As a designer you are aware that every prototype is a one-of-a-kind product, which means there is no standard pricing chart to follow.
Here are some of the factors that determine the ultimate cost of your prototype:
- Time – are you allowing enough time to cast the prototype, test it, modify the design if needed, recast and retest?
- Process — is the prototyping process you have chosen right for your design or are you making accommodations to fit your prototype into a process available? The extra time and effort required to make things work in the wrong process may cost you.
- Briefing — have you prepared a check list of critical items to discuss with the prototyper. The list should include things that are not shown on the drawing such as performance requirements? You may want to create your checklist throughout your design process making notes of questions and concerns as they arise.
- Secondary operations — some features should be machined in the prototype process even if they will be cast in the production process. To do otherwise is to waste time and money.
- Simulation — does the chosen alloy provide proper simulation of the production part characteristics?
These five simple steps can help you avoid unnecessary frustrations, anxieties and sleepless nights, and ensure you of a successful outcome. But if there is a nagging concern as you finish your design, call us, we will be glad to give you the benefit of our many years of prototype casting experience.