Rapid Prototyping Services
Greatlight offers 3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting, sheet metal fabrication, rapid injection molding, and prototype extrusions
- Various rapid prototyping services
- 100+ Materials and various surface finishes
- 24/7 engineering support
- Parts ship in 5-12 days
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What Is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping, as offered by Greatlight, involves the creation of physical samples to represent new product design ideas.
This process serves as a preliminary step towards eventual production, crucial for verifying that the final product aligns with intended specifications. rapid prototyping services are sought after by new product developers for various purposes, including functional testing, design approvals, iterations, crowdfunding campaigns, trade show models, and as a bridge to low-volume manufacturing. Prototypes provided by Greatlight often catalyze redesigns, improvements, and modifications, enhancing the overall design before committing to larger production volumes.
Correcting design errors early in the development phase through rapid prototyping can significantly outweigh the cost of the prototype itself, making it a prudent investment for businesses.
Different Types Of Rapid Prototyping
Greatlight offers a range of rapid prototyping options tailored to meet diverse needs. From simple models crafted with materials like paper, plastic, modeling clay, styrofoam, or balsa wood, to high-fidelity prototypes utilizing modern machine tools and advanced materials such as various 3D printing technologies, vacuum casting, rapid tooling for injection molding, and CNC machining.
While low-fidelity prototypes provide a visual representation of the design, high-fidelity prototypes offered by Greatlight closely resemble the intended finished part, facilitating thorough testing and evaluation.
How To Choose
The Right Rapid Prototyping Technique?
Selecting the appropriate rapid prototyping method is essential, and Greatlight offers guidance to make informed decisions. Factors such as budget, part complexity, intended functionality, development timeline, surface texture, finish, material properties, strength, durability, and resemblance to the final production version all influence the choice of prototyping technique. By considering these variables, Greatlight ensures that clients receive prototypes that meet their specific requirements effectively.
Superior Rapid Prototyping
Rapid CNC machining
GreatLight operates a large number of CNC machining centers, mills, and lathes (for CNC turning), enabling rapid prototyping of CNC machined parts made from plastic or metal. We offer a wide range of material and finishing options and the potential to combine CNC machining with other rapid prototyping processes.
Rapid 3D printing
Our 3D printing rapid prototyping services are ideal for 3D printed plastics and metals, with extensive material and finishing options available. These additive manufacturing technologies can also sometimes be used for production.
Rapid tooling
Rapid tooling (bridge tooling or prototype tooling) refers to the rapid CNC machining of metal tooling for injection molding. It is therefore the first step toward rapid injection molding.
Rapid sheet metal prototyping
Rapid sheet metal prototyping is a set of rapid prototyping services for the production of sheet metal parts. This includes various forming, cutting, and assembly processes for manipulating the sheet metal stock in different ways.
Rapid CNC machining
CNC machining is the epitome of high-precision rapid prototyping, combining speed and quality seamlessly. With swift turnarounds as a priority, it ensures exceptional accuracy, making it a preferred choice across industries.
Even in low volumes, CNC prototyping delivers rapid results without sacrificing quality. The produced parts, though prototypes, match the precision of mass production. While the cost might exceed that of 3D printing, the superior surface finish and sturdy part strength validate the investment.
- CNC Milling — Milled prototype & production parts in plastic and metal
- CNC Turning — All types of round components
- CNC Grinding — Tight tolerance and good surface
- CNC EDM — For deep pocket & sharp conners
Rapid 3D Printing
At Greatlight, our 3D printing rapid prototyping services excel in producing high-quality plastics and metals, offering a wide range of materials and finishing options. These cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies can even transition seamlessly into production.
By eliminating the need for tooling, 3D printing ensures quick prototyping without compromising quality. Enjoy the benefits of geometric flexibility and cost-effectiveness, particularly for low-volume projects.
- FDM — Low-cost plastic parts prototyping
- SLA — Plastic parts prototyping with exceptional surface finish
- SLS — Strong prototyping parts in nylon or nylon glass
- SLM — Metal parts prototyping in steel or titanium
Rapid vacuum casting
Discover Greatlight’s rapid vacuum casting service, perfect for cost-effective production of plastic parts, especially vibrant display models. Benefit from minimal tooling costs compared to injection molding and enjoy lower minimum order quantities.
Despite the parts not being exceptionally durable, rapid vacuum casting yields excellent surface finishes straight out of the mold, eliminating the need for post-processing. Plus, our silicone molds last around 20 shots, ideal for most prototyping needs
- Rigid Plastics — Such as ABS, PC, PA simulate prototype parts
- Soft Rubber — Rubber like prototypes from Shore A 30 to 90 degrees.
- Wax — Patterns for low-vlume investment casting
Rapid tooling
Experience Greatlight’s rapid tooling for molding, perfect for customers needing 100–2,000 units of injection molded parts. Enjoy fast turnarounds and cost-effectiveness compared to mass production tooling.
Rapid tooling allows for quick prototyping and testing of injection molded parts, saving months of production time. Though pricier than 3D printing, it offers plastic parts closer to production quality, ideal for functional testing.
- Plastic Injection Mold
- Die Casting Mold
- Extrusion Mold
Rapid sheet metal prototyping
Greatlight’s rapid sheet metal prototyping services, tailored for creating sheet metal parts through versatile forming, cutting, and assembly processes.
Ideal for flat parts like brackets and enclosures, our services accommodate various sizes, including large metal parts. While setup times may be longer, sheet metal proves highly cost-effective for large and straightforward parts.
One notable advantage is the ability to later CNC machine the solid sheet metal feedstock for additional features, ensuring versatility and precision.
- Bending
- Stamping
- Welding
Rapid metal casting
Greatlight’s innovative rapid metal casting services, revolutionizing metal part prototyping through affordable 3D-printed patterns.
Benefit from our exclusive partnerships with major casting companies, enabling access to low-volume prototyping orders typically unavailable to new customers.
Enjoy the advantages of near-production quality metal parts, with the potential for large sizes and rapid turnaround times. Additionally, cast parts boast exceptional tensile strength and can be further post-machined for customization.
- Pressure Die Casting
- Investment Casting
- Gravity Casting
How GreatLight Works
Get Instant Quote
Simply upload your design to our email, and within 12 hours, get an instant quote and a free design analysis for your prototypes and production parts. Easy-peasy!
Start Production
Once you have approved the quote and design, we will start production on your CNC prototype or CNC machined parts products.
Receive Your Custom Parts
CNC machined parts or products will be produced within a few days. We ship to you by international express. Please feel free to give us feedback to ensure that they meet your expectations.
Why Choose GreatLight
For Your Next Rapid Prototyping Project
Industry-Leading Expertise
Benefit from our industry-leading expertise. With a track record of success spanning from private inventors to large corporations, we're equipped to exceed your expectations and bring your ideas to life.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Experience the pinnacle of innovation with our cutting-edge equipment. Our state-of-the-art tools empower us to push the boundaries of possibility, ensuring that your prototypes are crafted with precision and excellence.
Intelligent Quotations for Every Project
Tailored solutions with intelligent quotations for every project. Our expertise ensures that you receive accurate and competitive pricing, customized to suit the unique requirements of your endeavor.
Rapid Prototyping Products
Rapid Prototyping FAQs
Rapid prototyping is a fast way to verify the aspect and function of your design. Prototypes are also widely used for business proposals, where they can be shown to potential investors and customers.
Most rapid prototyping projects can be completed in a matter of days, and we offer fast global delivery. If you require a precise lead time, please submit your project to get a free quotation and lead time information at the same time.
GreatLight does rapid prototyping of parts in a wide range of plastic and metal materials, and we have listed common materials for each prototyping process. Check our individual service pages for more details. If you don’t see your required material, get in touch with our team.
