Views: 3 Author: Allen Xiao Publish Time: 2025-11-06 Origin: Site
You need a prototype. You search online. You find hundreds of plastic prototype companies. They all promise high quality. They all promise fast delivery.
How do you choose?
This is a very important decision. The company you choose can make your project a success. Or it can cause big problems. A cheap price from a bad company will cost you more in the end.
This guide is a simple checklist. It will help you ask the right questions. It will help you find a great partner.
Do not just look at the website. You need to dig deeper. Use these points to evaluate each company.
1. Look at Their Machines and Technology This is the first and most important question. What machines do they have?
Do they have different technologies? A good partner should have CNC machines, 3D printers, and vacuum casting. This is important. It means they can give you honest advice. They can recommend the best process for your specific part.
A company with only one type of machine will always sell you that one process. Even if it is not the best choice for you.
Ask about their specific machines. Do they have advanced 5-axis CNC machines? These machines can make very complex parts. Do they have different types of 3D printers? Like SLA for smooth parts and SLS for strong parts?
The machines tell you a lot about the company's capabilities. More technology means more options for you.
2. Ask About Their Quality Process This is another critical point. How do they check your parts?
Do not accept a simple answer like "we have good quality." Ask for details. What is their process?
A professional company will have a dedicated quality control department. They will use professional tools. The most important tool is a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). A CMM is a very precise machine that measures your part's dimensions. It makes sure your part matches your CAD file perfectly. Ask if they use one.
Also, ask about certifications. Are they ISO 9001 certified? This is a global standard for quality management. It means their process is reliable and consistent. For medical parts, ask for ISO 13485. For automotive parts, ask for IATF 16949.
Good plastic prototype companies are proud of their quality process. They will be happy to share the details with you.
3. Talk to Their Engineers Who will you talk to about your project? Will you talk to a salesperson? Or will you talk to an engineer?
This makes a big difference.
A good partner will let you talk directly with their engineers. Their engineers will review your design. They will give you DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback. This is expert advice to improve your part. They might suggest a small change to make it stronger. Or cheaper to make.
This communication is a sign of a true partnership. It shows they care about your success. A company that hides its engineers is just a supplier. You want a partner.
4. Check Their Experience How long have they been in business? How many projects have they completed?
Experience matters a lot in manufacturing. An experienced company has seen thousands of different parts. They have solved thousands of problems. They know what works and what does not.
Ask if they have experience in your industry. Have they made parts for automotive? Medical devices? Consumer products? If they understand your industry, they will understand your needs better.
5. Review Their Material Options Does the company offer a wide range of materials?
Your prototype plastic parts must be made from the right material. A good partner should offer dozens of choices. From common plastics like ABS and PC to high-performance plastics like PEEK.
A limited material list is a red flag. It means they are not a serious manufacturer. A wide selection shows they have a strong supply chain and deep knowledge.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Now you know what to look for. You also need to know what to avoid. Here are some common red flags.
The Price is Too Low. If a quote is much cheaper than all the others, be careful. This often means they will cut corners. They might use cheap materials. Or they might not have a good quality process. A failed part is much more expensive than a good part.
They Ask No Questions. You send your file and you get a price back instantly. No questions asked. This is a bad sign. It means no one has actually reviewed your design. A good partner will always ask questions to understand your goals.
They Cannot Provide a Quality Report. Ask for a sample inspection report. If they cannot provide one, they probably do not have a real quality process.
Communication is Slow or Unprofessional. If it is hard to get an answer from them now, imagine how hard it will be when you have a problem. Good communication is essential.
Choosing from many plastic prototype companies can seem hard. But if you use this checklist, you can make a smart choice. You can find a partner who will help you succeed.
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