How much does it cost to prototype an invention?
Real ranges for a first prototype, by product type, plus what makes the number go up and how to get a useful prototype for less.
August 29, 20261 min read
Written by Konstantin Dolgan, Ph.D., NPDP
Founder & CEO, Product Development Engineer
Published August 29, 2026
A first working prototype of a simple mechanical invention usually costs $3,000 to $12,000. Add electronics and it becomes $15,000 to $60,000. Most of that is engineering time, not printing. The plastic is cheap; deciding exactly what shape it should be is not.
What does an invention prototype cost?
Product type | First prototype cost | Time | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
Simple plastic part or accessory | $1,500 - $5,000 | 2 - 3 weeks | CAD plus printed parts you can test |
Mechanical device with moving parts | $5,000 - $15,000 | 4 - 8 weeks | Working assembly, 2 - 3 iterations |
Product with basic electronics | $15,000 - $40,000 | 8 - 14 weeks | Enclosure plus a functional board |
Connected device with an app | $40,000 - $120,000 | 4 - 8 months | Hardware, firmware and a basic app |
Medical or safety-critical device | $25,000 - $100,000+ | 3 - 9 months | Prototype plus documentation |
Frequently asked questions
What drives the price up?
An unproven mechanism, which needs experiments before design. Tight size constraints, which force multiple layout attempts. Cosmetic finish requirements on a functional prototype. Anything sealed, waterproof or worn on the body. Changing requirements mid-project, which is the most expensive item on this list.
How can you spend less and still learn something?
Prototype the risky part first. If the mechanism fails, the housing does not matter. Accept an ugly prototype. Looks-like and works-like can be two different builds. Use off-the-shelf parts wherever the invention is not the differentiator. Write down what the prototype must prove before you start, in one sentence. Buy a design review before a build if you already have CAD.
Is a cheap overseas prototype worth it?
Sometimes, if you already have finished CAD and just need parts. If you need someone to design it, the cost of the time zone gap and the redraw usually exceeds what you saved. The comparison to make is not price per part; it is total spend to a prototype you can actually use.
Where LA NPDT fits?
We quote prototypes against deliverables, include a stated number of iterations, and you own the files. Run our prototype cost calculator for a quick estimate, read how to spot a promotion company , or see the prototyping capabilities we run in house. Proof from our own work: the Hand Tennis Glove is a good reference point for what a first working prototype involves.
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- Free prototype cost calculatorFive to eight questions, an instant cost range for a first prototype.
- Prototype designLooks-like, works-like or pre-production: what each proves and what it costs.
- Rapid prototypingWorking prototypes in days, from 3D printing to vacuum casting.
- Best product development companiesHow the leading US firms compare, and which one fits your stage and budget.