Turn the drawing into a part you can physically test.

A prototype can confirm fit, clearances, cutter access, hardware locations and assembly before material and labour are committed to a batch.

Detailed CNC product design board showing routed features

Test the risk

A good prototype has an explicit acceptance check.

The most useful first part is designed around the feature that matters: the slot that must accept hardware, the pocket that must clear a component, the hole pattern that must line up, or the assembled size that must fit an enclosure.

Identify the critical feature or mating item
Agree the material and nominal thickness
Define how fit or dimension will be checked
Record any changes as a new revision
Use the approved revision for a later batch

Three ways to test

Use the smallest useful test.

Coupon

Feature test

A small piece containing the uncertain pocket, slot, hole or engraved feature. Efficient when the rest of the design is already proven.

Fit sample

Mating test

A partial component made to test how another part, fitting or piece of hardware engages.

Full prototype

Complete first part

The entire component or assembly is produced when size, appearance and combined features all need assessment.

One questionDefine what the prototype must prove

One revisionRecord the approved geometry clearly

One hand-offAgree what changes before the batch

RepeatableReorder from the approved file

Prototype review

Define the fit, feature or decision the CNC prototype must prove.

Send a CNC prototype