Make better product decisions before committing to production
Gelecta helps you select the right prototyping process and material based on what the part needs to prove. Through our manufacturing network, we provide industrial 3D printing for plastic and metal components, together with finishing, inspection and a clear path towards low-volume or serial production.
A prototype should answer a specific question. An early concept model may be needed to evaluate proportions and appearance, while a functional prototype may need to demonstrate fit, assembly, mechanical performance or behaviour under actual operating conditions.
Rapid prototyping can support:
- concept and design evaluation
- fit and assembly checks
- functional and mechanical testing
- customer and user trials
- presentation and exhibition models
- jigs, fixtures and production aids
- replacement and specialised components
- low-volume end-use applications.
We help define what the prototype must demonstrate and select the manufacturing route accordingly.
The best prototype is not always 3D printed
Our role is to identify the most appropriate manufacturing process—not to direct every project towards additive manufacturing.
CNC machining can be the better option when the prototype must be manufactured from the actual production material or requires critical machined surfaces.
Vacuum casting is suitable when several consistent and visually finished plastic parts are needed without investing in an injection mould.
Rapid tooling and low-volume injection moulding may be appropriate when parts must closely represent the intended production process and material.
By comparing these alternatives early, we can help you avoid unnecessary iterations and create a controlled route from prototype to production.
How we select the right prototyping solution
What does the prototype need to prove?
A visual model, an assembly prototype and a functional test part have different requirements. We begin by defining the decisions the prototype must support.
What surface quality is required?
A presentation model may require a smooth, painted or transparent finish. For a functional prototype, mechanical properties and critical dimensions may take priority over cosmetic appearance.
What are the part’s geometry and dimensions?
Overall size, fine details, internal features, printing orientation and surfaces requiring additional finishing all affect process selection and manufacturability.
Which material properties are important?
Strength, stiffness, flexibility, temperature resistance, chemical exposure, UV conditions and expected service life can all influence material selection.
A 3D-printing material does not necessarily reproduce every property of the material intended for serial production. When production-equivalent material is essential, CNC machining or moulding may be a better choice.
How many parts are needed?
3D printing is particularly effective for individual parts and small batches. As quantities increase, vacuum casting, CNC machining, rapid tooling or injection moulding may provide a more suitable technical and commercial solution.
What happens after the prototype?
The next production stage should be considered before the prototype is made. This helps ensure that the selected process provides useful information for low-volume manufacturing, tooling and eventual serial production.
Industrial 3D printing capabilities
Our manufacturing network covers several industrial additive manufacturing processes for plastic and metal parts. The appropriate process depends on the part’s purpose, size, geometry, material requirements, level of detail, surface expectations and required quantity.
SLA for accurate and large-format resin parts
Stereolithography uses light to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. It provides fine detail and a smooth surface, making it suitable for:
- visual and presentation models
- form and fit verification
- detailed housings and covers
- assembly evaluation
- large-format prototypes
- parts requiring painting or cosmetic finishing.
A range of industrial photopolymer resins is available. The material is selected according to the required appearance, transparency, strength or thermal performance.
Maximum stated build area: 1680 × 760 × 630 mm
SLS for durable PA12 components
Selective laser sintering fuses polymer powder with a laser. The surrounding powder supports the component during production, allowing complex geometries to be manufactured without separate support structures.
PA12 SLS parts are well suited to:
- functional prototypes
- fit and assembly testing
- complex geometries
- jigs and production aids
- small batches of production-quality parts.
Material: PA12
Maximum stated build area: 360 × 360 × 420 mm
DLP for small parts and fine details
Digital light processing cures photopolymer resin using projected light. The process is particularly useful for small components requiring fine details and a smooth surface.
Typical applications include:
- detailed visual prototypes
- small fit-check models
- intricate technical components
- parts with fine surface features.
The photopolymer resin is selected according to the intended application and required properties.
Material group: DLP photopolymer resins
Maximum stated build area: 250 × 240 × 140 mm
FDM for engineering thermoplastics
Fused deposition modelling builds components by depositing thermoplastic material layer by layer. It is a versatile option for concept models, structural prototypes, functional test parts and production aids.
Available material options include:
- PLA
- PETG
- ABS
- ASA
- TPU
- PEBA
- PC
- PA
- FIBRE-REINFORCED MATERIALS
The material is selected according to mechanical loading, flexibility, operating temperature, environmental exposure and the purpose of the part.
Maximum stated build area: 250 × 240 × 140 mm
SLM for complex metal components
Selective laser melting uses a laser to fuse metal powder into a dense metal component. It enables complex geometries, internal channels and lightweight structures that can be difficult or inefficient to produce with conventional methods.
Available materials include:
- TC4 titanium alloy
- AlSi10Mg aluminium
- 316L stainless steel
- 1.2709 tool steel.
Printed metal parts can be machined and finished after printing to achieve the required critical dimensions, surfaces and functional characteristics.
Maximum stated build area: 430 × 340 × 380 mm
From CAD data to finished, inspected parts
1. Review the requirements
We review the CAD model, intended application, quantity, material requirements, critical features, finish and target schedule.
2. Select the manufacturing route
We recommend the appropriate 3D-printing process and material—or an alternative such as CNC machining or vacuum casting when it better supports the project.
3. Manufacture and finish the parts
We coordinate production, any agreed design adjustments and the required post-processing operations.
4. Inspect and deliver
The finished parts are checked against the agreed requirements. Dimensional inspection, 3D scanning and inspection reports are available when needed.
Why work with Gelecta?
From early prototypes to production-ready parts
Frequently asked questions
Which 3D-printing process is right for my part?
The choice depends on what the part needs to demonstrate and the requirements for size, geometry, material, surface finish, detail and quantity. We evaluate the options using your CAD model and intended application.
Can 3D-printed components be used as end-use parts?
Yes. Certain SLS, FDM and SLM materials can be suitable for end-use applications. Their suitability must be evaluated against the component’s loading, operating environment, expected service life and other project-specific requirements.
How large can a 3D-printed part be?
The maximum available build area depends on the process. For SLA, the largest stated build area is 1680 × 760 × 630 mm. Actual feasibility depends on the part geometry, orientation, material and quality requirements.
Can printed parts be painted or otherwise finished?
Yes. Depending on the process and material, parts can be sanded, polished, painted, coated, marked, threaded or fitted with metal inserts. Printed metal components can also be machined after printing.
When is CNC machining better than 3D printing?
CNC machining may be the preferred solution when the part must be produced from the intended serial-production material, requires specific mechanical properties or includes critical machined dimensions and surfaces.
When should vacuum casting be considered?
Vacuum casting is often suitable when several consistent and visually finished plastic components are required but investment in an injection mould is not yet justified.
How quickly can a prototype be delivered?
We usually respond to quotation requests within 1–2 business days. For straightforward projects with complete CAD data, prototype delivery is often possible in just over a week.
Lead time depends on the selected process, material, part size and geometry, quantity, finishing operations and inspection requirements. We confirm the expected schedule after reviewing the project data.