Verify PCB fit, snap engagement and display alignment before committing to injection molding tooling. CNC or vacuum casting — 1–5 pieces, full structural set, delivered in 10–15 days.
An injection mold for a terminal housing costs $3,000–$8,000 and takes 4–6 weeks. A single dimensional error — a PCB that doesn't seat correctly, a snap tab that won't engage, a display cutout that's 0.3 mm out — means a mold revision or a scrap tool.
A prototype set costs a fraction of tooling and arrives in 10–15 days. You assemble it with real electronics, verify every fit dimension, then submit to tooling with confidence. We typically see 1–2 prototype iterations before a terminal design is approved for production.
For most terminal projects we recommend CNC machining first to verify structural fit with electronics, then vacuum casting for a second round with a more realistic material feel if needed. See vacuum casting service for full details.
Upload your CAD files, or send photos and a sketch — we build the CAD for you before manufacturing.
We review the CAD for prototyping — note any thin walls, deep pockets or features that affect machining. We report back before manufacturing starts.
CNC-machined from ABS, PC/ABS or aluminium block. Post-machining finishing as specified: sanded, primed, painted or raw.
All prototype parts assembled and checked before shipping — housing halves, battery cover, scanner window, keypad frame.
You test the prototype with real electronics. If changes are needed, we update the CAD and manufacture a second iteration. Typically 1–2 iterations before production approval.
Approved prototype CAD is used directly for injection mold tooling — no re-measurement needed.
No CAD required for prototyping. If you are starting from a reference terminal or sketch, we build the CAD first — then prototype. The reverse engineering and modelling is included in your quote.
Mold tooling costs $3,000–$8,000+ and takes 4–6 weeks. Prototyping first lets you verify PCB fit, snap engagement and display alignment before committing to tooling. A small error costs a few hundred dollars to fix in a prototype; the same error in a mold can cost $1,000+.
CNC for fit-checking and dimensional verification. Vacuum casting for appearance models and ergonomic testing with a realistic material feel. We often recommend CNC first, then vacuum casting if needed.
Yes. CNC-machined prototypes are fully functional structural parts for functional testing. Vacuum cast prototypes are better suited to fit and ergonomic testing.
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CAD, sketch or sample. Engineers reply in 24h.
CNC or vacuum casting — 1–5 pieces, full structural set, fit-verified before shipment. No CAD needed. Quote in 24 hours.