Prototype Manufacturing

There is nothing like holding a three-dimensional version of your vision. Prototype manufacturing makes it possible. Prototypes keep the price point low but allow you to test features or applications of a part prior to fabrication.

Functional prototypes for all your prototype needs.

Prototype manufacturing takes your design and gives it a three-dimensional substance. Getting a prototype is a great way to determine if your design works once it’s in the real world. Prototype models help you challenge your concept and improve upon it. The benefit of securing a prototype is that it allows you to make necessary adjustments before sending it to production. Having a 3D model representation of your part gives you the opportunity to change design theory, try sizes, test materials, feel different textures, and even see color choices. It’s time to take your dreams to reality.

Helping clients decide what prototype manufacturing process is correct

Whether this is the first prototype design you’ve ever had manufactured or your company’s hundredth project built, honest, professional advice is always an excellent place to start. Discuss your project with Waggoner Manufacturing. We’re your best resource for all questions about prototyping techniques, CNC prototyping services, and metal or plastic material choices. We’ll be as broad or as specific as you want us involved. The integrity that Waggoner stands for is our superior dedication to our client’s complete satisfaction. Helping you make crucial decisions is part of what we do, so you’ll always walk away getting precisely what you need.

Professionals In Engineering Functional Prototypes

We are adept at helping our clients make product choices to get their vision off the ground and begin prototyping. Our knowledgeable associates are skilled at asking the right questions to gather information and help you decide where to start. Furthermore, we guide you to avoid mistakes like poor material choices. Being knowledgeable in our fields lets us guide you to success. We are familiar with what material choices withstand use, what your industry is currently moving toward, and how a part in motion affects the rest of the pieces around it. All fabrication industry concepts you may otherwise be unfamiliar with.

Prototype Highlights:

  • Allows you to see how the product functions in the real world

  • Present to investors and stakeholders. Ability to show concepts in actual function or model construction.

  • Evaluate and improve the design based on testing. Eliminate potential problems before going to production.

  • Test materials and design concepts for functionality, reliability, and durability.

  • Validate product performance to meet all requirements.

  • Confirm design specifications are optimal for manufacturability.

  • Market research; showcase new product introduction for feedback and review.

  • Patent new ideas to protect intellectual property.

  • Save money by making the product development process more efficient.

Precision-accurate prototype parts.

As a prototyping company, Waggoner delivers an accurate precision prototype before finalizing large-scale production parts. Focusing on finite details and precision manufacturing, we provide the most faithful representation of the finished results after production. We develop precision prototypes for testing purposes to ensure the overall product works as intended.

Manufacturers Specializing In Low Volume Runs

Waggoner’s milling services are capable of high-precision CNC machined parts and components for all industries, including aerospace, semiconductors, energy, maritime, government, military/defense, and more. Our 5-axis machines construct more precise and complex machined parts creating a wide variety of odd or irregular shapes.

Benefits of a custom prototype.

The main benefit is speaking to professionals who advise intelligently on your choices. 40+ years of experience make Waggoner a trusted, viable resource for manufacturing advice. Recommendations in the product development and production process come naturally to our seasoned veterans. We offer expert guidance on all fabrication steps from testing, material selection, assembly, and functionality.

The second most important benefit is choosing what level of accuracy you need.

Precision accuracy takes time, and time means money. Choosing a lower-grade mockup prototype may be all you need for your specific job. Waggoner Manufacturing helps our customers reduce their costs in the preproduction stage whenever possible. We can also guide you on the details required for its function.

Prototypes many times have the unique need for a limited, low-volume production run. Due to the nature of a prototype, there is often no demand for mass production. Most prototypes come in small quantities, and some require a single piece. Waggoner Manufacturing is a prototyping company that runs limited low-volume production and short runs.

Functional prototype Vs. Non-functional prototype

First, let’s mention that functional and non-functional prototypes are not fully engineered final products. Yet, many prototypes are as close to engineer grade as possible. This close proximity is because a product design prototype has many purposes and, depending on that purpose, determines the quality required for the prototype. Prototypes may be as detailed or simplistic as needed for their function. For example, a presentation model may be only partially functional to present to investors or non-functional as a stage model for review and consideration. In comparison, a testing prototype is often fully functional and closest to all product specs to guarantee correct test results.

Functional prototypes in any quantity.

Engineers most frequently manufacture functional prototypes using precision CNC machining to ensure that the final product satisfies all applicable requirements and product specifications. A production prototype has the highest precision accuracy level and acts identical to the finished product after manufacturing. The most frequently lacking element is decisions on finalizing color, texture, or surface finish.

Waggoner MFG Provides Both Functional and Non-Functional Prototypes

A prototype’s primary function is to work out all the quirks and defects for an outstanding finished product. Fully functional prototypes test all aspects of the component, checking that it’s ready to move into final production.

Non-functional prototypes are crude mockups used to represent the product without regard for details. In the early stages of production, this prototype style provides a 3D representation for design feedback and corrective criticism. Non-functional prototypes are useful in getting feedback regarding intended use and how the user feels about the product before settling on details and specifics concerning design.

What is a prototype used for?

Precision prototypes are the highest quality precision accuracy used to present new product introduction to investors and for patenting an original idea. For this reason, the prototype closely resembles the final product. Read about Why Your Business Should Prototype More, a social trends blog by Penn State University.

The engineers use an engineer-grade prototype to test the final product results. An Engineering Validation Test (EVT) unit is the highest grade and precision accuracy possible. The engineer validates all specifications, functional requirements, and materials according to the parts description and blueprint. Additionally, a prototype parts evaluation is integral to the manufacturing process. An engineered, highly defined production prototype works out all the kinks in the original design. Functional prototypes allow examination and testing on form, fitness, precision accuracy, and functionality. Testing stresses the part under extreme working conditions to find flaws in materials, tolerances, mechanics, or manufacturability to correct and improve the design. The construction of an EVT model is for test purposes. Thus the aesthetics are often overlooked. An appearance that does not affect function is inconsequential. A functional prototype uses engineer-grade materials to simulate and realistically test the final product’s characteristics. It can reveal anticipated performance such as the mechanical functions, effects of working together, chemical resistance, thermal properties, acceptable tolerances, and overall performance.

Low-quality functional prototypes act as validation for the product design. These may be used at the early stages of prototype design to solicit feedback and improve on the overall design concepts.

Consider non-functional or partly functional models if the product is being presented at a trade show or displayed. In this case, the prototype acts as a visual and may only be partially operational. A partially functional prototype gives enough information for viewers to fully understand the product. Prototypes should look like and simulate the final product. But, to reduce cost or save time, they may lack the durability and reliability of the final product.

Prototyping services transition your thoughts to existence.

At Waggoner Manufacturing, your prototype becomes a finished product. We provide cost-effective solutions to create precise prototypes that meet your needs. Let us build your latest design hypotheses and place it in your hands. Feel the fulfillment of having your idea brought to life. We offer a wide range of CNC fabrication shop services. For precision machining in Central Texas, we are your one resource for Prototype Manufacturing, CNC Services, Turning & CNC Milling Services, and Precision Manufacturing.

We specialize in everything from metal machining to exotic plastics.

For low volume production, we provide the best value for money. There are many CNC machining shops throughout Texas, but Waggoner Manufacturing shines above the rest regarding trustworthiness and reliability. Over 40 years of experience and still running speaks for itself. Call us, and you’ll see the difference. Value, intelligence, experience, and integrity, Waggoner Manufacturing offers everything you want in a fabrication shop.

Let Us Quote Your Prototype

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