CNC prototypes
Functional prototypes in the production material, milled or turned: we review your drawing and place it with a vetted partner shop, from a single piece.
Request a prototypeCNC prototypes are functional samples in the later series material, milled or turned. Engineers use them to test fits, surfaces and load capacity on a real part before releasing the series. Strobel Industry places prototypes from 1 piece with vetted partner shops. Reply within 24 hours; the enquiry and placement are free of charge.
Fast iterations
CNC prototypes allow real functional testing in the production material. Something does not fit? The partner shop changes the NC program and makes the next version without any tooling to modify.
Unlike 3D printing, CNC prototyping gives you a part with the same mechanical properties as the later series part: same material, same tolerances.
From CAD to the finished part
How it works: experts from our team review the drawing and feasibility and select a suitable partner shop. The partner prepares the quote, programs, machines, inspects and delivers directly to you. It states the lead time in its quote. If it is urgent, put your target date in the enquiry. We will then look specifically for a shop that can meet it.
Unlike injection moulding or casting there are no tooling costs. You pay for the machining only, which makes CNC prototypes economical even as one-offs.
Why CNC prototypes?
Production material
Prototype in the same material as the series: steel, stainless, aluminium, titanium. Real mechanical properties.
No tooling costs
No moulds, no tooling, no tool amortisation. You pay for the machining only.
Series tolerance
Good partner shops hold tolerances down to ±0.02 mm. The prototype then has the same dimensional accuracy as the later series part.
Easy changes
CAD change? New NC program, new part. Iterations are straightforward because no tooling has to be modified.
Load bearing
CNC prototypes carry full load. Unlike 3D printed parts they can be tested under real conditions.
Documentation
Need a 3.1 material certificate or inspection report for prototypes too, for medical or aerospace for example? State it in your enquiry and we place it with partner shops that provide this.
Prototypes in common materials
Typical materials for prototypes. Other materials on request:
Frequently asked questions
The partner shop states the price in its quote. It depends mainly on material, complexity, tolerances and quantity. With prototypes, programming and setup are spread over only a few parts, so the unit price is higher than in series production. The enquiry and placement are free of charge for you.
The partner shop states the lead time in its quote. It depends on complexity, quantity, material and capacity. If it is urgent, put your target date in the enquiry. We will then look specifically for a shop that can meet it.
CNC prototypes when you need the production material, tight tolerances, or mechanical load testing. 3D printing when the geometry is extremely complex (lattice structures for example) or only the shape needs checking.
Yes. We place both turned and milled prototypes with vetted partner shops, including housings, plates and complex geometries with 3-axis or 5-axis machining.
Two to three iterations are typical. The first version shows whether the basic geometry works. The second optimises tolerances and details. The third is usually ready for series.
A STEP file with a drawing (PDF) is ideal. Sketches or CAD screenshots are also enough as a starting point. Experts from our team review the documents and tell you which details are still missing for a quote.
Enquire about a prototype
Send us your drawing or STEP file. We review it and get back to you within 24 hours with the right partner shop.
Request a part Ready for the
next step?
Send us your drawing. We review the enquiry and pass it on to a suitable, vetted partner shop, free and without obligation .