Pre-series and pilot runs without tooling
Between prototype and production tooling there is often a gap: you need 50 parts for a field trial but the tool takes weeks. We close that gap with printed pre-series.
Series in 4 to 15 working days
When a printed pre-series makes sense
Whenever parts are needed before the design is final.
Field trial
Test parts at selected customers under real conditions.
Assembly trial
Run in the line with real parts.
Bridge production
Deliver while the tool is being made.
Market test
Sell a small quantity before investing.
Suitable materials
Materials with repeatable properties that come close to the later production material.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
- PETGTough, food-safe-capable everyday workhorse.
- 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.
Details for a pre-series
- 01Quantity and preferred delivery batches.
- 02Which dimensions should be inspected.
- 03Whether the design is still changing.
- 04Later production process.
Why a pre-series saves money
The most expensive change is the one on a finished tool. Every modification after release costs money and weeks. A printed pre-series reveals problems while they can still be fixed in the CAD file.
Time adds to this. While the tool is being built, your parts are already with the customer. Field feedback feeds into the final design.
Not every pre-series leads to tooling. Sometimes it turns out the volume stays cheaper in print. Then the pre-series already is the series.
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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Pre-series FAQ
- Are all pre-series parts identical?
- We produce with locked parameter sets and inspect first articles and samples. That keeps dimensions within the agreed tolerance.
- Can we change the design in between?
- Yes, that is a big advantage. The next delivery comes with the new version without a tool change.
- When is tooling worth it?
- It depends on part size and volume. We are happy to calculate the per part comparison.
- Is there a minimum quantity?
- No. Pre-series often start at 10 parts.
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