Prototyping Services

Prototyping services provide low-volume conceptual or working models of a design in a short time frame. Often, they are available from providers of high-volume part services. By definition, a prototype is an original type, form, or example. Product designers create prototypes or models to allow engineers to explore design alternatives and test product performance prior to production. Categories of prototypes include proof-of-principle prototypes, form studies, visual prototypes, and functional prototypes. Specifications for prototyping services include capabilities, additional services, industry or application, certifications and approvals, and regional preference.  

Selecting prototyping services requires an analysis of supplier capabilities. Examples include ceramic manufacturing, chemical milling, die cutting, electronic manufacturing, electrical assembly, electrochemical assembly, extrusion, fiberglass fabrication, foam fabrication, and forging. Some prototyping services perform operations and activities such as forging, gear manufacturing, glass fabrication, laser processing, machining, metal casting, molding and mold making. Others specialize in optical manufacturing, printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication, plastic fabrication, powder metal forming, sheet metal fabrication, stamping, tool and die manufacturing, or tube and pipe bending. Prototyping services for welding and wire forming are also available.     

Many prototyping services provide additional services such as computer aided design (CAD), computer aided machining (CAM), certification, design, reverse engineering, or test and inspection. CAD services provide computerized design and three-dimensional (3-D) modeling of engineering components and assemblies. CAM services use full function panels to provide inputs, outputs, and interfaces tailored to the application. Certification services help clients to comply with quality requirements such as ISO 9001:2000. Design services develop and enhance the appearance, usability, and value of engineered products. Prototyping services that perform reverse engineering services are useful in cases where components or parts for a product or equipment are no longer available commercially or in cases where drawings and documentation have been loss. 

Prototyping services are available for many different industries. Some companies specialize in applications for aerospace and avionics, agriculture and forestry, automotive, building and construction, chemicals and raw materials, or consumer and retail products. Other prototyping services work with electronics and semiconductors, energy companies and utilities, food and beverage processors, and suppliers of hydraulic or pneumatic components. Also available are prototyping services that work with instruments and sensors, marine products, material handling equipment, medical and health care, military and defense applications, pharmaceuticals and biotech, and telecommunications.  

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Part Numbers for Prototyping Services