What a prototype is for
Different questions need different prototypes. Tell us which one you are asking:
| Prototype | Answers |
|---|---|
| Appearance model | Does it look and feel right in the hand? |
| Fit and form check | Does it fit the parts, people and space around it? |
| Functional prototype | Does it work under real use? |
| Manufacturing aid | Does this jig or fixture make production faster? |
Iteration is the point
The first print is rarely the last. Send a revised file and we print the next version; if we built the CAD, we make the change. Because we are local, you can hand us a marked-up part in the morning instead of writing a paragraph about it.
Starting without CAD
Sketches, photos, measurements and a clear description of what the part has to do are enough to begin. Design work is quoted separately from printing, before we start, so you know what the first round costs.
Materials and size
Prototypes print in PLA, PETG and TPU, up to 300 × 300 × 350 mm in one piece. PLA is fast and cheap for early form checks; PETG and TPU are closer to how a finished part behaves.
| Material | Good for |
|---|---|
| PLA | Prototypes, fit checks, display and visual parts. |
| PETG | Durable everyday parts: brackets, clips, housings, organizers. |
| TPU | Flexible parts: bumpers, gaskets, grips, feet, strain reliefs. |
From prototype to short run
Once a design is proven, the same model can go straight into a short production run: ten brackets, fifty enclosures, a set of fixtures. For volumes where printing stops making sense, we will tell you and point you toward molding.
Confidentiality
Unreleased designs stay private. Files are used only for your job and are never shared or shown without written permission. We are happy to sign a reasonable NDA.
Questions
- How fast can I get a prototype in Bend?
- It depends on print time and whether design work is needed. Every quote states a turnaround alongside the price, so you can plan around it.
- Can you help if I only have a sketch?
- Yes. Send the sketch with key dimensions and what the part needs to do. CAD work is quoted separately before we start.
- Is 3D printing or injection molding better for low-volume parts?
- For one-offs, prototypes and small batches, 3D printing avoids tooling cost and allows changes between runs. At higher volumes, molding usually wins on unit cost. Where the crossover sits depends on the part.