Should You Order a CNC or 3D-Printed Prototype First?

Order a 3D-printed prototype first if you only need to check shape, fit and look. Order a CNC prototype first if the part must be made in a real production material and hold tight tolerances. At HLH Prototypes Co LTD we decide by asking what the prototype has to prove.

KEY FACTS

• HLH Prototypes Co LTD has been helping people make parts and products since 2008.
• Our minimum order quantity starts at 1 for prototypes.
• We offer CNC milling, SLA and SLS 3D printing, vacuum casting, sheet metal and rapid injection moulding under one roof.

Our 12000 sq/m manufacturing facility in China is split across six dedicated zones.

When should you order a 3D-printed prototype first?

Order a 3D print first when the design is still moving. A printed part is a quick way to hold the shape in your hand, check how it sits with neighbouring parts and show it to clients.

Our 3D printing prototyping covers SLA and SLS. SLA suits smooth, detailed visual models, while SLS suits tougher parts you can handle and test.

When is a CNC prototype the better first order?

A CNC prototype is the better first order when the part has to behave like the finished product. Machining cuts from solid stock, so you get real aluminium, stainless steel or engineering plastic with accurate dimensions.

That matters for load-bearing brackets, sealing faces and moving assemblies. Our CNC prototype service suits these jobs, and rapid prototype machining is often the quickest route to a metal part you can trust.

How do the two compare side by side?

The right choice depends on what you need to learn from the first part.

Question	3D-printed prototype	CNC prototype
Best for	Early shape and fit checks	Functional testing and tight tolerances
Material	Printable resins and powders	Production metals and plastics
Design stage	Still changing	Mostly settled

What about a plastic prototype for moulding?

If your product will be injection moulded, a plastic prototype is where this decision ends up. Print or machine first to prove the design, then move to tooling once you are confident.

Our rapid injection moulding service picks up from there, with quantities from 1 piece up to around 100,000 parts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I order both at the same time?

Yes. Many customers print one version for a visual check and machine another for testing.

 Is a CNC prototype always more expensive?

Not always. Cost depends on geometry, material and finish, so a project review will give you real figures.

 Can you make just one part?

Yes. Our minimum order quantity for prototypes starts at 1.

Send us your design for a free project review at HLH Prototypes Co LTD and we will advise which prototype to order first.