The Prototyper Inc.

SPEED, TOLERANCE, QUALITY, MATERIAL AND COST.
WHERE THE DISCUSSIONS BEGIN.
651.278.8777

The Prototyper

One source. Many options.

It’s about speed. It’s about accuracy. And it’s about staying within your budget. That’s why our customers keep coming back to The Prototyper for their prototypes.

Our team offers decades of industry experience in producing metal and plastic prototypes.

How do we do it? Through an established network of resources.

Our industry experience gives you access to more than 30 different methods for producing prototype parts. After reviewing your project we’ll show you the best options. And having multiple resources means we’re likely to find a way to meet even the tightest timetables.

We’re the one-stop shop for on-time, on-budget parts.

Metal Prototypes

Die CastingBe it via CNC, Bent Metals or Metal Castings, the processes for producing quality metal prototypes quickly are numerous. Our normal lead time for metals is between 1 and 2 weeks. YES. That fast. The specific method and cost depends upon the volume of parts, the tolerance, the material and the desired lead time. Read More

CNC Machining

cnc machiningCNC Machining can be done as a hog-out from solid stock in about 1 to 2 weeks. CNC can also be a secondary operation for metal castings, as a way to address the tight tolerance areas. The advantage of a hog-out is that it has the tightest tolerance and often offers a shorter lead time. The benefit of a cast part with secondary machining is that it is a closer representation of a production part. EDM and wire cutting are used for detail work. Read More

Plastic Prototype

metal castingPlastic prototypes are created through a number of different methods. For starters, they can be CNC machined from standard ABS, nylon, other materials. This method can even provide CLEAR vapor polished parts. RTV tools produce urethane parts, and are a great way to do anywhere from 3 to 25 parts – in just about any size. The normal turnaround time is 2 weeks. Soft and hard cut injection molds are good for thermoplastic parts, with a lead time of 3 to 4 weeks. Read More

Laser/Bent/Stamping

cnc machining center

Sheet metal parts are generally formed by teaming together a number of different methods. That may include some combination of laser cutting, bending and welding. Lead time can vary depending upon the size and complexity of the project, but 2 weeks is standard. Read More

Rapid Prototypes

casting metal

Rapid Prototypes – commonly called RPs – are produced through processes that include SLA, SLS, 3D Printing and FDM. The basic principle is this: After 3D data is programmed, a laser puts down or cures material, building a layer at a time. Supports are removed and the part is cleaned up, giving you a prototype in 3 to 5 days. RPs can be used as standalone prototypes, or as a pattern. Read More

Other Services

fineline prototyping

Other services we provide include: inspection, painting, assembly, heat treating, plating, polishing and many more.

Companies we have helped developed prototypes