How Much Does Rapid Prototyping Cost?

The price of a prototype depends on the process, the material, the size of the part, how many you need and how fast you need them. We quote fast, and the guide below explains what moves the price so you know what to send us.

What moves the price

• Size and volume of the part. Larger parts use more material and machine time.
• Material. Standard resins cost less than engineering or biocompatible materials, and we give clear choices including cost-effective options.
• Quantity. Per-part cost falls with quantity, most sharply in vacuum casting where the mould cost is spread across the batch.
• Finish. Off-machine and bead-blasted parts cost least. Painting, polishing, plating and printing add time.
• Speed. Our standard 24-hour SLA turnaround carries no rush fee. For CNC machining and production work, a very tight deadline that needs our team to work overtime or overnight may carry an extra charge, which we confirm in your quote.
• Design. We review every part and can give suggestions to make it stronger or cheaper to produce.

How to get a quote

Send CAD, the quantity, the material or finish you want and your deadline to Info@compfab.co.uk or call +44 1223 836837. We quote fast. If you need a quote quickly, let us know and we will do our best to match your timings. There is no minimum order.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 3D printed prototype cost in the UK?

The price depends on size, material, quantity and finish. Send your CAD and we will price your part. We quote fast, and if you need a quote quickly, let us know and we will do our best to match your timings.

Do you charge extra for 24-hour turnaround?

No. Our standard SLA turnaround is 24 hours, without rush fees. For CNC machining and production work, a very tight deadline that needs our team to work overtime or overnight may carry an extra charge, which we confirm in your quote.

Is there a minimum order?

We make single prototypes as well as batches.

How is a quote calculated?

From the CAD file: part size, material, quantity, finish and deadline. We also review every part and can give suggestions to make it stronger or cheaper to produce.

Is vacuum casting cheaper than injection moulding?

For batches of tens of parts, yes, because silicone moulds are quicker and cheaper to make than metal tools. For large quantities of a settled design, injection moulding costs less per part.

See also:3D printing in Cambridge, vacuum casting in Cambridge, medical device prototyping, materials and data sheets and rapid prototyping FAQs. To get a quote, contact us.