Functional Prototyping

3D Printing Functional Prototypes

Functional prototypes offer a way for engineers to test designs before manufacturing them at scale. This entails producing usable parts on a one-off basis, which can be an expensive procedure. Additionally, because functional prototyping happens in the design stage of manufacturing, parts are constantly being iterated upon. Each time a design is changed, more resources must be dedicated to producing another functional part or assembly.

Markforged 3D printers allow you to produce functional prototypes in-house, with minimal labor, and at a lower cost than other methods. A wide variety of 3D printable materials – from plastics to composites to metals – enables you to replicate final part properties without relying on machine shop resources. With Markforged printers you can fabricate functional prototypes as easily as initial prototypes, allowing you to iterate with shorter lead times, reduce fabrication costs, and get products to market faster.

Application examples

Machined part prototypes

Cast part prototypes

Brackets, Mounts, and Connectors

Automotive parts