Prototyping
Metal prototypes made with series processes
Aluminium, steel and stainless steel prototypes made on the same equipment and with the same technology that will produce the series. You validate not only the shape but also manufacturability, cost and lead time.
- 1–10 pcstypical prototype batch
- Same equipmentlaser, welding, coating
- DFM notesbefore the first cut
- No transferprototype becomes the series
A prototype that actually predicts the series
A common mistake is to make the prototype by hand or 3D printing and then discover the design must change for series production. We make prototypes by laser cutting, bending, robotic or manual welding and powder coating – the same processes as the series – so cost, tolerances and coating quality reflect the real product.
How prototyping works
- Drawing or sketchSTEP, DXF, DWG, PDF or a dimensioned sketch
- Engineering reviewmaterial, thickness, joints, coating, simplifications
- Prototypelaser cutting, forming, welding, coating
- Testing and feedbackdimensions, fit, your tests
- Changesdrawing corrections and a second iteration if needed
- Ready for seriesfixtures, robot program, batch plan
What can be prototyped
| Area | Capability |
|---|---|
| Materials | aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel |
| Sheet | laser cutting up to 4000 × 2000 mm |
| Tubes and profiles | laser cutting with holes, slots and bevels |
| Welding | TIG, MIG/MAG, laser, robotic |
| Surface | chemical pre-treatment, RAL powder coating |
| Assembly | sub-assemblies, fasteners |
Getting the most from a prototype
- State what is being tested: shape, fit, strength or appearance
- Mark critical dimensions and tolerances – standard elsewhere
- Use standard sheet thicknesses and profile sizes
- Tell us the planned series volume – we propose the right technology
- If the product is coated, coat the prototype in the same colour and finish
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a prototype be made without a full drawing?
Yes. A dimensioned sketch is enough – we can prepare the CAD model and production drawings.
Are programs kept for the series?
Yes. Laser and robot programs, fixtures and process notes are stored and reused.
How many iterations are possible?
As many as needed, each with an updated price and lead time.
Metal prototyping
Prototyping produces the first samples of a product to verify function, fit and appearance before series production. Alumnita makes metal prototypes with the same processes as the series: laser cutting, bending, TIG, MIG/MAG, laser or robotic welding and powder coating in RAL colours.
This approach reduces the risk of scaling up: tolerances, operations and production costs are known in advance. Together with the prototype, the customer receives DFM (design for manufacturing) feedback on how to simplify the design and reduce operations and material use. The approved prototype, programs and fixtures become the basis for series production.
- Typical quantity
- 1–10 pcs
- Input
- drawing, 3D model or sketch
- Materials
- aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel
- Result
- prototype, DFM feedback, processes ready for series
Submit your drawing – we deliver the finished product
Single-source manufacturing. The complete process chain – laser cutting, forming, robotic welding, powder coating and assembly – runs in our own plant in Kaunas, Lithuania. One supplier, one delivery date, one point of accountability.