RAPID PROTOTYPING
Test It, Prove It, Perfect It, Fast
A prototype answers the questions a drawing can't: Does it fit? Does it work? Does it look right? Our rapid prototyping service puts a physical, functional part in your hands in days instead of weeks, so you can test it, find problems early and improve your design before investing in tooling or production.
24-hour expedite available | FDM + SLA | 11 engineering-grade materials
What Is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping uses 3D printing to build physical parts directly from your CAD file, with no molds, machining setups or tooling. You can print a design, test it, change the model and print the next version, often in the same week.
Each version costs a fraction of a machined or molded part, so it's practical to test several ideas instead of betting everything on one. That's how good designs become great ones.
Types of Prototypes We Make
Fit and Form Prototypes
Check size, shape, clearances and how parts go together before committing to production.
Functional Prototypes
Printed in engineering materials like carbon-fiber nylon, ASA or Tough resin, so they can be bolted on, loaded, heated and tested in real conditions.
Appearance and Presentation Models
Smooth, detailed SLA parts for design reviews, customer presentations, trade shows and investor meetings.
Design Iterations
Print several variations side by side to compare options and choose the best design quickly.
What Prototyping Is Good For
Catching problems early
Find interference, weak spots and ergonomic issues while changes are cheap. Fixing a CAD model costs far less than modifying a mold or scrapping machined parts.
Speeding up development
Go from CAD file to physical part in days and complete several design cycles in the time it takes to get one machined part.
Getting buy-in
A part people can hold communicates far better than a drawing, whether you are presenting to your team, a customer or an investor.
Trial-fitting on the real thing
Mock up and test-fit parts on the race car, machine or assembly they are designed for.
Validating before production
Confirm the design, material and fit are right before ordering larger quantities.
Common Uses
Motorsports and Race Shops
Trial-fit brackets, ducts, mounts and body components on the car before final parts are made.
Manufacturing and Machine Shops
Test fixture and tooling designs on the line before machining them in metal, or keep the printed version as the final tool.
Product Development
Housings, enclosures, snap fits, hinges and mechanisms for new products.
Engineering Firms
Fit checks for assemblies, models for design reviews and parts for functional testing.
Inventors and Startups
A working first version to test, refine and show to potential customers and partners.
Choosing the Right Technology
FDM: Fused Deposition Modeling
Best for strong, durable functional parts, larger parts and engineering materials such as carbon-fiber nylon, ASA and ABS. Ideal for brackets, fixtures and parts that will be tested hard.
SLA: Formlabs printers
Best for fine detail, smooth surfaces and tight features. Ideal for small, precise parts, appearance models and parts with fine text or texture.
Not sure which is right? Tell us how the part will be used and we will recommend the best process and material.
Turnaround Options
Expedite
24-hour turnaround on most jobs, for when you need it tomorrow.
Standard
Our normal production schedule and the best balance of speed and price.
Economy
The lowest price when your timeline is flexible.
Why Prototype with Product Path 3D
✓ Every file reviewed for printability before we print
✓ Material and process recommendations from experienced engineers
✓ Design help available if your prototype needs changes
✓ Quotes within one business day
✓ Local pickup in Mooresville or shipping nationwide
Ready to Hold Your Design?
Send us your STEP or STL file and get a free quote within one business day.
Or call 980-317-4981