Primary process: SLS (Powder). The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a prototype manifold, with an indicative cost.
SLS (Powder)Primary process
AdditiveFamily
5Route steps
+/-0.2mmTypical tol.
A prototype manifold is primarily made by SLS (Powder). SLS 3D printing fuses nylon-based powder with a laser layer by layer, with the powder bed supporting the part so no supports are needed. Below is the full route to make a prototype manifold, 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 manifold is made
The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the prototype manifold gets its basic shape.
CAD and slicing
Prepare the 3D model, orient the prototype manifold and generate supports and layers.
SLS (Powder)
Build the prototype manifold layer by layer.
Tooling None Tolerance ±0.1 to 0.3mm Lead 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.
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Where this process typically lands. Tighter is possible with extra operations like grinding, at higher cost.
Materials
Materials for a prototype manifold
Grade
Why it suits this
Nylon PA12
Tough, functional
Glass-filled nylon
Stiffer
TPU
Flexible
Design
Design tips
General pointers. The full design-for-manufacturing list for a prototype manifold is in the dossier.
Fully enclosed voids.Add escape holes.
Very thin walls.Respect min wall (~1mm).
Cost
What a prototype manifold should cost
Nylon powder, no supports, good functional parts and complex geometry; nests many parts per build for efficiency.
PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a prototype manifold at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$61 to 105per part at 1 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
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Everything you need to quote and source it
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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
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A prototype manifold is primarily made by sls (powder). The route is: CAD and slicing; SLS (Powder); Support removal; Surface finish; Inspection.
What does a prototype manifold cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $61 to 105 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 manifold made from?
Common choices are Nylon PA12; Glass-filled nylon; TPU.
What is the main process for a prototype manifold?
SLS (Powder). Functional nylon prototypes and low-volume end-use parts with complex geometry.
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.
