Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping Services for Custom Parts

NICE Rapid supports rapid prototyping for custom plastic and metal parts used in product development, fit and function testing, assembly validation, and low-volume production. Depending on part geometry, material requirements, quantity, tolerances, surface finish, and target delivery date, suitable processes may include CNC machining, vacuum casting, SLS, and SLA 3D printing.

NICE Rapid reviews 3D files and project requirements to recommend a manufacturing route that balances cost, lead time, material performance, and part quality for each prototype project.

Prototyping Processes We Support

CNC Machining

CNC machining is used for concept models, functional prototype parts, and low-volume production components in plastics and metals. Parts are machined directly from 3D CAD data, with typical lead times of 7 to 10 days for several parts, including air shipping.

• Plastics: ABS, PC, POM, PP, PMMA, PBT, PTFE, Nylon, Nylon+30%GF, PEEK, PVC
• Metals: Aluminum, zinc, magnesium, brass, copper, bronze, mild steel, stainless steel
• Surface treatments: painting, silk screening, pad printing, polishing, sand blasting, anodizing, powder coating, plating, passivation, laser etching, knurling

Vacuum Casting (Polyurethane Casting)

Vacuum casting is commonly used when a low volume of parts is required based on a 3D CAD model. Cast polyurethane materials can approximate the properties of injection-moulded plastics such as ABS, PC, PA, POM, PP, TPE, and TPR rubbers.

• Typical quantities: 5 to 100 pieces per project
• Each silicone mould can produce approximately 20 to 25 parts
• Suitable for design validation, appearance models, and pre-production evaluation

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS uses a laser to sinter powdered material layer by layer, typically using nylon-based materials. SLS parts can be accurate and more durable than SLA parts, but the as-built surface has a grainy or sandy texture that may require post-processing for cosmetic applications.

• Common materials: Nylon and nylon-based composites
• Typical applications: functional prototypes, brackets, housings, and complex geometries
• Post-processing options: sanding, painting, and other surface treatments

Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA is an additive manufacturing process that uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. SLA was one of the first rapid prototyping technologies and is widely used for high-resolution visual prototypes and detailed models.

• Typical applications: visual prototypes, appearance models, and detailed features
• Parts can be brittle compared with machined or moulded components and should be handled accordingly
• Post-processing options: support removal, sanding, painting, and clear coating

Materials and Surface Finishing Options

Material selection depends on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and cosmetic requirements, as well as the intended use of the prototype. NICE Rapid reviews resin data, metal grades, and surface expectations before confirming the manufacturing process.

• Plastics and resins for CNC, vacuum casting, SLS, and SLA
• Metals including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and other alloys
• Surface finishes ranging from as-machined to polished, textured, painted, plated, or anodized, subject to material and process feasibility

Typical Quantities and Lead Times

Rapid prototyping at NICE Rapid supports quantities from one-off concept models to low-volume production runs of hundreds or thousands of units. Lead times depend on part complexity, quantity, material, surface finish, and shipping method.

• CNC machining: typically 7 to 10 days for several parts, including air shipping
• Vacuum casting, SLS, and SLA: lead times reviewed according to quantity, material, and finishing requirements
• Low-volume production: evaluated separately based on tooling, process, and target delivery schedule

How to Request a Rapid Prototyping Quote

For rapid prototyping enquiries, the following information helps support an accurate quotation and manufacturing review:

• 3D CAD files (STEP or IGES) and any available 2D drawings;
• Target material or material family (plastic, metal, resin);
• Quantity range (prototype, pilot-run, or low-volume production);
• Key dimensions, tolerances, and functional requirements;
• Surface finish, colour, and any post-processing needs;
• Intended use of the parts, such as fit testing, functional testing, or market evaluation;
• Target delivery date and shipping preferences.

If you have a rapid prototyping project, you can submit a Request a Quote enquiry with your part files and requirements.