Kesu Hardware, based in Dongguan, China, is a leading provider of China metal rapid prototype services, delivering high-quality prototypes at low cost with rapid turnaround times. Our comprehensive range of rapid prototyping technologies, including CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum casting, and sheet metal fabrication, makes us the ideal one-stop shop for all your prototyping needs. Whether you’re developing a new product or testing innovative designs, we transform your concepts into tangible prototypes with precision and efficiency.
Our commitment to quality, advanced equipment, and skilled engineers ensures that every prototype meets your exact specifications. From metal components to plastic parts, we cater to industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics.
What is Rapid Prototyping?
Rapid prototyping is a manufacturing process that enables the quick creation of physical models or components based on digital designs. It leverages advanced technologies like 3D printing, CNC machining, and vacuum casting to produce prototypes that closely resemble the final product. These prototypes are used for testing functionality, validating designs, and identifying potential improvements before mass production.
Unlike final products, rapid prototypes may not have the same finish or durability but are critical for iterative design processes. They allow engineers and designers to assess form, fit, and function, ensuring the product meets performance and environmental requirements.
Benefits of Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping offers numerous advantages for both manufacturers and customers, making it an essential step in product development:
- Faster Design Validation: Test new features and ideas before committing to full-scale production.
- Accelerated Production Cycles: Speed up development by quickly producing and refining prototypes.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduce production costs by identifying design flaws early.
- Environmental Assessment: Evaluate the environmental impact of materials and designs.
- Improved Product Quality: Iterate designs to enhance performance and reliability.
- Failure Prevention: Test components to identify and eliminate weaknesses.
How to Create a Rapid Prototype
Creating a rapid prototype involves a systematic process to ensure accuracy and efficiency:
- Design Creation: Develop a 2D or 3D digital model using CAD software.
- Prototype Manufacturing: Use a suitable technology (e.g., CNC machining, 3D printing) to produce the prototype.
- Review and Testing: Evaluate the prototype for form, fit, and function.
- Redesign: Make necessary adjustments to the design based on testing feedback.
- Replicate: Produce additional prototypes to refine the design further.
- Final Validation: Confirm the prototype meets all requirements before production.
Our Rapid Prototyping Services
At Kesu Hardware, we offer a comprehensive suite of rapid prototyping services tailored to your needs. Our advanced facility in Dongguan, China, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to produce high-quality metal and plastic prototypes with precision and speed.
CNC Machining for Rapid Prototyping
CNC machining is a cornerstone of our rapid prototyping services, offering unmatched precision for metal and plastic components. Using pre-programmed software, our CNC machines deliver accurate cuts and complex geometries, making them ideal for functional prototypes that require tight tolerances.
| Equipment Type | Quantity | Brand | Max Part Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Axis CNC Machines | 10 | Jingdiao/DMG Mori | D600 mm |
| 4-Axis CNC Machines | 20 | AutoCam | D600 x L1200 mm |
| CNC Lathes | 50 | Tsugami | D300 x L1200 mm |
| 3-Axis CNC Machines | 50 | – | 1500 x 800 mm |
Tolerance Capabilities: ±0.002 mm for metal parts, ±0.01 mm for plastics.
3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping
Our 3D printing services utilize additive manufacturing to create prototypes layer by layer from digital designs. We offer multiple 3D printing technologies, including:
- Stereolithography (SLA): High-resolution parts with smooth surfaces.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Durable prototypes using nylon and other materials.
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM): Metal prototypes with complex geometries.
3D printing is ideal for creating intricate designs quickly, with lead times as short as 1-3 days.
Vacuum Casting for Rapid Prototyping
Vacuum casting is perfect for producing small batches of high-quality plastic prototypes. This process involves pouring molten plastic into a silicone mold under vacuum conditions, resulting in parts with excellent surface finish and detail.
- Materials: Polyurethane resins, ABS-like, and rubber-like materials.
- Lead Time: 3-7 days for small batches.
- Applications: Functional prototypes, display models, and low-volume production.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Our sheet metal fabrication services include laser cutting, stamping, and welding to create metal prototypes with high strength and durability. We work with materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass to produce components for various applications.
| Process | Material | Thickness Range |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Cutting | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | 0.5-20 mm |
| Stamping | Brass, Steel | 0.5-10 mm |
| Welding | Aluminum, Steel | 1-15 mm |
Materials for Metal Rapid Prototyping
The choice of material is critical to the performance of a rapid prototype. At Kesu Hardware, we offer a wide range of metals and plastics to suit diverse applications.
Metal Materials
We specialize in machining and 3D printing the following metals for rapid prototypes:
- Aluminum: Alloys 5052, 6061-T6, 7075-T6 (lightweight, corrosion-resistant).
- Stainless Steel: 303, 304, 316, 17-4 PH (durable, corrosion-resistant).
- Titanium: High strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible.
- Brass: CDA 360/385 (good machinability, corrosion-resistant).
- Inconel 718: High-temperature resistance for aerospace applications.
- Tool Steel: D2, A2, S7 (high hardness for tooling).
Plastic Materials
For plastic prototypes, we offer materials with varying properties:
- ABS: Tough, impact-resistant.
- PEEK: High chemical and heat resistance.
- Nylon: Wear-resistant, flexible.
- Polycarbonate (PC): Transparent, impact-resistant.
- PTFE: Low friction, high heat resistance.
- Delrin: High stiffness, low friction.
Surface Finishes and Coatings
To enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your prototypes, we offer a variety of surface finishes and coatings:
- Anodizing: Corrosion resistance and color options for aluminum.
- DLC Coating: High hardness and low friction for metal parts.
- Micro-Arc Oxidation: Wear and corrosion resistance for aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.
- Polishing: Glossy, mirror-like surfaces for plastic and metal prototypes.
- Sandblasting: Uniform texture for improved adhesion.
- Powder Coating: Durable, protective finish in various colors.
- Passivation: Enhanced corrosion resistance for stainless steel.
Quality Assurance for Rapid Prototypes
Quality is paramount at Kesu Hardware. Our rigorous inspection processes ensure every prototype meets your specifications.
| Equipment | Quantity | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) | 2 | LEAD |
| XRF Spectrometer | 1 | HITACHI |
| 2.5D Measuring System | 3 | – |
| Calipers | 20 | – |
| Micrometers | 10 | – |
We adhere to ISO 2768-F for metal parts (±0.05 mm for linear dimensions up to 3 mm) and ISO 2768-M for plastics (±0.1 mm for linear dimensions up to 3 mm).
Industries We Serve
Our metal rapid prototype services cater to a wide range of industries, including:
- Aerospace: Lightweight, high-strength prototypes for aircraft components.
- Automotive: Functional prototypes for engine parts and chassis.
- Medical: Biocompatible prototypes for surgical tools and implants.
- Electronics: Precision components for consumer devices and instrumentation.
- Robotics: Complex parts for robotic systems.
- Industrial Equipment: Durable prototypes for machinery and tools.
Why Choose Kesu Hardware for Rapid Prototyping?
Kesu Hardware stands out as a premier provider of China metal rapid prototype services due to our:
- Advanced Technology: Over 200 CNC machines, 3D printers, and other equipment.
- Experienced Team: 30+ engineers and 200+ employees dedicated to quality.
- Large Facility: 8,000+ square meters of manufacturing space.
- Global Reach: Serving 3,000+ customers with 500,000+ parts produced annually.
- Customer Support: Prompt, personalized service for all inquiries.
FAQ: China Metal Rapid Prototyping
What is a China metal rapid prototype?
A China metal rapid prototype is a physical model of a metal component created quickly using technologies like CNC machining, 3D printing, or vacuum casting in China. It is used to test designs before mass production.
What technologies do you use for rapid prototyping?
We use CNC machining, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, SLM), vacuum casting, and sheet metal fabrication to produce high-quality prototypes.
What materials can you prototype?
We work with metals like Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium, and Brass, as well as plastics like ABS, PEEK, and Nylon.
What are your lead times for prototypes?
Lead times vary by process: 1-3 days for 3D printing, 3-7 days for CNC machining and vacuum casting, and 5-10 days for sheet metal fabrication.
How can I get a quote?
Upload your 2D and 3D drawings with material, finish, and quantity details to our website or email us an instant quote.