What Is The Cost Of Prototype Parts Manufacturing?

Getting the perfect part tooled – with the optimal tensile strength and geometric design – can be the ‘key’ to solving many far-reaching issues with machinery. That’s true whether it’s R&D for a new machine or work to upgrade or repair an existing one.
Some prototypes need to be crafted from quality materials from the get-go, while others can be tooled in cheaper materials while their suitability, fit and design are tested. Either way, getting the right size and shape the first time, can matter!
This is when you need to call in precision engineering expertise. However, what is the cost involved in part prototyping?
What Is Part Prototyping?
Creating prototype metal parts and items crafted from other materials is far more demanding than simply replicating an existing part. It requires the services of a firm confident in both programming and handling the latest milling and turning equipment. However, the basic cost per part is not the only consideration you need to keep in mind when you’re working within a budget…
There are two methods of part prototyping: manual and CNC.
CNC machines are great for large-scale production, but there is a cost in both pre-programming time and potential downtime when machines falter.
Before you decide the machining method you’d like to use, do some checks on the company in question and what they can offer you. Some companies specialise in CNC machining whilst others, like Eaton Socon Engineering, pride ourselves on our manual machining capabilities and the cost savings we can offer you on one-off part production.
The company you choose also need to be responsive and agile when your prototype project involves a degree of developmental uncertainty. This requires you to invest in a precision engineering company able to provide insightful and skilled feedback and guidance, one with a passion for producing flawless prototypes that are cost effective to replicate commercially.
How Much Does Part Prototyping Cost?
When you find a company able to form a partnership on precise prototypes and engineering, what will they charge for your project?
Clearly the cost of precision-cut prototypes can vary enormously. It depends on the complexity of the geometric design, for example. Despite this, a skilled subcontractor should be able to accommodate an infinite range of variables.
Also, the materials to be used will affect the final price, particularly when it comes to wastage. Prototype sheet metal parts will be costed differently from items drilled from wood and plastic, for example.
Cost Of A Time-Sensitive Prototype
When considering the costs of prototype parts manufacturing, you often need to include time among your measurables. Having access to responsive and high-quality manual engineering can help you to avoid delays.
When geometric perimeters are not met accurately enough, turnaround on your prototype is slow or a subcontractor fails to deliver on deadlines it can waste both time and money from immeasurable disruption.
For a quick turnaround, choose a company that specialise in manual machining; you’ll avoid a lengthy set-up and programming time, and also eliminate the risk of sudden machine failure which would delay your project until the machine in question is repaired.
Why Choose Eaton Socon Engineering For Your Project?
Finding a precision engineering firm that balances both the price charged for tooling prototypes with a flawless result and an agile, speedy service, can be a challenge.
At Eaton Socon Engineering we can quickly cost up complex machine part prototypes and offer short lead times while maintaining low prices across a diverse range of industries. As a traditional machining company, some of our machines work solely with older machining methods, but for larger volume orders we also have brand new CNC machines that can fulfil large-scale production runs. Contact us today to find out more.
Image Source: Pixabay
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