Rapid Prototyping Services
Transform your product ideas into physical prototypes in as little as 24-48 hours. Perfect for product developers, inventors, and engineering teams. Based in Modesto, CA - we ship anywhere in the United States.
What is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of physical parts using 3D printing technology. Instead of waiting weeks or months for traditional manufacturing (injection molding, CNC machining, etc.), you get functional prototypes in your hands within 24-48 hours.
This speed enables iterative design - print a prototype, test it, make design changes, and print again. You can go through multiple design iterations in the same time it would take to get a single prototype from traditional methods. This dramatically reduces product development time and costs.
Our rapid prototyping services use industrial-grade 3D printers with professional materials. We don't just print parts - we advise on material selection, print orientation, and design optimization to ensure your prototypes are functional, durable, and representative of your final product.
When You Need Rapid Prototyping
Product Development & Testing
Developing a new product? Print functional prototypes to test fit, form, and function before committing to expensive tooling. Identify design flaws early when they're cheap to fix, not after you've invested in production molds.
Investor Presentations & Crowdfunding
Pitching to investors or launching on Kickstarter? Physical prototypes are infinitely more convincing than CAD renderings. Show your product's viability with a working prototype that potential investors and backers can hold and examine.
Design Verification & Engineering Testing
Test mechanical fit, assembly clearances, and ergonomics with real parts. Verify that mating parts align correctly, moving parts have proper clearances, and assemblies can be assembled/disassembled as intended.
Market Testing & Focus Groups
Create multiple prototype variations to test with potential customers. Get feedback on size, ergonomics, features, and design before finalizing your product. Print different colors, sizes, or configurations for A/B testing.
Patent Applications & IP Documentation
Need physical prototypes for patent documentation or prior art demonstration? We can print prototypes that accurately represent your invention for patent applications, USPTO submissions, or IP legal proceedings.
Trade Shows & Marketing Materials
Attending a trade show or conference? Physical prototypes demonstrate your product capabilities far better than brochures. We can print multiple copies for display, demonstration, or giveaway purposes.
Our Rapid Prototyping Process
File Submission & Review
Upload your CAD files (STL, STEP, IGES, or native CAD formats). We review for 3D printability, suggest optimizations if needed, and recommend the best material for your application. No CAD files? We can help with that too - see our CAD Modeling service.
Timeline: Quote within 2-4 hours during business hours
Material Selection & Print Setup
We help you select the optimal material based on your requirements: strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, surface finish, or cost. Parts are oriented for best strength and accuracy, with support structures added as needed.
Timeline: 30 minutes to 1 hour
3D Printing
Your parts are printed on professional-grade 3D printers. We monitor prints actively to catch any issues early. Print times vary from 2 hours to 24+ hours depending on size, complexity, and material. Multiple parts can often be printed simultaneously.
Timeline: 2-24 hours depending on part size/complexity
Post-Processing & Quality Check
Support structures are removed, surfaces are cleaned, and parts are inspected for quality. Optional post-processing includes sanding, painting, vapor smoothing, or assembly. Each part is checked against your specifications before shipping.
Timeline: 1-4 hours depending on finishing requirements
Shipping or Pickup
Parts are carefully packaged and shipped via your preferred carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx). Expedited shipping available for urgent projects. Local customers in Modesto can arrange same-day pickup to get parts even faster.
Timeline: Same day ship-out for completed orders
Same-Day Service for Local Customers
Located in Modesto? Drop off your CAD files in the morning, pick up printed parts in the evening (for simple parts). Perfect for urgent engineering validation or last-minute presentations. Call (256) 322-3403 to check availability.
Materials & Technologies
FDM/FFF Materials
- PLA: Rigid, affordable, good detail (general prototyping)
- PETG: Strong, durable, chemical resistant (functional parts)
- ABS: High impact strength, heat resistant (automotive/industrial)
- Nylon (PA): Excellent strength, wear resistance (gears, mechanical)
- TPU: Flexible, rubber-like (gaskets, grips, seals)
- ASA: UV resistant, outdoor use (weatherproof parts)
Resin Printing (SLA/DLP)
- Standard Resin: Smooth finish, fine detail (display models)
- Tough Resin: ABS-like properties (functional testing)
- Flexible Resin: Rubber-like flexibility (living hinges)
- Castable Resin: Investment casting, jewelry (burnout)
- High Temp Resin: Heat deflection 200+°C (molding, testing)
Not sure which material to choose?
We help you select the right material based on your requirements: mechanical properties, temperature resistance, chemical exposure, surface finish, cost, and intended use. Include your requirements in the quote form or call us to discuss.
Industries We Serve
Product Development & Startups
Proof-of-concept prototypes, design iteration, investor presentations, crowdfunding campaigns
Engineering & Manufacturing
Functional testing, design verification, assembly fixtures, pre-production prototypes
Consumer Products
Market testing prototypes, focus group samples, ergonomic studies, packaging mockups
Medical & Healthcare
Medical device prototypes, surgical guides, anatomical models, custom tooling
Aerospace & Automotive
Wind tunnel models, fit-check prototypes, interior components, custom brackets
Architecture & Construction
Scale models, client presentations, design validation, custom hardware prototypes
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you turn around a prototype?
Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days from quote approval. Rush service (24-48 hours) is available for simple to medium complexity parts - add 30-50% to base price. Same-day service is available for local Modesto customers on simple parts. Complex or large parts may require longer print times.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, IGES, Solidworks, Fusion 360, Inventor, and most common CAD formats. STL is preferred for fastest processing. If you don't have CAD files, we can create them from sketches, dimensions, or reference samples - see our CAD Modeling service.
What's the difference between FDM and resin printing?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Melts plastic filament layer by layer. Stronger, more durable, wider material selection, better for functional parts. Visible layer lines. Better for larger parts.
Resin (SLA/DLP): Uses UV light to cure liquid resin. Extremely smooth surface, finer details, better for display models. Generally more brittle. Better for small, detailed parts. We'll recommend the best technology for your application.
Can I iterate on the design after seeing the first print?
Absolutely! That's the whole point of rapid prototyping. Print version 1, test it, identify improvements, and print version 2. Many customers go through 3-5 iterations before finalizing their design. We offer discounted pricing for iterative projects with multiple prints of the same basic design.
How strong are 3D printed prototypes?
Strength varies by material. PLA is rigid but can be brittle. PETG and ABS offer good impact strength. Nylon is extremely strong and wear-resistant. TPU is flexible. We can print test specimens for you to evaluate material properties. For functional testing, we orient parts for maximum strength along load-bearing directions.
What level of detail and accuracy can you achieve?
FDM printing: ±0.2mm typical accuracy, 0.1-0.3mm layer heights, minimum feature size ~0.5mm. Resin printing: ±0.1mm accuracy, 0.025-0.1mm layer heights, minimum feature size ~0.2mm. Dimensional accuracy depends on part size, geometry, and material. We can discuss tolerances specific to your application.
How much does rapid prototyping cost?
Pricing starts at $50 for small, simple parts and varies based on size, complexity, material, and quantity. Most prototypes range from $50-$500. Large or complex parts may cost more. We provide fixed quotes upfront based on your CAD files - no surprises. Volume discounts available for multiple copies.
Can you print assemblies with moving parts?
Yes! We can print assemblies with clearances for movement (hinges, snap fits, gears, etc.). We can also print parts separately and assemble them for you. For assemblies, we recommend uploading each part separately or clearly marking mating surfaces in your CAD files so we can optimize tolerances.
Get Started Today
Free quote within 2-4 hours. Fast turnaround available.
Request Free Quote (256) 322-3403📍 Based in Modesto, CA
🚚 Ship Anywhere in USA
Pricing
*Final pricing based on part size, complexity, material, and quantity. Fixed quote provided upfront.