Model Making & Prototyping
The purpose of a good prototype is to provide a functional, lifelike depiction of the product that can be used to test aspects of the product's design during the design process. Prototyping techniques vary depending upon both the product being designed, and the stage of the design process that the prototype is being used for.
We are experienced in producing prototypes using a wide variety of materials and techniques such as SLA (stereolithography), CNC machining and foam models; we work with a variety of specialist sub-contractors to create highly customised prototypes where required. Prototypes can provide an invaluable tool to help refine a product's user-interface, aesthetic or other attributes. This can occur at almost any stage of the design process – from examining a range of different concepts to testing functionality and assessing how you might finally manufacture the end product.
Not all our designs are prototyped but it is something we strongly recommend, particularly if there is a relatively high cost of manufacture. While we can make a lot of assessments using 2D and 3D modelling, nothing beats the hands-on assessment of a product's function and form that you get from physically touching it.
Money spent in prototyping is often ultimately saved by making the design even more cost-effective to manufacture going forward. It can also be critical to secure investor funding as a physical form is far more finance-friendly than just a great idea.
3d printing
At Procreate, our in-house 3D printing facilities give us the flexibility to turn digital concepts into tangible prototypes within hours. By producing parts on-site, we eliminate the delays and additional costs associated with outsourcing, allowing our team to test, refine, and validate designs quickly and efficiently.
3D printing plays a crucial role in our design verification process. It enables us to check the fit and functionality of externally supplied components, ensuring every part aligns perfectly before production. For clients, these prototypes provide a valuable opportunity to interact with a physical version of their design — enhancing understanding, feedback, and confidence in the final product.
Our suite of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers is ideal for producing accurate, durable parts that help us evaluate form, fit, and styling early in the design phase. For projects that demand exceptional precision and surface quality, our SLA (Stereolithography) resin printer delivers finely detailed components with smooth finishes. These high-resolution prints are perfect for testing intricate mechanical assemblies or creating parts that are ready for painting and presentation with minimal finishing work.
By combining a range of printers, materials, and rapid prototyping expertise, Procreate can efficiently produce components for both appearance and functional testing. This capability supports faster design iterations, better communication with clients, and ultimately, a more seamless path from concept to production.
In addition to supporting our internal design and development work, Procreate also offers a simple and reliable 3D printing service for customers who need one-off parts or small production runs. Whether you’re a designer looking to test a prototype, a business needing a short-run component, or simply someone with an idea you want to bring to life, our team can help you choose the right materials and process to achieve the best results.
