3D printed parts for pre-production testing — validate tolerances and assembly before committing.
Pre-production testing is the last checkpoint before you commit to production tooling or a full production run. Our 3D printing service produces test builds in production-representative materials so you can validate dimensional accuracy, assembly flow, material behavior, and quality processes before scaling up.
Challenges we solve
What pre-production testing teams need from a 3D printing service
Verifying tolerances before cutting tooling
A 0.1mm tolerance issue caught after tooling costs $10K+ to fix. Caught in pre-production testing, it costs nothing. We produce test builds at the same tolerances as production and provide dimensional inspection data so you can verify every critical feature.
Testing assembly flow at small scale
Assembly issues — wrong sequence, interference fits, tool access problems — only show up with physical parts. We produce complete assembly sets so your team can run through the full assembly process and identify bottlenecks before production volume.
Validating material behavior under real conditions
Pre-production testing should include environmental testing, drop testing, and fatigue testing in the production-representative material. We match materials to your production intent so test results are predictive of field performance.
Meeting pre-production milestone deadlines
Pre-production gates have dates. Missing them delays the entire program. We ship pre-production builds in 3–5 business days so your program stays on schedule.
Technologies
Best technologies for pre-production testing
Materials
Materials for pre-production testing
MJF Nylon PA12 for production parts targeting injection-molded nylon. Tough 2K for ABS-like applications requiring dimensional precision. PC CF for high-stiffness structural components. The material you test with should match the material you ship with.
Nylon PA12
MJF · Shore D 73
Strong, lightweight, chemical resistant. The standard for functional end-use parts. Excellent fatigue resistance and consistent mechanical properties.
Tough 2K
SLA · Shore D 76
ABS-like toughness with SLA detail. Functional prototypes that need impact resistance.
PC CF
FDM · Shore D 83
Polycarbonate carbon fiber. High stiffness and heat resistance for demanding structural applications.
PETG
FDM · Shore D 74
Tough, chemical resistant, food-safe options. Good balance of strength and flexibility.
Common parts
What we build for pre-production testing
Built in our factory
Brooklyn, NY
How it works
Your project, step by step
Submit test plan
Upload production-ready files with quantity, material, and test requirements. Include critical dimensions and acceptance criteria.
Material match
We confirm the production-representative material and flag any differences your test analysis should account for.
Build
Pre-production specimens produced with locked process parameters — same consistency your production run will deliver.
Inspect & document
Dimensional verification across the build. Inspection reports provided for your test records and quality files.
Ship
Tracked shipping in 3–5 business days. Parts packed to prevent transit damage for accurate testing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pre-production testing and DVT?
DVT validates the design. Pre-production testing validates the production process — can the design be manufactured consistently at volume? Pre-production parts are often produced using the same process parameters as the planned production run.
How many pre-production parts do I need?
Typically 10–50 parts: enough for dimensional verification, assembly testing, environmental testing, and reserve specimens. Discuss your test plan with us for a specific recommendation.
Can you provide inspection reports?
Yes. We provide dimensional inspection data, material documentation, and batch traceability for pre-production builds.
Other applications
Rapid Prototyping
Functional prototypes in 2–3 business days. Test form, fit, and function before committing to tooling.
Production Parts
Production-grade 3D printed parts at volume — without tooling investment.
Hardware Development
One vendor from first prototype to production parts — no retooling, no requalifying.
Large Format 3D Printing
Single pieces up to 1200mm — or seamless multi-part assemblies at any scale.
Tooling & Fixtures
Custom jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids — delivered in days, not weeks.
Bridge Manufacturing
Ship real product now. Transition to injection molding when you are ready.
Replacement & Spare Parts
Reproduce legacy parts, replace obsolete components, and eliminate spare parts inventory.
Custom Enclosures
Custom enclosures with snap-fits, bosses, and ventilation — production-grade, no tooling.
Low Volume Manufacturing
Manufacture 10 to 5,000 parts without tooling — scale up or down order by order.
Presentation Models & Props
Presentation-quality models, trade show props, and display pieces — finished and delivered on time.
Casting Patterns
3D printed casting patterns — clean burnout, fine detail, no traditional pattern tooling.
Medical & Anatomical Models
Anatomical models, surgical planning aids, and medical training tools — dimensionally accurate.
End-Use Consumer Products
Ship real products to real customers — without injection mold tooling.
Design Verification & Testing
DVT and EVT builds in production-representative materials — validate before you tool.
Product Design Validation
Test form, fit, and function with production-grade materials before committing to tooling.
Investor Samples
Presentation-quality parts that look and feel like the final product — built for boardrooms, pitch decks, and demo days.
Jigs and Fixtures
Custom tooling for your production line — printed and delivered in days, not weeks.
End-Use Production Parts
Parts that go directly into products your customers buy and use — not prototypes, not samples.
Supply Chain Supplementation
Fill gaps in your supply chain without retooling or waiting months for overseas shipments.
Low-Volume Serial Production
Hundreds to thousands of identical parts — no MOQ from a mold shop, no tooling investment.
Replacement Parts Programs
On-demand spares for legacy and current products — without warehousing inventory.
Architectural Models
Site models, facade studies, and presentation pieces at true scale — printed whole or assembled seamless.
Trade Show Builds
Oversized displays and product replicas built to withstand transport and handling — show-ready finish.
Industrial Housings and Enclosures
Full-size prototypes of panels, covers, and housings — validate before committing to sheet metal or tooling.
Tooling and Molds
Large-format mold masters and lay-up tools — printed faster than machined.
Props and Set Pieces
Camera-ready props for film, TV, and commercial production — on tight timelines.
Wind Tunnel Models
Dimensionally accurate aerodynamic test models at scale — smooth surfaces, tight tolerances.
Legacy Part Replacement
Reverse-engineer and reproduce discontinued parts from scans or drawings — no original tooling needed.
Part Consolidation
Combine multi-part assemblies into single printed components — fewer parts, fewer failure points.
Lightweighting
Topology optimization and lattice structures — cut weight without cutting strength.
Manufacturability Analysis
Evaluate your design for printability before committing to a production run.
Scan-to-CAD
Point cloud in, watertight solid out — production-ready CAD from any 3D scan.
Tooling Design
Custom jigs, fixtures, and mold masters — designed from scratch for additive manufacturing.
Fixture Optimization
Redesign production fixtures to reduce weight, improve ergonomics, and speed up assembly.
Insights
Related reading
Production
Rapid Prototyping: Faster, Cheaper, and More Flexible Product Development
How rapid prototyping with 3D printing accelerates product development, reduces costs, and enables faster iteration from proof of concept to production validation.
Design
Practical DfAM Strategies to Help You Save on 3D Printing
Proven Design for Additive Manufacturing strategies to reduce 3D printing costs, including lightweighting, hollowing, orientation optimization, and smart batching.
Industry
From 2025 to 2026: The Manufacturing Shifts We're Seeing (and How to Prepare)
Key manufacturing trends from 2025 and what to expect in 2026, including the rise of engineering-led decision-making and US-based additive manufacturing.
Plan Your Project
Tools to plan your build
Check shipping transit times, estimate lead times by technology, and review design guidelines before you upload — so your parts print right the first time.
Check Transit Time
Enter your zip code to see how fast parts arrive from our Brooklyn facility.
Ready to start your pre-production testing project?
Upload your CAD file and get a quote in minutes — or talk to our engineers about your next production run.