Hey Tom-

Prototyping timeline really depends on the type of prototype. With rapid prototyping machines out there you can get a SLA, SLS, or FDM model in a day. More functional prototypes could take 1-2 weeks and still others can take 3-4 weeks. I dont know what type of prototype you are trying to get but for the most part prototypes shouldnt take longer than a couple of months. HOWEVER, design changes, poor communication, etc. can all extend a leadtime. I hope this helps.

Jo-Anna.

Tom,

Unless the product is very complex it shouldn’t take very long. What company are you working with? Have they delivered any drawings or billed you for anthing?

If you want to get it done soon please drop me line. I have years of experiance in drafting, design, machining and prototyping. I can certainly help you get things straightened out with your prototyper or at minimum watch your back so that they don’t pull a fast one on you.

Mark
markeilertsen@hotmail.com

Mark,
WELL the PROTOTYPE IS COMPLEX IT IS JUST TAKEN LONGER THAT I EXPECTED. THE THEY HAVE THE MOLD AND IT LOOKS GREAT THEY ARE JUST TRYEN TO GET ALL THE CODES RIGHT FOR THE COMPUTER CHIP.SOUNDS LIKE THEY ARE ALMOST DONE THOUGH.

Hey Tom,

This is Lily from China, I used to work in a prototype company, usually it takes less than a week to make a simple prototype(less than 1 cubic metre items), besides the inner structure is another point, meanwhile the used method(with which kind of rapid prototyping machines) decides theleading time too just as Jo-Anna said.

Lily

hey lily these guys have had it for a year. i know they have to program the computer chips and install the motors. but a year seems like a long time to me i think they are putten me on the back burner for some reason.
and i am getten tierd of WAITING THANKS TOM

Hey Tom,

Not part should take that long. Even mass producing only takes a couple months. We have had tooling made for molds and then vacuum formed multiple parts and then assembled them in 2 months time. 1 off prototypes typically can be made in 1 day as Jo-Anna mentioned. Although most service bureaus will load up their machines to the max to run more efficiently and provide you rock bottom quotes. In that case you are looking at 3-5 days SLA, SLS, and FDM. Zcorp prototypes (see http://www.ems-usa.com/3d-printers.shtml) can be printed in a matter of a few hours whereas DMLS which prints down to 20-30 microns will take much longer…. Thinner layers>more layers>more time.

For your next part, may I suggest www.halfpriceprototypes.com There is absolutely NO login required. All you have to do is enter your dimensions and volume and you can get an instant quote. If you like what you see, place the order and it will ship within 3 days time.