Prototype Manufacturing — From Idea to Product in Days
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Do you have a product idea you want to test before investing in expensive tooling? With prototype manufacturing in your chosen material, you can hold a physical prototype in your hand within 1–5 days. Here we explain how the process works and why an increasing number of Swedish companies choose rapid prototyping.
What is rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping means quickly producing physical models of a product using digital manufacturing — typically manufactured in robust plastics. Instead of waiting weeks for a CNC-milled prototype or months for an injection-molded one, manufacturing your parts this way lets you iterate designs quickly and cost-effectively.
The Prototype Process Step by Step
1. Idea and Specification
Everything starts with your idea. You don't need a finished CAD file — a paper sketch, a description, or a photo of an existing part you want to improve is enough. We at Race3D help you define requirements for:
- Dimensions and tolerances
- Materials and surface finish
- Functional requirements (withstands heat? chemicals? mechanical stress?)
2. CAD Design
If you don't have a 3D model, we create it for you. We use professional CAD tools to design your part with the right dimensions and functionality. Do you have an existing part to copy? Then we use reverse engineering — we measure, scan, and recreate the part digitally.
3. Design Review
Before manufacturing begins, you get to see renders and technical drawings for approval. Here we can easily make changes — it costs nothing extra to adjust the design digitally.
4. Production
We choose the optimal production technique and material based on your requirements. FDM for functional parts and larger prototypes, SLA for high-precision details. Production time varies from a few hours to a day depending on size.
5. Post-Processing and Testing
Depending on your needs, we can grind, paint, thread, or assemble components. You get a finished prototype manufactured in your chosen material that you can test in reality — fit, function, and appearance.
6. Iteration
Need something changed? We adjust the CAD model and manufacture a new version. That is the beauty of this manufacturing method — iteration costs a fraction compared to traditional manufacturing.
From Prototype to Production
A common misconception is that this manufacturing method is only for prototypes. In reality, we can go directly to batch production using the same technique. Once the prototype is approved, we can:
- Manufacture short runs (10–500 pcs) directly with our production technology
- Scale up to injection molding if volumes justify it
- Combine techniques — manufacture complex parts in robust plastics, injection mold simple ones
What Can You Prototype Using Our Manufacturing Methods?
Basically anything that can be made in plastic. Here are some examples from our customers:
- Automotive parts — Air intakes, covers, brackets, dashboard details
- Consumer products — Enclosures, holders, functional accessories
- Industrial parts — Fixtures, tools, spare parts for machines
- Electronics enclosures — Waterproof capsules for Raspberry Pi, sensors, etc.
- Architecture — Scale models of buildings and interior details
What Does a Prototype Cost?
The price varies with size and complexity, but as a guideline:
- Simple prototype (CAD available): from SEK 200
- With CAD design: from SEK 1,500 (incl. design + manufacturing)
- With reverse engineering: from SEK 2,500 (incl. measurement + design + manufacturing)
Compare that to a CNC-milled prototype (often SEK 5,000–15,000) or an injection mold (SEK 10,000–100,000+).
Order Your Prototype from Race3D
We at Race3D in Blekinge have helped hundreds of customers bring their ideas from sketch to reality with prototype manufacturing in your chosen material. Whether you are a private individual with an invention or a company in need of fast product development — we are here to help.
How to get started:
- Send your idea via our contact page
- We will get back to you within 24 hours with a quote
- Approve the design and we manufacture your parts within 1–5 days
Book a free consultation — we will discuss your project and provide you with a concrete plan.
Need a Prototype or a Series Manufactured?
Race3D AB in Karlskrona designs, 3D scans, and manufactures parts in ABS, ASA, and other technical plastics — from a single prototype to continuous series. Send a drawing, CAD file, or just a picture of the part, and you will receive a quote within 24 hours.
Request a manufacturing quote → | Read about prototype and batch manufacturing
