Rapid Prototyping

From CAD sketch
to validated prototype
in a week.

Whether you need a concept model for your Monday pitch, a functional prototype for drop testing, or an engineering-validation build in the exact production material — CIFProto covers every prototype stage under one roof.

Start a Prototype Talk to an engineer

The prototype journey

Pick the right prototype for your stage.

Every product goes through four prototype stages, each solving a different question. Build the right prototype for where you actually are, not where you want to be.

Stage 01

Week 1–2

Concept Prototype

SLA 3D printing

Answers: "Does this look right?" Cheap, smooth, cosmetic. Fit checks with hardware, design reviews with investors, user feedback sessions. Typically 1–3 iterations per week.

Cost: $50–300 ea

Time: 1–3 days

Stage 02

Week 3–5

Functional Prototype

MJF nylon / FDM ABS

Answers: "Does this work mechanically?" Load-bearing, drop-testable, assembly-ready. Captures snap fits, threaded inserts, click-fits, weight distribution. Typically 2–4 iterations.

Cost: $80–400 ea

Time: 3–5 days

Stage 03

Week 6–10

Engineering Prototype

CNC machined production material

Answers: "Does this pass validation?" EMC, drop, thermal, vibration, life tests. In final material (Al 7075, SS 316L, PC, PEEK). Often the last change before tooling.

Cost: $150–800 ea

Time: 5–7 days

Stage 04

Week 10–14

Pilot / Bridge Production

Vacuum cast / rapid tooling

Answers: "Will this ship at scale?" 20–1,000 parts. Field trials, beta users, crowdfunding fulfillment. Validates manufacturing process before committing to production tooling.

Cost: $30–150 ea

Time: 7–14 days

FAQ

Prototyping questions.

For concept models and display prototypes with smooth cosmetic surfaces, SLA 3D printing is fastest and cheapest. For functional mechanical prototypes that need to survive real-world loads, MJF or SLS nylon parts. For production-representative prototypes in final material, CNC machining in the actual aluminum, steel or plastic you'll use at scale. For visual prototypes that need injection-molded aesthetics without the tooling cost, vacuum casting.

Most hardware products go through 3–5 prototype iterations before tooling. A typical rhythm: concept prototype (SLA, 1–2 days), functional prototype (MJF or CNC, 3–5 days), engineering-validation prototype (CNC in production material, 5–7 days), pilot run (vacuum cast or rapid tool injection, 14 days), production. Each iteration typically catches 70–80% of remaining design issues.

24-hour SLA prototypes under 150 mm available on request. Standard SLA: 2–3 days. MJF/SLS: 3–5 days. CNC-machined metal prototypes: 3–5 days. Add 3–5 days for international express shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS).

Yes — this is usually the right call for engineering-validation prototypes. CNC machining supports all production plastics (PC, ABS, PA66-GF, PEEK) and metals (Al 6061, Al 7075, SS 304/316L, Ti Grade 5). Material properties, surface finish and machinability are identical to production parts.

Yes, on request. A mutual NDA is signed before we open any proprietary CAD file. This is particularly important for stealth hardware startups and patent-pending designs. All customer IP remains exclusively the customer's.

From CAD sketchto validated prototypein a week.