Primary process: FDM (Filament). The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a prototype enclosure, with an indicative cost.
FDM (Filament)Primary process
AdditiveFamily
5Route steps
+/-0.2mmTypical tol.
A prototype enclosure is primarily made by FDM (Filament). FDM 3D printing builds a part layer by layer from molten thermoplastic filament extruded along a toolpath. Below is the full route to make a prototype enclosure, the materials it suits, the tolerances to expect and the main design points. The route is free, from the finder.
Step by step
How a prototype enclosure is made
The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the prototype enclosure gets its basic shape.
CAD and slicing
Prepare the 3D model, orient the prototype enclosure and generate supports and layers.
FDM (Filament)
Build the prototype enclosure layer by layer.
Tooling None Tolerance ±0.2 to 0.5mm Lead hours to days
Support removal
Take the part off the plate and remove the supports.
Surface finish
Bead blast, tumble or sand to the finish you need.
Inspection
Verify dimensions and, for metal, check density and porosity.
Need the real cost for a prototype enclosure? The free route above is yours. Unlock the full dossier to quote and source it.
Where this process typically lands. Tighter is possible with extra operations like grinding, at higher cost.
Materials
Materials for a prototype enclosure
Grade
Why it suits this
PLA
Cheap, easy, brittle
PETG/ABS
Tougher, functional
Nylon / CF-nylon
Strong, stiff
Design
Design tips
General pointers. The full design-for-manufacturing list for a prototype enclosure is in the dossier.
Load perpendicular to layers.Orient for strength.
Large flat first layer.Add chamfer/brim.
Cost
What a prototype enclosure should cost
Cheapest additive; prototypes, jigs, low-volume functional parts. Priced by print hours and volume, flat curve.
PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a prototype enclosure at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$10 to 29per part at 1 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
GET THE FULL DOSSIER
Everything you need to quote and source it
The free route above is yours. To actually put a number on a prototype enclosure and buy it well:
Should-cost at your exact volume in 12 currencies, with the material, processing, tooling and overhead breakdown
Who to source from, typical MOQ and lead time, and the exact RFQ checklist to send
A quote checker that tells you if a supplier quote is fair, and the red flags to watch
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A prototype enclosure is primarily made by fdm (filament). The route is: CAD and slicing; FDM (Filament); Support removal; Surface finish; Inspection.
What does a prototype enclosure cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $10 to 29 per part at 1 off and falls with quantity. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency. A model estimate, not a quote.
What material is a prototype enclosure made from?
Common choices are PLA; PETG/ABS; Nylon / CF-nylon.
What is the main process for a prototype enclosure?
FDM (Filament). Fast prototypes, jigs, fixtures and low-volume plastic parts with no tooling.
See the exact route and should-cost for your part
The free finder maps your part to its process and full route. Pro adds should-cost at your volume, sourcing and an RFQ draft.
