# Getting A Prototype Made?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-prototype-made/245998>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 19, 2004, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-prototype-made/245998 "2004-05-19T17:52:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Nobody\_Special](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@Nobody\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody_Special)\
**Post date:** [May 19, 2004, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-prototype-made/245998/1 "2004-05-19T17:52:30Z")

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I’ve designed a product and I don’t know where to start to get a prototype made. It’s kind of a Rubbermade type object (though with more parts than their typical offering) which would probably ultimately be produced with a plastic injection mold, but for now I just want to make four of them. I know there are 3D printers—and I’ll make a CAD drawing— but I don’t know if they can print something this complex or if it would feel like plastic. Of course, I’m aware that the cost per unit could be very high, but I hope it will be closer to $750 each than $20,000. Thanks.

BTW: I’ve tried Googling, but I just don’t know enough to know which links would be appropriate.

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [May 19, 2004, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-prototype-made/245998/2 "2004-05-19T18:43:04Z")

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A few key words to research:

- Rapid Prototyping
- Stereolithography
- CNC

Have you tried contacting a university-affiliated research institute? Send me an email. 😉