Key principles.
Bar/sheet stock
PEEK, acetal, nylon bar/sheet stock for CNC prototype.
Same family
Inject same plastic family — but molding grade. Mechanical properties similar.
Wrought stock
6061 bar/plate stock for CNC prototype.
Cast alloys
Cast aluminum (356, A356) for production. Different mechanical properties.
Photopolymer or PA12
SLA or MJF for fast prototype. Lower properties than production.
Inject grade
Inject mold same plastic. Production properties.
Aluminum tooling
Aluminum mold tooling for 5-10K shots between prototype and steel mold.
Until tool ready
CNC parts during 8-week mold tool build. Bridge to production launch.
Match where possible
Pick prototype materials matching production where feasible.
FAQ
Often no. CNC bar stock has different properties than injection-molded plastic. Cast metal differs from wrought.
Specify "production-representative" prototypes. Use same plastic family. Adjust tolerances per production process.
Prototype works, production fails. Reasons: weld lines in molded parts, draft angles for casting, looser tolerance in production.
Aluminum molds for low-volume bridge production. Urethane casting from silicone mold. RIM for medium-volume.
First-article inspection from production process. Mechanical testing per part criticality.
Drawing controls form, fit, function across processes. Material spec: "ABS molded", not just "ABS".
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