Print the pilot run, secure the production start
A pilot run shows whether assembly, inspection and logistics work before large quantities are ordered. With 3D printing this works without tooling and with the same settings used later for production.
Series in 4 to 15 working days
What a pilot run is good for
Find problems while they are still cheap.
Test the assembly line
Workers build real assemblies with real parts.
Trial the inspection plan
Try gauges and inspection steps on many parts.
Customer samples
Ship first units to pilot customers.
See variation
How much do dimensions vary across many parts?
Suitable materials
The pilot run should be made in the production material. Otherwise you test a different part from the one delivered later.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
- PETGTough everyday material with grade-dependent compliance options.
- ASAThe outdoor specialist - ABS mechanics with true UV stability.
- PCPolycarbonate - high impact, high heat, transparent option.
- PA12-CFCarbon-filled nylon 12 - the metal replacement workhorse.
What we define for the pilot run
- 01Material, colour and print settings that stay fixed later.
- 02Inspection features and sample size.
- 03Packaging and labelling.
- 04Planned series quantity and call-off rhythm.
The difference between prototype and pilot run
A prototype answers whether the part works. A pilot run answers whether the process works. They are two different tests.
That is why in a pilot run we fix everything that affects the parts: material batch, orientation, settings. Only then is a pilot part truly comparable to a production part.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
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Pilot run FAQ
How many parts are in a pilot run?
Usually between 10 and 100 pieces, depending on what is being tested.
Are settings carried over to production?
Yes. We document material and settings so later orders are made the same way.
Can the series then also be printed?
For many parts yes, even over several thousand pieces. We calculate for you when tooling would become cheaper.
How do I get a price?
Upload your STEP or STL file in the instant quote. You see the price immediately, and we check the file for problems before production.
Which information is needed for Pilot run?
Send a STEP file where possible, together with quantity, operating temperature, load, environmental conditions and critical dimensions. This lets us define material, orientation, production strategy and inspection effort for the part.
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