Prototyping

Plastic materials for prototypes and prototype parts

Plastic prototypes are used to evaluate part geometry, fit, appearance, manufacturability, and early functional performance before production tooling or full-scale manufacturing. Depending on the project, prototypes may be machined from ABS, acetal, acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, PVC, or other engineering plastics; fabricated from sheet, rod, or foam board; 3D printed; or cast from a liquid thermosetting resin. Common prototype materials include ABS, acetal, acrylic, high impact polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, PVC, and rigid polyurethane foam.

Use this page as a starting point to compare plastics for prototyping based on stiffness, impact resistance, dimensional stability, machinability, thermoforming or fabrication needs, appearance, and expected testing conditions. For functional prototypes, consider whether the material needs to approximate the intended production plastic or simply support form, fit, assembly, or presentation review. Curbell Plastics can help you compare material options, review the plastic properties table, discuss fabrication and machined plastic parts, or get a quote when you are ready to discuss material availability, sizing, documentation, or prototype-part requirements.

Curbell Plastics can help you:

• Compare prototype plastics for form, fit, appearance, early functional testing, and manufacturability review.
• Identify stock shapes, foam boards, 3D printing filament, or cast resin options that may fit the prototype process.
• Discuss cut-to-size material, fabrication, machining, documentation, or quote requirements for prototype and short-run parts.