At Marian, we pride ourselves on our ability to produce high-quality prototypes quickly. Prototyping is usually used by the customer to verify design, evaluate material choices, and build small batch prototypes of the final assembly. Provide us with a CAD file (.dxf format is best) along with information about your part, and we can typically prototype your solution within 24 to 48 hours using our in-house stock materials.
Manufacturing Methods used for Prototyping
Prototype parts are typically produced from processes that are not expected to be used when production quantities are required. Read more about the methods we use to produce rapid prototypes below.
CAD Files to Produce Prototypes with Laser, Water-jet, and Plotters
With a two dimensional CAD file (.dxf format preferred), we can import the file to a computer program and are able to cut parts the same day with Lasers, Water-Jet, or Plotters. Each of these methods avoid tooling costs and are able to move very quickly. If materials are stocked or readily available at Marian, we can ship a few prototypes the next day.
The factors below determine whether we use Laser, Water-jet, or Plotter to produce the prototype parts:
- material composition and the material thickness
- the foot-print (size) and geometry (complexity) of the part
- the tolerances required
Using “Soft Tooling” to produce parts with Flat-bed or Rotary Die Cutting
In addition to the methods mentioned above, we can also build chem-etched or steel-rule cutting dies to produce prototypes on flat-bed punch presses or rotary die cutting presses. While there is some initial tooling expense, “Soft tooling” is typically less expensive than “hard tooling”. These methods can often achieve tighter tolerance than CAD-cutting techniques. Additionally, the actual cutting process of each part is faster than the CAD-cutting methods described above.
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In need of prototyping?
Contact us for help. You can complete the form by clicking the link below and submit a sketch, drawing, or CAD file. One of our sales engineers will get in touch with you the same or next day about producing your rapid prototypes.