Rapid prototyping turns your CAD data into a physical model or working part, fast. Parts start building on our 3D printers within minutes and on our CNC machines within hours, with vacuum castings and painted prototypes to follow. SLA is turned around in 24 hours as standard, all under one roof in Whittlesford, Cambridge.
Accurate parts for form, fit and design reviews. SLA, Carbon DLS, FDM and DLP, with a 24-hour standard turnaround and no rush fees. For tough thermoplastic parts, see FDM 3D printing.
Machined from solid aluminium, PEEK, stainless steel and engineering plastics, so your prototype has the strength of the production part. Most work is turned around in 3 days, with a 24-hour rush service if you need it.
Looks-like, works-like models with inserts, assemblies and electronics fitted, ready for user trials, investor demos and design sign-off.
Production-standard finishes on prototype parts: colour matched to Pantone, RAL or your sample, metallic and soft-touch coatings and VDI textures, from two in-house spray booths.
Silicone and polyurethane elastomer seals and gaskets cast to your specification, with moulds made in-house, so your prototype seals like the real thing.
Self-coloured polyurethane parts close to injection-moulded quality, in batches of 10 to 500. Most projects are finished within two to three weeks of pattern approval.
Only have technical drawings? We can turn them into CAD data, then recommend the fastest route to a good part. Our prototyping checklist covers the rest.
We turn ideas into buildable CAD, with manufacture and assembly in mind, before the first prototype is made.
Once the prototype is signed off, we make bridge production runs of 1 to 500+ units while your production tooling is being made. For printed runs, see SLA batch production.
A quick comparison of our main processes. We confirm the exact tolerance and lead time for your part when we quote.
| Process | Typical tolerance | Standard turnaround | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLA 3D printing | ±0.15 mm | 24 hours | Detailed prototypes, clear parts and master patterns for casting |
| Carbon DLS | Confirmed at quote | Confirmed at quote | Production-quality parts in tough, flexible and elastomer resins |
| FDM 3D printing | Lower than SLA | Depends on part size and finish | Tough nylon, carbon-fibre and TPU parts |
| CNC machining | ±0.10 mm on most work | 3 days (24-hour rush available) | Metal and engineering-plastic parts |
| Vacuum casting | ±0.5 mm on most dimensions | 2 to 3 weeks | Batches of 10 to 500 self-coloured polyurethane parts |
Prototyping can feel confusing. We give impartial, straightforward advice that simplifies each stage, and feed development information back to your team as if we were in-house. We work with product designers, design engineers, consultancies and manufacturers across medical, robotics, aerospace and consumer products, and we are ISO 9001 certified.
Most 3D printed parts ship the next day, and we quote fast.
SLA to ±0.15 mm and CNC to ±0.1 mm on most work, from the first prototype to production.
Certificates of Conformity for materials and manufacture, plus biocompatible options for patient-contact testing.
A few of the prototypes we have built for medical, consumer and product design clients.
A compact IPL hair removal device using LEDs instead of xenon flash lamps, plus its charging station. We produced 3D printed models so focus groups could test the ergonomics and design.
Read the IPL case studyA visual block model of an at-home fertility self-injector designed to look like a beauty product, showing its finishes, lighting effects and how it nests in the base.
Read the Piona case studyTwo fully working lawn mower prototypes, one petrol and one electric, CNC machined in production-intent materials and painted in production colours. They cut grass.
Read the Hayter case studyThe work speaks for itself. These numbers show the scale, speed and consistency behind it.
From concept to production across multiple sectors
Medical, defence, robotics, aerospace, automotive, marine and consumer products, among others
Partners return because we deliver what matters
Send us your CAD files and tell us your deadline. We quote fast and will do our best to match your timings. 3D printed parts can be on their way the next day.
