Appearance & handling
Evaluate shape, proportions, visible surfaces and how the product feels in use. Identify cosmetic faces, color and finish requirements when these influence the review.
Rapid prototyping for metal & plastic parts
Rapid Prototyping Services
Make your next prototype answer the right question.
GPT Precision supports rapid prototyping for metal and plastic parts. Define what the sample needs to prove—from appearance and assembly fit to functional performance—so the manufacturing route can be reviewed against that objective.
Share your current design revision, material requirements, cantidad y características críticas. We will review the proposed scope before quotation and production.
Image placeholderPrototype parts & assemblyPhoto to be added
Prototype focus
- Appearance
- Fit & assembly
- Functional testing
What does your prototype need to prove?
Define the decision before choosing the process. The same design may require different samples for visual review, assembly verification and functional testing.
Fit & assembly
Check mating features, clearances, fastening points and assembly access. Include the surrounding parts or interface dimensions needed to evaluate the fit.
Functional performance
State the load, movimiento, temperature or other conditions the prototype will experience. Material selection and the manufacturing route should support the conclusions you need to draw.
Match the prototype process to the test
Compare the finished sample against the material, geometry, surface condition, dimensional and testing requirements that matter to the project.
The options below are starting points for discussion. The available process and material combination is confirmed during project review.
CNC machined prototypes
CNC machining may be considered when the test depends on specified stock material, machined interfaces or critical dimensions.
Tool access, sujeción, wall thickness and part geometry influence how the prototype is produced and which features require additional review.
For process-specific requirements, see our CNC machining services.
Image placeholderMachined prototype detailPhoto to be added
SLA resin prototypes
SLA uses light to cure liquid resin and can be considered for detailed models, appearance reviews and selected fit studies. Select the resin and finished condition around the purpose of the evaluation.
A resin described as “ABS-like” has its own material properties. Confirm those properties before using the prototype to evaluate the behavior of a production plastic.
Image placeholderResin model & fit featuresPhoto to be added
SLS polymer prototypes
SLS fuses polymer powder, with surrounding powder supporting the build. It may be considered for complex geometry, assembly studies and selected functional evaluations where the material and finished condition suit the test.
Review surface condition, dimensional requirements and powder-removal access alongside the intended evaluation. Confirm the material and finishing scope during quotation.
Image placeholderPolymer prototype geometryPhoto to be added
Define the features that matter to the test
Pair the current 3D model with a drawing that identifies critical dimensions, datums and mating features. Mark which requirements are fixed and which are open to review so proposed manufacturing changes can be evaluated before production.
Material & finished condition
Image placeholderMaterial & surface detailPhoto to be added
State the required material grade or the properties your test depends on. Define whether the prototype requires a cosmetic finish, a functional surface treatment or an as-manufactured condition.
Record any difference between the prototype material or process and the intended production material or process.
Drawing review
Dimensions & aceptación
Define tolerances around the interfaces and measurements that determine whether the prototype passes the test. Agree the inspection scope, reporting requirements and acceptance criteria during quotation.
- Critical dimensions and datum references.
- Mating interfaces and tolerance requirements.
- Inspection scope and reporting requirements.
For the wider inspection context, see our quality assurance approach.
Keep each design iteration traceable
Use a revision-controlled model, drawing and test objective for each build. An agreed evaluation plan makes it easier to decide what to keep, what to change and what requires another trial.
Define the build
Confirm the design revision, material, cantidad, finish and critical features. Record approved manufacturing changes before the sample is made.
Evaluate the sample
Compare the prototype against the agreed dimensional, visual and functional criteria. Separate design findings from differences introduced by material, manufacturing or assembly.
Release the next revision
Document the test result and approved changes. Before repeat manufacturing, review the production material, tooling, process and inspection requirements separately.
For molded parts, continue to injection molding and tooling.
Prepare a comparable prototype quotation
A useful inquiry explains both the part and the purpose of the build. Include the information below so process options, cost and timing can be evaluated on the same basis.
Send with your RFQ
3D model & drawing
Provide the current model and drawing with clear revision identifiers.
Test objective
Explain what the prototype needs to prove and identify critical features and acceptance criteria.
Material requirement
State the required material or the properties the prototype needs to represent.
Cantidad
Provide the quantity for each design version and any alternative quantities you want compared.
Finish & inspection
Identify cosmetic faces, surface-finish requirements and inspection or reporting needs.
Delivery requirement
Provide the required delivery date, destination and intended next development stage.
Programming, setup, material, acabado, inspection and quantity can affect prototype cost and timing. Identify requirements that are open to review. Proposed changes should preserve the test objective and be approved before production.
Lead time is evaluated according to the drawing, material, and order quantity and confirmed during quotation or order review.
Rapid prototyping questions
Practical answers for quotation and prototype planning.
How quickly can I receive a prototype quotation?
We aim to provide quotations for all prototype projects within 24 hours. The actual quotation timeline will be determined after reviewing factors such as part complexity, cantidad, and processing requirements, and we will let you know the expected timing in advance.
Should I choose CNC machining or 3D printing?
Start with the test objective, material and geometry. CNC machining may be preferred when the test depends on specified stock material, machined interfaces or critical dimensions. A printed route may suit selected appearance, geometry or assembly studies. Compare the finished condition and acceptance requirements, then confirm the available process for your project.
Must the prototype use the final production material?
Use a representative material when the test depends on material behavior. For shape or selected fit studies, an alternative material may be appropriate. Document the differences and the limits they place on the conclusions you can draw from the prototype.
Can I request several versions of a part?
Provide a separate revision identifier, quantity and test objective for each version. Highlight the differences so the quotation, production scope and sample identification can be reviewed against the correct design.
What if I need repeated samples or a tooling-based route?
Share the expected quantity, required material behavior and design stability. Where a tooling-based route may be appropriate, the available manufacturing options, tooling cost and acceptance requirements can be reviewed during quotation.
Does an approved prototype establish production readiness?
Prototype approval establishes the result for the agreed sample and test. Production can involve different materials, tooling, process variation and inspection requirements. Review the production material, tooling, process capability and inspection plan separately before authorizing production.
Ready for the next iteration?
Tell us what your next prototype needs to prove
Send the test objective, current design revision, material requirements, quantity and required timing. We will review the requirements and confirm the proposed manufacturing scope for quotation.
