The three common processing methods for handboard models

Prototype model The three common processing methods

Generally, there are three common methods for producing prototype models: CNC machining, 3D printing, and vacuum casting. The processing method chosen depends on the specific needs of the customer, and prototype manufacturers will select the most suitable approach based on the customer’s particular requirements. In fact, it’s quite common for customers to ask us to provide price quotes for all three processing methods when ordering prototypes. Each of these methods has its own unique advantages and varying costs, which naturally result in significantly different pricing!

1. CNC prototype:
Among the three machining methods, CNC machining offers the highest precision, capable of achieving tolerances as tight as ±0.05 mm. The primary materials used in CNC prototyping include ABS, PC, PMMA, PA, POM, and bakelite. Among these, ABS is the most common and widely used plastic material, while PC and PMMA are typically employed for producing transparent prototypes. CNC prototyping boasts several key advantages: it features fast processing speeds, low costs, and exceptionally high machining accuracy. Moreover, the wide selection of available materials ensures consistency between the prototype materials and those used in mass production parts. Prototypes produced via CNC machining exhibit a highly realistic appearance and can achieve outstanding surface quality. After undergoing subsequent finishing processes such as grinding, polishing, sandblasting, painting, silk-screening, UV coating, or electroplating, the final product’s appearance and performance can be fully comparable to those of injection-molded parts. Therefore, when manufacturing plastic prototypes, if you need relatively small quantities and have high requirements for prototype performance, CNC machining is an excellent choice.

2. Prototype master model:
The material used is liquid TPU, and its performance is comparable to that of ABS and PC. For small-batch plastic products—ranging from about 10 to 100 sets—this processing method is the most suitable, offering advantages in both cost and lead time, making it an excellent approach for short-term, small-batch production. The dimensional accuracy of the prototypes (models) is not very high, and the material used is epoxy resin rather than true plastic. It’s ideal for rapid prototyping in small batches.

3. 3D-printed prototypes:
The commonly used 3D printing process is SLA (Stereolithography) laser curing of photosensitive resin, which is particularly well-suited for parts with complex shapes and fine surface details—such as toys and handicrafts. Compared to CNC machining, SLA offers lower processing accuracy and produces materials that are relatively brittle. As a result, plastic prototypes made using this method are not ideal for structural certification. However, SLA can easily reach areas that are difficult or impossible to machine using CNC. Therefore, this manufacturing method is often employed for prototypes with complex structures but low strength requirements.

In addition, when selecting the manufacturing method for prototype models, it’s also necessary to take into account the design complexity of the product and the delivery timeline. Although CNC machining offers high precision, it can be challenging and time-consuming for designs that are extremely complex or feature intricate internal hollow structures. In contrast, 3D printing demonstrates unique advantages in handling such complex geometries, enabling rapid physical realization of design concepts—making it particularly well-suited for prototype validation during the early stages of product development. Meanwhile, vacuum casting, with its rapid replication capabilities, is ideal for small-batch trial production after a product has been finalized or for preparing samples prior to market launch. It allows companies to respond swiftly to market demands and significantly reduce trial-and-error costs. In summary, choosing the appropriate manufacturing method for prototype models is a comprehensive decision-making process that takes into account customer requirements, product design, cost budgets, and time constraints. By selecting the most suitable manufacturing approach, companies can effectively enhance both the efficiency and quality of their product development efforts.