Aluminum Prototyping Services
DEK has extensive experience in high quality aluminum prototyping. Our dedicated engineers and technicians are able to manufacture aluminum prototype parts to match any industry application. Get high quality prototype parts at unprecedented speeds with DEK. Request your instant quote today!
- Competitive pricing
- ISO 9001 certification
- Wide selection of surface treatments
- Full range of aluminum alloy material types
- High precision and tight tolerances (+/- 0.005mm)
Precision Aluminum Prototype Manufacturer
DEK is the world's leading manufacturer of precision aluminum prototypes and custom parts. We have a wide range of advanced equipment with strong machining capabilities including: CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, aluminum extrusion, die casting and metal injection molding.
We specialize in processing all types of aluminum materials, including AL6061, AL7075, AL6060, AL2024 and more. DEK selects the right type of aluminum alloy for your project. Maintaining close communication with our customers, our team provides 24/7 engineering support and timely feedback on aluminum prototyping to allow for flexibility in making changes to the project and ensure that the product can be delivered in a timely manner.
We strictly control the quality of our aluminum prototypes and parts to give your project maximum cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality. In addition, we offer a variety of post-processing, including heat treatment, anodizing, black oxide, and painting, to make your product more functional and aesthetically pleasing. Our successful cases include marine parts aluminum prototype, black anodize camera housing, lamp connector prototyping tray and anodized aluminum wheel.
Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters
Aluminum Prototyping Capabilities
CNC Machining
DEK has 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis and other advanced CNC machining centers, which can provide all types of aluminum materials, including AL6061, AL7075, AL6060, AL6063, AL5052, AL5083, AL2024, AL2014, AL7050, ALMIC6, AL2017A and more.
Our engineering and production teams have extensive experience and design flexibility in aluminum prototypes and parts, and can quickly produce physical prototypes of complex geometries to accelerate product launch. Regardless of the industry of aluminum prototypes or custom parts, DEK can provide you with cost-effective quotes based on market prices and quickly deliver high-precision and high-quality components.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
DEK offers high quality aluminum sheet metal prototypes and custom parts services ranging from sheet metal fabrication to precision forming of small, complex parts. Our aluminum sheet thicknesses are typically 0.2-10mm, with thicker or thinner specifications available upon request.
Our sheet metal fabrication processes mainly include laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting and bending. Our sheet metal bending angles are ±1.0° and +/-0.010” (0.254mm) to the edge. In addition, we can provide a variety of surface finishes such as anodizing, painting, plating, and polishing to enhance the durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics of the parts. Our success stories include automobile chassis, various equipment housings and brackets.
Aluminum Extrusion
DEK offers a high quality custom aluminum extrusion service and can assist in the design and manufacture of custom aluminum extrusion profiles for your specific application. We manufacture box-section and open channel dies ranging in size from 185mm² to 275 x 60mm.
In addition, we offer multi-axis CNC post-machining, including drilling and tapping. Various finishing options are also available, such as anodizing, painting or powder coating to improve the appearance or corrosion and wear resistance of the extrusions. Typical materials used in our custom aluminum extrusions include: AL2024, AL6061, AL6063 or AL7075.
3D Printing
Using DEK's 3D printing metal services can help you print and finish lightweight, complex aluminum parts for your high-performance prototyping and low-volume production needs.
Aluminum is perfect for high-performance functional prototypes that are subjected to tremendous stress. It is primarily used in the aerospace and marine industries. We primarily use SLM to manufacture 3D aluminum prototypes or components and are able to produce parts with internal recesses and features with no minimum order quantity. Some of our success stories are nozzles, aircraft structural components, hull assemblies and heat sinks.
Factors
Factors to Consider
Design for Manufacturability
Aluminum prototype designs should be optimized for the chosen manufacturing process. Factors such as wall thickness, undercut, extraction angle and design complexity need to be considered. The capabilities and limitations of the machining equipment should also be considered to ensure that the prototype is easy to produce. Overly complex designs can be difficult and expensive to CNC machines, but are easier to produce via 3D printing.
Material Properties
Aluminum alloys have different physical and mechanical properties, such as strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Aluminum prototypes should choose the type of alloy that meets the functional requirements. Stress, temperature changes, and exposure to various environments need to be considered. For example, 7075 aluminum alloy is better than 6061 in strength, but it is also more difficult to machine.
Cost Efficiency
Considering the budget and timeline for prototype development requires an assessment of material costs, processing and post-processing costs. For functional prototypes, the focus is on material properties and manufacturability, while for cosmetic prototypes, aesthetics may be more important. More complex and high-fidelity prototypes are often more expensive and time-consuming, ensuring that the design is within budget.
Industries
Industries We Severed
Aerospace Prototyping
Aluminum's lightweight and high-strength properties make it an ideal material for aerospace applications, especially when testing real parts. Its high corrosion resistance protects aircraft from severe damage when exposed to extreme environmental conditions.
DEK offers the manufacture of high precision aerospace prototypes and components with complex geometries. Our 5-axis CNC machined parts are manufactured to tight tolerances of +/- 0.005mm, ensuring surface finishes and expert quality assurance. In addition, we have sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing and other capabilities for on-demand production to meet your application needs.
- Impeller
- Fuselage panels
- Landing gear components
Automotive Prototyping
Aluminum's light weight, high strength and good thermal conductivity make it an ideal material for aerospace. Aluminum is suitable for the manufacture of recyclable real car parts, which contributes to the sustainability of automotive parts using aluminum prototypes.
DEK offers the manufacture of high-precision automotive prototypes and components with complex geometries. With DEK's quality services, you can launch products faster, reduce risks and streamline production processes. We have no minimum order quantities, fast delivery, are ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016 certified and offer 24/7 engineering support.
- Engine Blocks
- Engine Radiators
- Transmission Bodies
- Chassis Components
Medical Prototyping
The medical industry benefits from the precision and safety offered by aluminum prototypes for the production of clean and biocompatible medical prototypes and parts, including diagnostic equipment and medical machinery housings.
DEK has many years of experience manufacturing parts for customers in the medical field, from early prototypes to final parts, and we have the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to realize complex designs and ensure the highest standards of hygiene and quality. We have no minimum order quantities, short lead times and are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- Surgical Tool
- Diagnostic Equipment
- Medical Machinery Housing
Consumer Product Prototyping
DEK specializes in turning concepts into prototypes quickly and efficiently, producing high-fidelity models of a wide range of consumer electronics products and adhering to strict industry standards.
Our team has expertise in consumer electronics prototyping and can provide guidance throughout the design process, ensuring that your innovative ideas are realized with precision and professionalism. Enabling you to quickly validate and test for manufacturability, accelerating the advancement of your product development cycle and shortening time to market. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- Watch Frame
- Keyboard Case
- Electronic Device Housing
Why Choose Our Services
One-stop production of high-quality prototypes saves you time and money
Engineering Capabilities
Rapid Production
Surface Finishes
Quality Control
Precision Assembly
Packaging and Transportation
Our Ordering Process
Send RFQ
Send RFQ with 2D/3D drawings and detailed requirements via Email or online form.
Review & Quote
Our Engineer team will review every drawing carefully and provide an accurate quote within 6 hours.
Confirm Order
Confirm the quote, details and delivery schedule, then sign the contract.
Production
Arrange production process, start programming and machining.
Quality Control
Strict quality control during production and final inspection.
Packaging & Shipping
Pack the parts, attach part identification labels, and start shipping.
Send RFQ 222
Review & Quote
Confirm Order
Production
QC
Delivery
Aluminum Prototyping Buying FAQs
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Get A Quote TodayKnowledge of Aluminum Prototyping
What is Aluminum Prototyping?
Aluminum prototypes are samples or models made with aluminum materials, often used for testing and validation during product development.
Aluminum prototypes are lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, and are commonly used in mechanical, aerospace, and automotive industries. With aluminum prototypes, engineers can assess the feasibility, functionality, and performance of a design, which in turn optimizes the product design and reduces risks and costs before mass production.
Advantages of Aluminum Prototyping
Lightweight: Aluminum's low density makes it easy to handle and transport.
Strength: Aluminum provides excellent strength for a wide range of applications.
Corrosion Resistance: the oxide film formed on the surface of aluminum resists corrosion.
Ease of machining: Aluminum can be accurately fabricated through a variety of machining methods.
How to Choose the Best Method to Make Aluminum Prototypes?
Choosing the best method for producing aluminum prototypes should take into account design complexity, accuracy requirements, volume needs, time constraints and budget.
For complex shapes and high-precision parts, CNC machining and additive manufacturing (3D printing) are ideal; sheet metal fabrication is suitable for mass production, while aluminum extrusion excels for specific shapes and high production rates