Get Custom Quote

Main Rapid Prototyping Services At Sanpin

As an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing partner, Sanpin has a wide variety of rapid prototyping processes. We can achieve stable production and excellent surface quality.

CNC Prototyping

CNC Prototyping Services

CNC rapid prototyping provides high precision, uses real production materials, and is ideal for functional testing and metal parts with tight tolerances.
Rapid Injection Molding

Rapid Injection Molding

Rapid injection molding delivers low-volume production with real molded materials, perfect for market testing and pilot runs before mass production.
3D Printing

3D Printing Services

3D printing offers fast lead times and complex geometries, ideal for concept models, visual prototypes, and initial fit checks with minimal cost.
Vacuum Casting

Vacuum Casting Services

Vacuum casting produces small-batch parts that feel like injection molded components, great for exhibition samples and appearance validation.

How To Choose Your Rapid Prototyping Process

You need to clarify the quantity of samples you need. You should also confirm your requirements for materials, precision and lead time. In addition, you need to know what the samples will be used for.

Process Recommended Quantity Typical Materials Accuracy (±mm) Lead Time Advantages Limitations Recommended Applications
3D Printing 1-5 pcs Photosensitive Resin, Nylon, ABS-like Resin, etc. 0.1 – 0.2 1 – 3 days Fast speed, can create complex geometries Limited material choices, lower strength Visual validation, Concept models, Initial fit tests
CNC Machining 1-20 pcs Metals (Alu, Copper, Steel), Plastics (ABS, POM, PC) 0.01 – 0.05 3 – 7 days High precision, uses real materials, good strength Limited internal complex structures, cost rises with complexity Functional testing, Metal parts, High precision requirements
Rapid Tooling + Rapid IM 100 – 1000 pcs Standard Plastics (ABS, PP, PC, Nylon, etc.) 0.1 – 0.3 7 – 15 days Close to mass production process, real material testing Limited mold life (hundreds to thousand shots), costly to modify Pilot production, Market testing, Functional validation
Vacuum Casting 10 – 50 pcs Polyurethane (Simulates ABS, PP, Rubber) 0.15 – 0.3 5 – 10 days Low cost for small batches, feels like real molded parts Short mold life (approx. 20-30 pcs), non-standard materials Small batch appearance parts, Exhibition samples, Pre-trial use

Rapid Prototyping Service Material Library

Over the past decade, Sanpin has worked with its clients on more than 100 types of rapid prototyping materials.

Common Machinable Materials For Rapid Prototyping

Aluminum 6061

Key Characteristics

High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, good weldability

Best For Prototypes

Automotive brackets, structural prototypes, aerospace components, electronic enclosures

Stainless Steel 316L

Key Characteristics

Excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, biocompatibility, good toughness

Best For Prototypes

Medical devices, marine components, chemical processing equipment, food processing machinery

Brass C360

Key Characteristics

Excellent machinability, high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, attractive finish

Best For Prototypes

Valves, fittings, electrical connectors, decorative components, musical instruments

Titanium Grade 5

Key Characteristics

Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, high temperature performance

Best For Prototypes

Aerospace parts, medical implants, marine applications, high-performance automotive components

Copper C110

Key Characteristics

Superior electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, malleability

Best For Prototypes

Electrical components, heat sinks, plumbing fittings, decorative elements

Steel 1018

Key Characteristics

Good machinability, moderate strength, weldable, cost-effective, uniform properties

Best For Prototypes

Machined parts, structural components, fasteners, automotive parts, tooling fixtures

ABS

Key Characteristics

High impact resistance, good dimensional stability, easy to machine and paint

Best For Prototypes

Consumer products, electronic housings, automotive interior parts

PC (Polycarbonate)

Key Characteristics

Transparent, high impact strength, heat resistance, good dimensional stability

Best For Prototypes

Light covers, protective guards, transparent components, medical devices

PA66 (Nylon)

Key Characteristics

High strength, good wear resistance, self-lubricating, good chemical resistance

Best For Prototypes

Gears, bearings, functional mechanical parts, fasteners

PP (Polypropylene)

Key Characteristics

Low cost, good chemical resistance, flexible, fatigue resistant

Best For Prototypes

Containers, hinges, chemical-resistant components, packaging

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Key Characteristics

Flexible, elastic, good abrasion resistance, varying hardness options

Best For Prototypes

Seals, gaskets, flexible components, protective covers

Silicone Rubber

Key Characteristics

High temperature resistance, flexible, biocompatible, good chemical resistance

Best For Prototypes

Medical devices, seals, gaskets, heat-resistant components

Photosensitive Resin

Key Characteristics

High detail reproduction, smooth surface finish, various hardness levels

Best For Prototypes

Visual prototypes, detailed models, complex geometries, form & fit testing

Premium Surface Finishes For Rapid Prototyping

Generally, the surface finish for our rapid prototype parts is selected based on the customer's requirements. If there are no special requests, we use the 'as machined' finish.

Polishing

Polishing

The surface of the part transitions from rough to smooth and refined. For transparent materials, the clarity increases significantly after polishing.

Chemical Smoothing

Chemical Smoothing

This nearly eliminates visible layer lines, leaving a smooth surface with a natural luster. Surface roughness can be reduced by more than 80%.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting

This removes tooling marks, resulting in a uniform, non-reflective matte finish or an even satin finish with a smooth, delicate texture.

Brushed Finish

Brushed Finish

This gives your metal prototype a surface with regular, fine lines (either straight or a random, swirling pattern) and also helps hide minor scratches.

Anodizing

Anodizing

This creates a protective layer that can be dyed in a wide variety of colors, available in either glossy or matte finishes.

Spray Painting

Spray Painting

This covers the base color and surface imperfections, allowing you to achieve any color and various special textures, such as a leather-like texture or a soft-touch rubber-like feel.

Prototype in Hours, Not Weeks

Start Prototyping Today

Rapid Prototyping Solutions For Your Industry

Based on our customer data over the past decade, the top industries for our rapid prototyping services have been the automotive industry, consumer electronics, medical devices, aerospace, industrial equipment, cultural and creative products, and the construction industry.

Automotive Rapid Prototyping
Automotive Rapid Prototyping
We deliver rapid prototyping for automotive interior/exterior parts, lighting components, engine parts, and EV structures, with strict tolerances and certified quality.
Tools & Equipment Prototyping
Tools & Equipment Prototyping
Rapid prototypes for hand tools, industrial machinery parts, equipment housings, and precision fixtures with CNC, 3D printing, and casting.

Our Rapid Prototyping Cases

Bird's Nest Prototype

Craft Prototype Of The Famous Beijing Bird's Nest

This ABS material prototype was made using five-axis CNC machining and ended up with an electroplated surface finish.

Steel Ventilated Heat Sink

CNC Prototype Steel Ventilated Heat Sink

The heat shield cover made with five-axis CNC machining, without any surface treatment.

Why Choose Us As Your Prototyping Supplier

Our goal has always been to have zero complaints from customers.

Proactive DFM Feedback

? You might worry about design flaws that could make manufacturing difficult, or that our factory might just start cutting right after receiving the drawings.
💬 We don't just hit "print" or "machine" blindly. Our engineers review your CAD files and provide actionable Design for Manufacturing (DFM) suggestions. We can flag potential risks like thin walls or unmachinable undercuts before production even begins.

Data-Backed Quality & Tolerances

? You might also worry that our claimed high precision is just talk, and that the parts won't fit when they arrive.
💬 We don't just hit "print" or "machine" blindly. Our engineers review your CAD files and provide actionable Design for Manufacturing (DFM) suggestions. We can flag potential risks like thin walls or unmachinable undercuts before production even begins.
Metal Rapid Prototype Parts

Smooth handover to small-batch production

? You might worry that after prototyping with us, you'll have to start over with a new supplier for mass production.
💬 We offer an end-to-end prototyping experience. You don't need to waste time breaking in a new vendor. We have mastered several mainstream prototyping processes that can handle both small batches and full-scale production.

Strict NDA & IP Protection

? You might worry about your confidential designs being leaked.
💬 The case studies you see on this website are either photos of finished products approved by our clients, or projects designed and machined by our own in-house engineers. We are fully agreeable to signing an NDA before you upload any drawings.

Our Prototyping Quality & Facility

We hold essential industry certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and IATF 16949:2016 for rapid prototyping services. Our equipment is also regularly replaced and newly purchased on an ongoing basis.

3D Printing Room
3D Printing Room
CNC Workshop
CNC Workshop
Molding Shop
Molding Shop
Mold House
Mold House
Vacuum Casting Room
Vacuum Casting Room
QC Room
QC Room

FAQ for Rapid Prototyping Services

The cost of rapid prototyping is mainly affected by the process, materials, part complexity, and quantity. CNC machining is usually priced by machine hours, while 3D printing is calculated by material volume and printing time. Vacuum casting is affected by mold complexity and quantity. For specific quotations, you can send us your drawings and requirements, and we will give you a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
Under normal circumstances, we will give you a quotation within 24 hours after receiving your drawings and requirements. If the project is very complex or requires special processes, the quotation cycle may be extended appropriately.
Yes, we can provide a full range of services from rapid prototyping to small-batch production. After the prototype is confirmed, we can arrange CNC machining, rapid injection molding, or vacuum casting according to your needs, helping you complete the transition from prototype to small-batch production smoothly.
There is no minimum order quantity for prototypes. We accept single-piece prototyping orders, which is very suitable for early-stage design verification and functional testing.
We can accept most common 3D file formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, SolidWorks (SLDPRT), CATIA, and AutoCAD (DWG/DXF). If you have special format requirements, you can contact us to confirm.
The tolerance range varies by process. CNC machining can achieve tolerances of ±0.01~±0.05mm, 3D printing is generally ±0.1~±0.2mm, and vacuum casting is about ±0.15~±0.3mm. If you have special tolerance requirements, please specify them when submitting the order.
It depends on the degree of modification. Minor changes (such as adjusting hole positions or chamfers) usually do not require re-quotation. Major changes (such as changing structures or processes) may require re-evaluation and quotation. We will communicate with you clearly before making adjustments.
Yes, our engineers will review your 3D files and provide DFM (Design for Manufacturing) suggestions free of charge, such as optimizing wall thickness, avoiding undercuts, and improving assembly feasibility, to ensure that your design can be produced smoothly.
Yes, all our prototypes will undergo quality inspection before delivery, including dimensional checks, visual inspection, and functional testing (if required). We can provide a simple inspection report for free, and you can also request a detailed third-party inspection report.