Friday, January 8, 2010

Prototyping Services

Shapeways

Pros
Cons
  • No Laser Cutter
  • Grouping parts for assemblys is problematic
  • Can not currently ship fasteners with orders



Ponoko

Pros
  • Laser Cutting
  • Easy to use templates
  • Leather!?
  • Online Shops
  • Can sell your design or finished product
  • Seller can ship finished and assembled product to customers
Cons
  • The interface is occasionally somewhat dis-intuitive
  • Only flat things



Protomold

Pros
  • Injection molded parts
  • Sample
Cons
  • Prices start at $1495
  • Quotes are not instantaneous



First Cut

Pros
  • Solid Plastic
  • Aluminum
Cons
  • More expensive than 3D Printing, prices start at $95

RedEye on Demand

Pros
Cons
  • $150 Minimum



QuickParts

Pros
Cons
  • Cost
  • Some quotes are not instant


While this quick roundup of prototyping services is obviously biased. I think most of these companies serve slightly different prototyping needs and may be more or less useful at different stages of making.

Any other suggestions?

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