Short Run Prototypes

In addition to Metro Rapid Prototyping's SLA technology and urethane casting capability, we can now offer prototypes in the material of your choice. Time and time again, we get requests for urethane castings in a production thermoplastic material intended for injection molding or for 200+ parts. Thermoplastic materials are not possible in our casting process and more than 200 parts is typically not cost effective.

Being that Metro's core business is custom injection molding (www.metroplastics.com), thermoplastic and tooling is also our expertise. We now have the capability to make quick turn prototype molds typically with initial samples within 3 to 4 weeks (complexity of the part is a factor). All features needed in production can be produced including undercuts.

Most companies think of prototype tooling being of aluminum. The cost of the aluminum material is just slightly less than steel. The issue with aluminum is the maintenance and processing related problems which counteract the use of a cheaper material. Therefore, with Metro's decades of tooling experience and processing experience, we have compiled a detailed mold standard to which all molds are built.

We have numerous options available to meet your direct needs. Don't really know what you need or how to go about getting it? The engineering and management staff at Metro focuses highly on customer communication and insist on have either face-to-face meetings or conference calls. Please contact us to find out more.