Mag-Knight makes die-cut prototypes by laser cutting them from your production material, with no tooling cost, then moves the same part to a steel rule die once the design is final. Prototype runs start at 5 pieces with no setup fee, so you can test fit and function before paying for a die.
| Prototype option | Best for | Tooling |
|---|---|---|
| Laser-cut prototype | Gaskets, foam, felt and plastic parts in the real production material | None |
| Steel rule die, short run | Locked designs needed in volume quickly; a simple letter-size die costs about $200 | One-time die cost |
| 3D-printed prototype | Rigid 3D concept parts up to 8.5″ × 8.5″ × 9.5″ | None |
Laser cutting is usually cheaper below a few hundred to a couple thousand parts. Above that, a die pays for itself. See how many parts you need before die cutting is cost effective.
3D Printed Prototypes
Rapid Prototyping is one of the most cost effective ways to get a concept design or prototype created without committing to a full scale production, and investing in costly material. 3D Printing is a form of rapid prototyping, and is highly suited towards the production of small quantities. Your CAD file will be 3D printed in one of our current color options, and other colors are available upon request. Our 3D printing size constraints are 220mm x 220mm x 250mm or 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 9.5″.
3D Printing offers a high level of accuracy and precision which can be crucial for the testing of a concept/prototype part. Tolerances of up to +/- 0.1mm, and in some cases +/- 0.05mm, can be accomplished. Before you set your design into motion, consider having it 3D printed to ensure the final product is up to your standards.
For a short demo, check out our 1 minute video on Rapid Prototyping
