Prototype Manufacturing: From Design to Testing

Plastic prototype manufacturing is the process of creating initial product models using various plastics through different manufacturing methods. At Hemtom, we specialize in transforming your design concepts into tangible plastic prototypes for testing, validation, and market evaluation before mass production.

At Hemtom, we employ multiple methods for plastic prototype manufacturing including 3D printing (SLA, SLS, FDM), CNC machining, vacuum casting, rapid tooling injection molding, and silicone molding. We select the most appropriate method based on your specific requirements, timeline, and budget constraints.

The cost of plastic prototype manufacturing varies depending on several factors including complexity, size, material choice, manufacturing method, quantity, and finishing requirements. Hemtom offers competitive pricing starting from $100 for simple 3D printed prototypes to $3,000+ for complex functional prototypes with premium finishes. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your project.

Typical turnaround times for plastic prototype manufacturing at Hemtom range from 3-5 days for simple 3D printed parts to 2-3 weeks for complex prototypes requiring multiple processes and finishing treatments. Rush services are available for urgent projects, potentially reducing lead times by 30-50%.

The best materials for plastic prototypes depend on your specific application requirements. Hemtom works with a wide range of engineering plastics including ABS, PC, PMMA (acrylic), Nylon (PA), POM, PP, PEEK, and various modified plastics. Each material offers different properties regarding strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and surface finish quality.

3D printing builds plastic prototypes layer by layer directly from digital files, offering quick turnaround and design freedom without tooling costs, making it ideal for single or low-quantity prototypes. Injection molding requires initial tooling investment but provides prototypes with properties nearly identical to mass-produced parts, better surface finish, and becomes more cost-effective for higher quantities. Hemtom offers both services to meet different project needs.

Yes, Hemtom specializes in creating functional plastic prototypes that not only look like the final product but can also be used for performance testing. Depending on the manufacturing method and material selection, our prototypes can withstand mechanical stress, thermal testing, and assembly verification to validate design functionality before mass production.

Hemtom has no strict minimum order requirement for plastic prototypes. We accommodate orders ranging from single unit prototypes to small batch productions of several hundred units. Our flexible manufacturing capabilities allow us to serve both individual inventors and established companies with varied quantity needs.

Hemtom’s plastic prototypes can achieve high accuracy with tolerances as tight as ±0.05mm for CNC machined parts and ±0.1mm for most 3D printed components. Our advanced manufacturing equipment and quality control procedures ensure that prototypes closely match design specifications and can accurately represent final production parts.

Yes, Hemtom offers comprehensive surface finishing services for plastic prototypes including painting, texturing, polishing, sandblasting, pad printing, silk screening, chrome plating, and more. These finishes can simulate the appearance and feel of mass-produced products, allowing for realistic market testing and presentation.

For optimal results in plastic prototype manufacturing, provide 3D CAD files in formats such as STEP, IGES or STP. Include clear dimensional tolerances, surface finish requirements, and material specifications. Hemtom’s engineering team can review your files and provide feedback to ensure manufacturability and reduce potential issues.

Absolutely. Hemtom provides extensive coloring services for plastic prototypes including custom color matching to Pantone specifications, multi-color painting, metallic finishes, and special effects. Our professional finishing department ensures uniform coverage and durability, allowing your prototype to accurately represent the final product’s aesthetic.

Yes, Hemtom can create multi-material plastic prototypes through various methods. We can combine different components made from distinct materials, utilize overmolding techniques, or employ advanced 3D printing technologies that support multiple materials in a single build. This capability is particularly valuable for prototypes requiring both rigid and flexible elements.

Plastic prototype manufacturing is utilized across numerous industries including consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, aerospace, consumer products, and industrial equipment. Hemtom has experience serving clients from diverse sectors, adapting our prototyping approaches to meet industry-specific requirements and compliance standards.

Plastic prototype manufacturing is a crucial component of effective product development, allowing for design validation, functional testing, ergonomic assessment, and market feedback before investing in mass production tooling. Hemtom’s rapid prototyping services help companies reduce development risks, optimize designs, accelerate time-to-market, and ultimately create more successful products.