How Much Does Rapid Prototyping Cost?

Rapid prototyping offers you many amazing benefits in the product development process. If you are in the process of developing a product or component, you might be wondering how much rapid prototyping costs.

In this guide, we explain the cost of rapid prototyping, factors that indirectly and directly determine the cost, and lots more.

What is Rapid Prototyping Process?

A rapid prototyping process involves numerous techniques used to create a physical model of a component before the actual production process. These techniques include 3D printing, CNC machining, and so on.

Prototypage rapide is an essential strategy in a component or product development process since it helps you model a part quickly, enables you to test and validate designs, make modifications, reduce risk in the final production process, and lots more.

The Real Cost of Rapid Prototyping

The real cost of rapid prototyping varies from $100 to several thousand dollars. Depending on the rapid prototyping technologies used, like CNC machining, vacuum casting, or Impression 3D, you could expect a varying price.

Several other factors, like materials, labor, iterations, finishing, and so on, also determine the cost.

Factors that Directly Determine the Cost of Prototyping

The factors below directly influence the cost of your prototype:

Complexité de la conception

One major factor that directly influences the cost of your prototype is the design complexity. For simple designs, you could expect a lower price compared to highly complex geometries with undercuts and many details.

Moreover, complex designs will take more time to machine than straightforward ones. The size and nature of the prototype are other factors to consider as they influence the quantity of the material to be used and the machinery requirements.

Tolérances

Another factor is the tolerance level associated with the prototype design, which is how precise the parts are. If you require a highly precise prototype, then you might likely spend more.

This is because it takes more time to machine parts with tight tolerances. However, not all components require high tolerances, and just the standard precision level will do.

Coûts des matériaux

The cost of the raw material also directly affects the prototype cost. However, the price of the raw materials might also differ based on the location where it’s sourced.

If you are using plastic materials, you can also expect a lower price than metal. On the other hand, there are several varieties of metals and plastics, and they also differ in price. Many individuals, however, opt for common plastics like ABS, PC, PA, and so on.

Finishing Choice

Your finishing choice also influences the cost of prototyping. There are several varieties of finishing you could apply, and each comes with varying prices.

Although you might also opt for no post-processing, that is, no final finishing procedure after machining for your prototype. However, this finishing process provides that aesthetic appeal you desire and improves the functional qualities of the components.

Factors that Indirectly Determine the Cost of Prototyping

Below are some factors that indirectly determine your prototype cost:

Type of CNC Machining or Prototyping Method

Depending on the prototyping methods, you could expect a different price range. These methods could be CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum casting, and so on.

With 3D printing, you could spend a few dollars, while vacuum casting could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. CNC machining, however, also has a different price tag depending on whether you require 3-axis machining or multi-axis machining.

Multi-axis CNC machining can handle complex geometries and is therefore suitable for detailed, highly precise prototypes, and much more expensive.

Order Size

On a general note, the higher the quantity you order, the more likely you are to spend. However, it is also worth noting that ordering in larger quantities could mean that you’re actually paying less per piece since the cost per unit is reduced.

The material cost for a large order might not necessarily help reduce the prototype price, since a larger order means larger materials are required. However, the time, labor, and machine set-up cost is reduced, thereby reducing the charge per component.

Coûts de main-d'œuvre

A prototyping process also involves using expert practitioners and support staff. These are individuals who operate the machines and tools used until the design is completed.

The labor cost also varies depending on the prototype complexity. For simpler ones requiring less time and labor, you would be charged less than for designs with complex geometry.

Number of Iterations

For each revision or version of the prototype made, you are likely to pay more as labor costs, material use, machinery, and time factor come into play. While all these might increase the prototype cost, they can potentially eliminate risk during actual production.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Rapid Prototyping

Here are the tips to help you save costs on your rapid prototyping:

Select the Right Material and Machinery

Selecting the proper material and machines for the prototype helps you reduce cost. To do this, you should first highlight the purpose of the prototype.

If you require a prototype to explain or demonstrate a simple concept, then your material and machinery requirements will differ from a prototype that looks and functions like the actual components. So your material and machinery needs should still boil down to your goal.

Reduce Unnecessary Post Processing

Not all prototyping methods require post-processing. Moreover, if you need a prototype for proof of concept, then you can save cost on the final surface finishes, as this might not necessarily need detailed post-processing.

Optimize your Design

Be sure of the design you want to eliminate iterations. You can check out design reviews to reduce mistakes and flaws. Also, you might want to eliminate unnecessary complexities as this requires more labor, time, and material usage.

Overall, getting the design right and reducing complexity that could affect cost is key.

Order in Small Volumes

By getting the prototype in small quantities, you will be able to test and validate designs. Once validated, you can order in large volumes. With this, you will be able to reduce costs even when there are flaws in the first batches ordered.

Outsource Prototyping Process

Outsourcing rapid prototyping to expert practitioners like DEK also helps you reduce costs.

Since professionals like us possess the needed skills and knowledge, can handle complex parts within a short time, and have the required automated machines and tools, we handle projects with much efficiency. This helps save time and money and reduces the number of iterations.

Create a Plan

Creating a plan from the onset helps you reduce unnecessary costs. You will be sure of the design you want, the material and method, and the specialist to utilize, and so on, thereby reducing modifications.

DEK’s Affordable and High Quality Rapid Prototyping Services

Au DEK, we offer cost-effective and high-quality prototyping services. Our prototyping methods range from 3-axis and multi-axis CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum casting, injection molding, etc., depending on your needs.

Whether you need just a prototype component, a small or large batch of prototypes, we are your go-to partner. We deliver reliable, fast services across several countries in the world. Get a free quote today.

Conclusion

When it comes to rapid prototyping cost, there’s no one-size-fits-all, as many factors influence the price. From the design complexity, finishing, choice of materials, to the labor cost, there’s quite a lot to consider.