Have a product idea or design you’d like to bring to life? Where should you start? How do you make a prototype to test it, and how much will it cost?
A product prototype can be digital or physical. This guide focuses on physical prototypes, covering 3 common prototyping methods, what products they’re suitable for, and how much they cost. We’ll also cover a practical way to get a prototype made in China and move from prototypes to mass production.
What does shoe quality control include?
A product prototype is an early version of a product that turns an idea, sketch, or design into something you can see and touch. Some prototypes are made to check a product’s appearance and structure, while functional prototypes are made to test whether they work as intended.
The prototype doesn’t have to be exactly the same as the final product. You can start with simpler, less expensive materials, as long as they help you check the design, structure, and functionality. If you find any issues, you can revise the design, make a new version, and test it again.
How to make a prototype: 3 methods and costs
3D printed prototype
3D printing is a popular way to make product prototypes, especially for plastic products such as jewelry, accessories, toys, and small home decor or storage items.
Without a 3D design file, you can work with a team that offers product design and 3D modeling services. If you already have one, you can send it directly to a 3D printing service.
If local prototyping is too expensive, or you plan to develop and manufacture the product in China, you can find Chinese suppliers.
- Simple plastic parts (3D printing): starting at $10 per piece.
- A basic all-plastic toy prototype: around $300 per piece.
On the whole, 3D printing is a cost-effective way to check your product’s appearance, dimensions, and basic structure before investing a lot in the mold opening. If anything needs to be changed, you can revise the design and print another prototype before moving forward.
CNC prototype
CNC machining uses computer control to cut and shape materials directly. It can work with almost any material, whether metal, wood, or plastic, and achieve precise results.
It is widely used to make prototypes of custom metal parts, hardware tools, and other products that require precise dimensions.
For example, we had a client customizing some crystal trophies, and we found a factory specializing in crystal processing to make CNC prototypes. The prototyping cost is around $20/pc.
In China, CNC prototyping costs around $100 per day. More complex parts may take two days or longer to machine, so the cost can increase accordingly.
Handmade prototypes
For clothing, bags, and other textile or wooden products, suppliers usually make prototypes by hand, using methods like cutting, sewing, carving, and assembly. Many factories in China can also help develop your design and make a prototype based on a sketch.
For example, when making custom handbags, the factory first makes paper patterns based on the design drawings to determine the shape and size of each piece. Then, the factory makes the first prototype to check the design. For a custom handbag that requires a new pattern, the sampling fee is around $150 per piece.
How JingSourcing helps you get prototypes made in China?
1. Share your product idea
Tell us what you want to make and share any sketches, reference photos, or links to similar products. If you already have a 3D design file, you can send it to us directly.
Only have a rough idea? That’s fine. We can discuss your needs and help you work out the design.
2. Make, test, and refine the prototype
Based on your design files and requirements, we’ll find suitable suppliers and communicate the materials, structure, functions, appearance, budget, and prototyping requirements clearly to work out the right approach.
We’ll check the prototype first, then send it to you to review its appearance, dimensions, and functionality. If anything needs to be changed, we’ll work with the supplier to adjust the design and make revised prototypes until you approve the final version.
If you’re worried about your product design being leaked or copied, we can sign an NNN agreement with the supplier before sharing your design files. However, an NNN agreement isn’t foolproof and can’t guarantee complete protection against copying. If your product has a unique appearance, innovative structure, or new functionality, you can also consider applying for a patent to protect your design.
One of our Australian clients wanted to customize handbags using a type of leather that was expensive and only available from Australia. However, the cost was beyond his budget.
We contacted dozens of suppliers and found five more affordable alternative fabrics. We then made handbag prototypes using these these materials and sent them to the client so he could see and feel the differences. He found a material that met his expectations and stayed within budget. We help him take the first step successfully.
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3. Confirm the pre-production sample
Once you approve the final sample, the supplier can start mass production. We’ll follow up on the production process, inspect the finished products to make sure they meet your requirements, and arrange shipment to your specified destination.
