combined engineering experience.

MaterialsABS-like resin, nylon, aluminium

Process3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum casting

Best forDesign validation before committing to tooling

File formatsSTEP, IGS, STP, IGES, X_T

What Is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a set of techniques for building a scale model of a physical part or assembly directly from 3D CAD data. 3D printing and additive layer manufacturing sit at the centre of it, alongside CNC machining and vacuum casting.

E-make has 30 years of combined experience in rapid prototype manufacturing (RPM) and works with clients worldwide. A prototype is a physical sample of a design concept — robust, inexpensive, and the fastest way to test an idea before you commit to tooling.

If you need a working prototype to put in front of your board before production is signed off, we will build it to your drawings, demonstrate it working, and revise it if anything needs to change.

How Is Rapid Prototyping Quality Controlled?

Quality starts with material selection. Strength, toughness and environmental performance are each weighed against the job the part has to do.

Machining follows under a controlled and confidential production system, with experienced CNC rapid prototyping operators following each job through from start to finish. The appropriate surface finish is then chosen and controlled step by step.

Finished parts go to our quality department, where key dimensions are measured and recorded. Every batch ships with an FAI or OQC report before it is packed and sent.

Where it fits: first look-like prototype, product demonstration to investors, working prototype testing, pre-production and market validation, then short-run and mass production.