1. Keep it a secret.
   We rarely send components outside our company for prototyping. In a first to file world, the fewer people who know what you are doing the better. We have delivered prototypes with custom electronics, housings, motors and software to customers where only 2 people in the world (our customer and engineer) know what it is.
2. Make it flexible.
   Make sure you can switch out components and try different things to get the result you want. It will be quicker and cheaper to plan upfront for change and make a couple of flexible prototypes than a dozens of slightly cheaper ones.
3. Prototyping Cost Mirrors Manufacturing Cost.
   We use this to forecast for startup cost. Even though a prototype component will be much cheaper in production, high prototyping cost may indicate that an expensive tool is needed for mass production. High prototype component cost may also mean the wrong material is being used. Also it is cheaper to use the same part in many places than a bunch of slighty different parts.
4. Components should reflect mass production methods
   Injection molded plastic parts must follow certain rules. The rules should be reflected in the prototype as much as possible. Use the production material wherever possible.

There is no need to limit your options to what can come off a 3D printer. We machine custom parts from steel, weld structures, CNC wood , and make rapid injection molds,  just name a few things. With all these skills in one place we design and prototype products that would normally require large teams and cost hundreds of thousands and get them done much less.

Some of our clients went to production with our designs after receiving the first prototype.

We use Techshop equipment to make a lot our prototypes. If you are happy with the prototype, you can come learn how to make it with us, become a member, and start production on your own.