3D Printing 24/07/2026 Nichita Roilean, Founder 4 min read
Rapid prototyping by 3D printing: what it is, how long it takes, what it costs
What rapid prototyping is, how long a prototype takes and what it costs: a short answer, prototype types, PLA and PETG, and how ordering works.
In short
- What it is: a physical part printed straight from a 3D model, with no mould and no tooling.
- How long it takes: an uploaded model is dispatched within 48 hours. A part we first have to model or adjust takes 2–5 working days to make.
- What it costs: a part from €2.10. You see the price of your part right after upload, with no account, VAT included.
Upload a model and see the price · Prototype printing service
What is rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping is a way to turn an idea or a 3D model into a physical part within a few days, without making moulds or tooling. It is most often done with 3D printing: you upload a CAD model, choose a material and receive a part you can hold, test and compare with your drawing.
The main benefit is that a mistake is fixed in the model, not in the mould. A part that does not fit in testing is adjusted, uploaded again and the next version is in your hands within days. The same mistake found only after the moulds are made is far more expensive.
What kinds of prototypes do we print?
"Prototype" covers several different models. Pick the one that answers your current question:
- A concept (visual) prototype shows shape, proportions and overall impression. It suits a first team discussion or presenting an idea.
- An ergonomic prototype checks how a product sits in the hand and whether the dimensions are right. Usually several variants follow one another.
- A functional prototype has to take a load, fit into an assembly or actually perform a moving mechanism. The choice of material matters.
- A pre-production prototype is closest to the final product and is the last test before investing in tooling or series production.
Start with the cheapest version that answers your question. If you only check the shape you do not need a durable material; when you test function, choose a material close to the final one. For specific briefs, see custom prototypes or exhibition and presentation models.
How long does it take to make a prototype?
For a model you upload the same rule applies as for any order: we dispatch within 48 hours. Shipping to you comes on top, and you see its price before you pay.
If the model first has to be drawn or adjusted, that work comes before printing and production takes 2–5 working days. More parts in one order mean a longer total print time; the parts always arrive separately.
How much does a 3D-printed prototype cost?
The price of each part is calculated from its weight, the chosen material, the print time and the number of pieces. The smallest amount charged for one part is €2.10, and you can order a single piece. You see the exact price of your model right after upload, with no account and VAT included, so you do not wait for a quote.
Shipping within the Czech Republic costs €3.60 and is free from €24. The quantity discount starts at 3 pieces, which helps when you need several variants of the same part.
Need a larger series or repeat production? Write to us through the For business page; we send an offer for a series within 24 hours and will sign an NDA on request.
What material and how large a prototype can you print?
We print with FDM in two materials:
- PLA for concept and visual prototypes; it withstands temperatures up to about 60 °C.
- PETG for functional and mechanical prototypes; tougher, it withstands about 70 °C.
Both come in several colours and finishes. We do not print metal, resin or other technologies. The largest part we print in one piece fits a space of 228 × 246 × 245 mm. A larger model is printed in sections that arrive separately; we assemble and glue nothing, so joining the sections is up to you.
How does ordering a prototype work?
- Upload your model as STL, 3MF, OBJ or STEP.
- See the price right after upload, with no account.
- Choose the material and colour (PLA or PETG).
- Pay online; an uploaded model is dispatched within 48 hours.
- Test the prototype, adjust the model and upload the next version.
A prototype or a small batch?
A prototype proves the solution works. Once it does, we print more pieces the same way: check one first, then look at small-batch 3D printing. You can order a single piece.
I do not have a 3D model. Can you draw one?
Yes. From a drawing, a sketch or a description we draw the model and send the print price only afterwards; what modelling involves is described on the custom 3D modelling page.
Where to go next
The full range of prototypes, visual and functional, is on the prototype printing service page. You can also upload a finished model and see the price right away.
