What materials are commonly used for prototyping?

Feb 12 , 2025 | Blog

Prototyping is the first step to verify the feasibility of the product, and it is the most direct and effective way to find out the defects, deficiencies and drawbacks of the design product.

When making prototyping, we will choose materials according to product design, function and budget and other factors is crucial, to take into account the requirements of the product in the use, including high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, alcohol prevention, fire level, rust prevention, sun protection and other human conditions and natural conditions of loss, so in the selection of materials can not be taken lightly.

The following materials are commonly used for prototyping:

1. ABS is widely used in the general product shell of the hand plate model, with good bonding strength, can be metallized on the surface process, such as water plating, vacuum evaporation plating, material specifications are plate, round bar and so on.

2. PMMA (acrylic) that is, plexiglass, is a good transparent material, suitable for products that need transparent prototyping.

3. PC (polycarbonate) is a high-performance engineering plastic, with excellent impact resistance, heat resistance and cold resistance, widely used in automobiles, electrical appliances and other fields.

4. PP (polypropylene) is a lightweight, tough, easy to process material, often used in packaging, household appliances and other fields.

5. Aluminum alloy has good strength and hardness, especially in 6063, 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloy, usually, its appearance will be sandblasted oxidation or electroplating treatment.

6.Stainless steel has high strength and good corrosion resistance, and commonly used stainless steel materials include SUS304 and 316. In addition, stainless iron is often used for special parts because of its magnetic attraction.