Rapid Prototyping Company vs Manufacturer: Which to Use

A rapid prototyping company and a contract manufacturer both make parts, but they are built for different jobs. This guide compares them on commitment, tooling, IP ownership and bias toward particular processes, so you know which one your project needs. See what a prototyping partner does day to day on our rapid prototyping services page.

RAPID PROTOTYPING
COMPANIES VS
MANUFACTURERS

Collaboration is a key to the invention prototype development process. When going for rapid prototyping companies, look for the one that will be a part of your team. At LA NPDT our designers and project managers not only work with our engineering and prototyping teams but also with you. Becoming one unit is crucial when it comes to designing your products.

The obvious question arises among product developers about the benefits of working with rapid prototyping companies versus manufacturers. We’ve got four main aspects that will help you make a decision on how to go about developing your prototype and what features to look for when choosing a prototyping company

4 Factors to consider when choosing between manufacturing & RAPID PROTOTYPING COMPANIEs

They are designed to build prototypes

Not all manufacturing companies build prototypes. It is because the profit margin is lower compared to bulk orders, while the amount of work is larger and the risks are much higher. Plus, they might not have the necessary time and resources to put into your invention prototype.

Whereas rapid prototyping companies have everything required for building a prototype because that’s what they’re there for. It might also be a smart idea to choose a company that will not only provide you with prototyping services but will help you at all stages of product development. In other words, they’ll be carrying your project from idea to manufacturing and bringinging your product to the market.

At LA NPDT we invest a great amount of time and attention to truly understand your goals and vision. We become one team with you from the very beginning of your project. Therefore, we’re making sure that your expectations about what your product should be align with what we develop and build.

You don’t have to have a binding
agreement with them for bulk
manufacturing

Manufacturers in most cases want to produce in large quantities. If they take on a prototyping project they want it to become a large production order quickly. Some would even ask to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) that would mean you’d be using them for manufacturing.

Typically it’s too early to decide on a manufacturer during the prototyping stage. You still need to work out the design and finish the development of the product. An early manufacturing commitment will narrow your opportunities to reduce production costs, at the very least.

In most cases, there might be other manufacturing companies that can give you a better deal when it comes to bulk orders. But the manufacturer you’ve chosen won’t let go easily, especially if you’re of interest to them. The LOI gives them the right to raise prices as they see fit.

Working with independent rapid prototyping companies keeps your options open. You will have an opportunity to look for more cost-efficient and advanced ways to make your product in the future.

They won’t own your IP and
would provide you all the
technical files

A manufacturer will, in most cases, own your technical documentation. For example, if they created 3D models using the sketches you provided, then automatically the latter becomes their intellectual property (IP). Unless you sign a Work for Hire contract with them.

We had customers who first went to a manufacturer, and later in the process decided to work with us. Oftentimes they couldn’t get any of their technical documentation back from the manufacturer, so they had to start from scratch.

Working on the product development and invention prototyping at LA NPDT, we always find new aspects and nuances. And in many cases, our team comes up with new features or even inventions in the process. Consequently, we have our clients asking who would own rights on that intellectual property. Our answer is you, the client.

They are not biased when it
comes to selecting
manufacturing techniques

Unfortunately, manufacturing companies tend to have a biased approach to building a prototype. Instead of creating a product that you envision, the one that will benefit the end-users, they want the design to meet their manufacturing capabilities.

In general, manufacturers are not creative thinkers but they are masters of systematic, well-organized, and template production. So, it doesn’t serve them to waste their resources “babysitting” your invention prototype development.

Rapid prototyping companies and product development teams, on the other hand, are there to walk you through the whole process using an individual approach to every inventor. At least, this is our way. We creatively collaborate with you as an integral part of our team, and by working back to back engage you in the process. Together we’ll put our time and efforts into increasing the market potential and viability of your product idea.

Working with a prototyping partner. LA NPDT keeps your IP, hands over every technical file, and stays process-neutral — see how we work.