Forerunner Prototyping Services
OEMs working on micro medical designs need to iterate fast and innovate fast—and ultimately get their product to market faster. Prototypes often help in the product development process.
But faster prototypes don’t mean faster speed to market. And prototyping is not a one-size-fits-all type of service.
For example, while 3D printed prototypes are indeed faster and cheaper, they may not provide the most value for the customer. Our customers have found tremendous value in having a prototype of their design in their actual material—including bioabsorbables and overmolded designs—so they can evaluate the physical properties of the part, especially as it may relate to other components on their device.
This is why MTD offers multiple prototyping pathways to best suit each customer’s project needs and goals.
bioabsorbable implant prototype
overmolded prototype of fully-encapsulated medical circuit board
3D Printing
Better for quick turnaround parts to evaluate fit, form, and function of one or multiple designs
Achievable Tolerances:
+/- 0.002″
Materials for Use:
Photopolymers
Lead Time:
3–5 days
Cost:
$
Micro Machining
Better for quickly evaluating a design in one or multiple thermoplastic materials to receive a part design in your material choice
Achievable Tolerances:
+/- 0.002″
Materials for Use:
Any rigid thermoplastic, including bioabsorbable materials
Lead Time:
1–2 weeks
Cost:
$$
Test Tooling
Better for receiving injection molded prototypes, specifically in softer durometer materials or for overmolded designs
Achievable Tolerances:
+/- 0.001″
Materials for Use:
Any thermoplastic, including bioabsorbable materials
Lead Time:
2–4 weeks
Cost:
$$$