Prototyping or Low-Volume Manufacturing?
Look below to find out which is right for your project? Still curious, chat with an engineer.
| Prototype | Low Volume Production | |
| Objective | Design validation Form, fit, and function parts Material trials | Low Volume Production Parts Bridging Gap from Prototype to Production |
| Ideally when… | Lifetime volumes are below 2,500 parts An affordable entry point for tooling is important Part production is only needed for 1 year or less | Part production is needed over multiple years Lifetime volumes exceed 2,500 parts Lower part price is critical Part production is needed over multiple years |
| Mold costs | Lower | Higher |
| Part costs | Higher | Lower |
| Timing | 3-4 Weeks | 3-5 Weeks |
| Mold Cavities | Single Cavity | Single & Multi-Cavity |
| Materials | Standard Xcentric Materials, or Customer Provided | Standard Xcentric Materials, Custom or Customer Provided |
| Finishes | XME Standard Basic Blasts & Polishes | XME Standard Basic, Blasts, Polishes, Custom |
| Mold Guarantee | Limited to 2500 Shots | Lifetime/Unlimited |
| Mold Ownership | Yes | Yes |
| Mold Storage | 24 Months of Inactivity | 36 Months of Inactivity |
| Quality Documentation | Basic Part Inspection Upon Request | Basic Part Inspection Included Additional Inspection Services are available |
| Base Tool Material | High Grade QC-10 Aluminum | High Grade QC-10 Aluminum |
| Set Up Fees | Yes | Yes but waived on orders of 10,000 pieces or more |
Ready to Prototype?
Already through the design process and ready to get your hands on some parts? No problem. At Xcentric, we specialize in quick-turn, rapid prototyping with parts in as few as five days helping you iterate faster. Click below to get a quote in less than 24 hours and get your project started.
Need Design Assistance?
At Xcentric, we have 25 years of experience helping designers and engineers develop medical devices like surgical instruments, dental implants, COVID-19 products, and much more. Partner with one of our engineers to help find the best materials and other tips to bring your product to life.