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At Idé-Pro, we manufacture functional prototypes in plastic, light metal and EPS/EPP using the right process and the right material.
In this way, you get prototypes that delivers authentic test results and can be used in start-up production, at the prototypes have the same properties as the finished product.
Our prototypes are widely used by the automotive industry worldwide as A, B and C samples.
In close dialogue with the customer, we find the solution that best meets the customer's requirements in terms of cost, quantity and finish, among other things.
At Idé-Pro, we use injection moulding and high pressure die casting to produce prototypes in the right process and material without compromising on quality. The function, properties and finish are therefore exactly the same as in the finished product and our prototypes can therefore be used for e.g. start-up production and tested for wear, transport and sales potential before investing in a large production apparatus for final production.
We specialise in injection moulding plastic prototypes and with our large capacity of injection moulding machines, we can mould plastic parts from 0.01g up to 41.5 kg with a clamping force from 6T up to 4000T. Therefore, we can produce plastic prototypes regardless of size, construction and plastic type.
For injection moulding prototypes, we manufacture many aluminium tools, which is faster and less costly than traditional moulding tools.
Delivery time usually: 3 - 6 weeks
(Large and complex items up to 10-12 weeks)
With high-pressure die-casting, we produce functional prototypes in aluminium, magnesium and zinc in tools designed for prototype production. We have a high capacity in the foundry and can produce prototypes up to 21.8kg with a clamping force of up to 1350T.
The prototypes have the same properties as series-produced parts and can be used directly in the final design, for crash testing and start-up production.
Delivery time usually: 5 - 8 weeks
(Large and complex parts up to 12 - 14 weeks)
Do you have a tight deadline or need to test a product quickly? With our Fast Track programme, we offer rapid prototyping where the delivery time for die-cast and injection moulded prototypes is extra short.
Delivery time: FAST - to be agreed upon as needed.
For projects where prototypes need to be produced in smaller quantities, we also offer 3D printing, investment casting and machined from block. These methods do not require tooling and therefore have lower start-up costs.
For jobs that require fast turnaround, we can 3D print prototypes in wax with extremely high detail, which is used for plaster moulding.
We also offer 3D printing when product development is finalised before we start tooling. For 3D printing we use SLS, FDM and SLA.
Delivery time: 1 - 5 days
This process is perfect for efficiently prototyping aluminium and zinc in small quantities. Investment casting does not use moulding tools, so the process has very low start-up costs.
We typically recommend investment casting for complex parts and offer full design freedom. The method is ideal at the beginning of the development phase, for the production of the first prototypes and is a great way to get started quickly.
Delivery time: 1 - 2 weeks
In our state-of-the-art CNC department, we offer this method, where light metal prototypes are milled directly from the block.
As with investment casting, this method does not require a moulding tool and therefore has low start-up costs. Therefore, it's perfect for complicated parts with fine tolerances, very small quantities, and dropout samples.
Delivery time: 1 - 2 weeks
Idé-Pro manufactures prototypes in plastic, light metal and EPS/EPP, moulded in the right process and the right material. We primarily use injection moulding and high pressure die casting, where the prototypes are produced in tooling and therefore have the same properties, finish and function as the finished product.
Prototypes manufactured in the right process and material have the same properties, finish and function as the finished product. This means test results are authentic and reliable for e.g. crash testing, wear testing and sales potential testing, before investing in final production.
Idé-Pro's prototypes can also be used directly in start-up production, saving time and costs in the development process.
Lead times depend on the process and the complexity of the part. Idé-Pro's standard lead times are:
If you need extra fast delivery, Idé-Pro also offers Fast Track prototypes with lead times of 1–5 weeks depending on material.
The price of a prototype at Idé-Pro varies from project to project and depends on factors such as choice of process, material, part geometry, complexity and volume. We always find the solution that best meets requirements for cost, volume and finish.
Idé-Pro's prototypes are moulded in the same process and the same material as the finished product, giving identical strength, finish and function – unlike 3D-printed prototypes, which often differ in mechanical properties and surface quality. This means Idé-Pro's prototypes can be tested authentically under real-world conditions, such as crash testing or wear testing, and can be used directly in start-up production.
3D printing, on the other hand, is faster and cheaper for very early-stage design validation, where functional testing is not critical.
Yes. Idé-Pro's prototypes are moulded in the right process and the right material, and therefore have the same properties as series-produced parts. This means the prototypes can be used directly in start-up production, before investing in the final production setup.
Idé-Pro has extensive experience in product development and part optimisation for prototypes, including part design, material selection and tool design. We apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, identifying early in the process whether a part is optimally designed for the chosen production process, and advise on changes that can improve manufacturability, strength or cost-efficiency.
Idé-Pro can act as a development partner from the early development phases through to series production.
Rapid prototyping is a method for the fast production of functional prototypes, enabling products to be tested and validated early in the development process. At Idé-Pro, we offer rapid prototyping through our Fast Track concept, where injection moulded and high pressure die cast prototypes are delivered with an exceptionally short lead time.
Fast Track prototypes in plastic are delivered in 1–3 weeks, while Fast Track prototypes in light metal are delivered in 3–5 weeks, depending on size and complexity. An approved 3D CAD file is a prerequisite for starting a Fast Track project. The concept is designed for projects with tight deadlines or a need for fast product testing.
Yes. Your IP rights (intellectual property rights) are protected at Idé-Pro. We have routines and procedures that secure your data in the best possible way, and only the employee working on your project has access to your data and drawings. We are happy to sign a mutual NDA at the start of a development process. All unauthorised persons are prohibited from entering our production.
Idé-Pro supplies prototypes in plastic, light metal and EPS/EPP to customers worldwide across industries such as automotive, energy, consumer, food/farming and hi-tech. We have experience with prototypes for demanding applications, including parts with high requirements for strength, chemical resistance and surface finish. Regardless of which industry you operate in, Idé-Pro can support your prototyping needs.
Yes. Idé-Pro is certified by Force Certification under ISO 9001 for the development and production of injection moulded plastic, die cast light metal and moulded EPS and EPP parts, and under ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 for environmental and energy management. Idé-Pro is also enrolled in the Operation Clean Sweep programme to reduce plastic pellet loss into the environment.