Rapid Prototyping
Fast and flexible metal prototype production without press die investment. Ideal for design validation, manufacturability analysis, and functional testing.
When developing a new product, it is critical to verify the part's manufacturability in real geometry and real material before committing to a press die investment. Our rapid prototyping service combines laser cutting, manual/CNC bending, welding, and surface finishing to enable part production without forming dies. This approach shortens product development cycles by weeks and makes the die investment decision data-driven.
Our Capabilities
- Die-free part production via laser cutting + manual/CNC bending
- Functional prototype creation through welding and assembly
- Design validation and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis
- Rapid iteration: from design change to part within days
- Same method applied to low-volume custom orders
Applications
- Concept validation prototypes for new products
- Design improvement and functional test parts
- Low-volume custom order production
- Pre-production batch (pilot run) parts
Why TDM Otomotiv?
Rapid prototyping is a natural extension of our 20+ years of experience in sheet forming. Our prototyping team, which works in coordination with our mold shop, doesn't just manufacture prototypes — it also plays a role in design optimization and provides die design inputs for the transition to serial production.
Frequently asked questions
Do prototypes need tooling?
No. We combine laser cutting, manual or CNC bending, welding and finishing to make prototype parts without forming dies.
How fast can you turn a prototype?
From a design change to a new part within days — which cuts weeks from the product development cycle.
Do you offer design for manufacturability (DFM)?
Yes. We validate designs and analyse manufacturability, and together with our tool shop provide design optimisation and die design input for the move to series production.
Do you make low-volume or pilot batches?
Yes — the same method covers low-volume custom orders and pre-production batches.