Rapid Prototyping Services in China
HC-Mold makes CNC machined, 3D printed and vacuum cast prototypes in Chang'an, Dongguan, from one piece upward. Prototypes ship in 2–7 days with an inspection report, and when the design is ready, tooling and production continue in the same factory.
Rapid prototyping capabilities
- CNC prototypes
- 3–5 days, 3/4/5-axis milling and turning, tolerances to 0.005 mm
- 3D printing
- 2–3 days, SLA, SLS and MJF
- Vacuum casting
- 5–7 days, 1–500 polyurethane parts from silicone molds
- Rapid tooling
- About 15 days for low-volume injection molded parts
- MOQ
- No minimum, 1 piece welcome
- Materials
- Aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium, engineering plastics (ABS, PC, POM, PA, PEEK), SLA resins, SLS / MJF nylon, TPU, polyurethane casting resins
- Finishing
- Sanding, bead blasting, painting, anodizing, plating, screen printing
- Inspection
- Full inspection report with every shipment
What to send for a prototype quote
- 3D files (STEP, IGES, SolidWorks or STL) and a 2D PDF for critical dimensions
- Quantity and target delivery date
- Material or required properties, color and finish
- What the prototype must prove: look, fit, function or certification testing
We sign an NDA before any file review. Complete packages get a reply within 12 hours and a quote within 24 hours.
Prototyping processes
We recommend a process in the quote based on what the prototype has to prove, how many you need and how close it must be to the production material.
CNC machined prototypes
Prototypes cut from the same aluminum, steel or engineering plastic as the production part, for functional tests, fit checks and tight tolerances. Delivered in 3–5 days. See CNC machining services.
3D printing: SLA, SLS and MJF
SLA for fine detail, smooth surfaces and clear parts; SLS and MJF nylon for tougher functional parts and small batches. Delivered in 2–3 days. Compare SLA vs SLS vs MJF.
Vacuum casting (urethane casting)
A master pattern is used to make a silicone mold, then polyurethane parts are cast in rigid, flexible or clear grades. Suited to 1–500 parts that need to look and feel like molded parts, in 5–7 days. See vacuum casting.
Rapid tooling and low-volume molding
A simplified injection mold in about 15 days produces parts in the real production resin for pilot builds and market launch. Compare rapid tooling vs a production mold.
Which prototyping process should you use?
General guidance; the final recommendation depends on geometry, material and tolerance.
| Need | Quantity | Recommended route | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look-and-feel model, complex shape | 1–10 | SLA, SLS or MJF 3D printing | 2–3 days |
| Functional test in production metal or plastic | 1–50 | CNC machining | 3–5 days |
| Molded look, colors, soft-touch, small series | 10–500 | Vacuum casting | 5–7 days |
| Pilot build or launch in production resin | 500+ | Rapid tooling and injection molding | About 15 days for the tool |
More detail: how to make a prototype · MOQ by process · CNC vs injection molding for low volume
Examples of prototypes
Prototypes of the type we make. Full list in the product catalog.
CNC Machined Aluminum and Brass Prototype Parts
CNC Machined Aluminum Prototype from Billet
Silicone and Rubber Prototype Parts
Carved Decorative Furniture Base Prototype
Desk Phone Housing and Keypad Prototype
CNC Milling of an Aluminum Block
Painted Automotive Bumper Prototypes
Watch Case and Caseback, CNC Machined Stainless Steel
3D Printed Prototypes: SLA Clear and SLS/MJF Nylon
Rapid Prototype Parts by 3D Printing, CNC and Vacuum Casting
Laptop Housing Prototype in Plastic and Aluminum
Plastic Utility Knife Handle Prototypes
CNC Machined Steel Prototype Component
Watch Case and Strap Prototype
From prototype to mass production in one factory
Prototyping, tooling, injection molding and die casting run under one ISO 9001:2015 system, so the drawings, materials and inspection methods you approve at the prototype stage carry straight into production. Read prototype to production in the same factory.
Prototype
CNC, 3D printing or vacuum casting in 2–7 days to validate the design.
Pilot run
Low-volume parts in the production resin with first article inspection.
Who we prototype for
Product development teams and brand owners in consumer products, electronics, medical devices, automotive, robotics and industrial equipment, from the first concept model to pilot builds.
Rapid prototyping FAQ
How fast can I get a prototype?
3D printed prototypes take 2–3 days, CNC prototypes 3–5 days and vacuum cast parts 5–7 days. Rush service is available.
Is there a minimum order quantity for prototypes?
No. One piece is welcome for CNC machining, 3D printing and vacuum casting.
How much does a prototype cost?
It depends on size, process, material, finish and quantity. Send a 3D file and we quote within 24 hours on a complete package, often with a cheaper alternative process.
Which process is closest to the final injection molded part?
CNC machining in the production plastic, vacuum casting for molded look and feel, or rapid tooling when you need parts in the actual production resin.
Can you finish prototypes to look like production parts?
Yes. Sanding, bead blasting, painting, anodizing, plating and screen printing are available.
Will you sign an NDA before I send drawings?
Yes. A confidentiality agreement is signed before any file review. See IP protection and NDA.
Can the same factory make the production parts?
Yes. Molds, injection molding and die casting are in the same plant, so the prototype data and inspection methods carry into production.
Get a rapid prototyping quote
From 1 piece · NDA before file review · reply ≤12h · quote ≤24h on complete RFQ · ISO 9001:2015