
Manufacturing process
Our Manufacturing Processes for Your Prototype Production
FACTUREE offers state-of-the-art technologies for your prototyping needs: CNC machining, 3D printing, casting, and sheet metal fabrication. Depending on your requirements for material, geometry, and quantity, FACTUREE selects the most suitable process for your prototype.
CNC machining
FACTUREE uses CNC machining for prototyping when components requiring high precision and mechanical strength are needed. Using milling and turning, FACTUREE manufactures prototypes directly from metal or plastic. The parts have the same material properties as the subsequent production parts. Machining processes are suitable for functional prototypes in prototype development, where fit and strength are verified at an early stage.
3D printing
FACTUREE uses 3D printing for prototyping when complex geometries need to be produced quickly and cost-effectively. Processes such as SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM produce prototypes directly from CAD data, without tooling costs or long lead times. In prototype development, additive manufacturing is particularly well-suited for complex Design Styles, functional prototypes, and small-batch production with a high degree of design freedom. FACTUREE works with the customer to select the appropriate additive manufacturing process based on the material and intended function.
Casting process
FACTUREE uses casting processes such as vacuum casting and die casting when prototypes need to be manufactured to near-production specifications. Silicone or metal molds enable small batch sizes with realistic material properties, even before actual series production begins. Casting processes are relevant for prototype development when design tests, assembly trials, or initial small production runs are required. FACTUREE plans tool and mold manufacturing so that customers can obtain robust prototypes quickly and cost-effectively.
Sheet Metal Fabrication and Forming Technology
FACTUREE manufactures sheet metal prototypes when enclosures, mounts, or thin-walled assemblies are needed for mechanical engineering and electronics. Using laser cutting, bending, and punching, sheet metal prototypes are produced directly from CAD data, without the need for complex tools or molds. If functional prototypes need to match the later formed production part, forming processes such as deep drawing or cold forming round out the range of services. FACTUREE closely coordinates material selection, sheet metal thickness, and surface finishing with you and its partner network.
Materials
Materials for Your Prototype Construction
FACTUREE offers over 300 different materials for prototype manufacturing. Just tell us which material you want, and we’ll find the perfect manufacturer for you from our network.
Steels & Stainless Steels
42CrMo4, 1.4301 (V2A), 1.4404 (V4A), and many more
Aluminum & Other Light Metals
7075, 2024, 6061, & many more
High-Performance Alloys
Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium, and many more
Plastics & Polymers
POM, PA, PEEK, and many more
Tolerances
Have your prototype manufactured with these tolerances
Procedure | Typical materials | Tolerances |
| CNC | Aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, POM, PEEK | ±0.01 mm |
| Sheet metal | Aluminum, stainless steel, steel (0.5–20 mm) | ±0.01 mm |
| 3D printing | PA / Nylon, ABS, PC, plastics, metal (SLM) | ±0.01 mm |
| Molding & Casting | ABS, PA, PC, POM – Prototypes and Small-Batch Production | ±0.05 mm |
Reasons for FACTUREE
Why Customers Choose FACTUREE for Their Prototyping Needs
- Over 2,000 certified partners
Access to a broad network of over 2,000 certified manufacturing partners. - Primary Point of Contact
From the initial quote to mass production, we manage your project without switching suppliers. - Certified Quality
Ensuring the highest standards for your prototype manufacturing in accordance with ISO 9001. - From a single source
Conveniently select manufacturing processes, materials, and finishes from a single location.
Certificates & Documentation
How We Ensure Quality and Compliance
Certifications
- ISO 9001 Quality Management
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- ISO 27001 Information Security
- Certified and Audited Manufacturers
Documentation
- Test Reports
- Material Certificates
- Certificates of Conformity
- Test Reports
Security Delivery
- Protective packaging
- Shipment Tracking
- Reliable and on-time delivery
- EU-wide logistics
Figures
Facts instead of promises
10.000+
Successful projects in the year
9–12
Business days until delivery
5+
ISO Certifications
30.000+
Customers rely on FACTUREE
Feedback & Support
Your contact for prototype manufacturing
A dedicated contact person will guide your project from the initial quote through to delivery—including feedback and repeat orders.
Scalability of Prototypes
From Prototype to Mass Production with a Single Partner
FACTUREE guides you efficiently through the entire prototyping phase all the way to production readiness without changing suppliers. Thanks to centralized, ISO 27001-certified data management, drawings, contact persons, and verified quality remain consistent. Redundant qualification cycles are eliminated.
Prototype
A single item or a few units. Starting at 9 business days, with feedback from the team before the costs are finalized. More about prototype construction.
Small-batch production
Dozens to hundreds of parts. Same design, same point of contact, data-driven scaling. More about small-batch production.
Large series
Full production capacity. No change in suppliers, no need for re-qualification, consistent quality. More about large-scale production.
User report
CeiliX prototypes that went into mass production
CeiliX Technology GmbH develops innovative overhead crane systems such as the „SkyRunner.“ Because it lacked its own purchasing department during the early development phase, CeiliX outsourced prototype manufacturing to FACTUREE: everything from the first precision prototypes to the pre-production run—all from a single source. Through its network of more than 2,000 partners, CeiliX flexibly implements design changes between development cycles, thereby reducing the burden on its own resources.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Prototyping at FACTUREE
Does FACTUREE offer rapid prototyping in Germany?
Yes, FACTUREE offers rapid prototyping for companies in Germany through a network of over 2,000 certified manufacturing partners in Germany and Europe. Customers upload their CAD data, receive a quote within 24 hours, and typically get their prototypes within 9 to 12 business days. Additive manufacturing processes such as SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM are ideal for particularly fast iterations, while milling, turning, or vacuum casting are suitable for production-ready prototypes. Learn more about rapid prototyping and fast product development.
How quickly does FACTUREE deliver prototypes?
FACTUREE typically delivers prototypes within 9 to 12 business days. For prototype production, FACTUREE relies on a network of over 2,000 certified manufacturing partners in Germany and Europe.
Customers upload their CAD data and receive a quote within 24 hours. Prototype production then begins immediately at a partner facility with available capacity. 3D-printed prototypes are usually available faster than milled or cast prototypes.
What process does FACTUREE recommend for functional prototypes?
For functional prototypes, FACTUREE usually recommends machining because the parts are made from the same material as the eventual production part. For complex geometries, 3D printing is the faster alternative. If multiple near-production prototypes are needed, vacuum casting is more cost-effective. FACTUREE works with you to select the appropriate process based on load requirements, tolerances, and quantity.
Does FACTUREE provide inspection reports for cast prototypes?
Yes, FACTUREE also provides test reports, material certificates, measurement reports, and certificates of conformity for cast prototypes upon request. You specify the desired scope of documentation when you submit your request. This ensures that prototypes and subsequent production parts are tested according to the same criteria. Learn more about certifications and test reports.
Can FACTUREE implement special material approvals?
Yes, FACTUREE handles special material approvals through its extensive partner network, rather than limiting customers to a fixed, limited material portfolio. Because manufacturing is handled by several specialized partners, FACTUREE can respond flexibly even to unusual material requirements. This makes FACTUREE particularly well-suited for projects where standard suppliers reach their limits. Here you'll find the complete list of materials from FACTUREE.
Does FACTUREE support R&D departments from the prototype stage through to mass production?
Yes, FACTUREE supports development departments as a digital procurement platform, from the initial prototype request through to mass production. Through a central interface, FACTUREE handles supplier sourcing, manufacturing, post-processing, and delivery, eliminating the need for purchasing teams to coordinate multiple individual suppliers. This ensures that procurement remains scalable even as volumes grow. Here you can find more information about mass production at FACTUREE.
For which industries does FACTUREE handle prototype manufacturing?
FACTUREE provides prototype manufacturing services for companies from Mechanical engineering, Automotive, Medical Technology, Electrical industry, Robotics and automation, Aerospace and Research and Development. To meet industry-specific requirements for materials, tolerances, and documentation, FACTUREE selects suitable partners from its network of over 2,000 certified manufacturers. Prototypes and subsequent production parts are produced without having to switch suppliers.
Does FACTUREE manufacture valve prototypes for automation solutions?
Yes, FACTUREE manufactures valve prototypes for automation solutions using milling, turning, or 3D printing, depending on the functional requirements and material. Tight tolerances and sealing surfaces are handled by certified manufacturing partners with the appropriate experience. FACTUREE typically delivers these prototypes within 9 to 12 business days after order confirmation.
Is the drawing finished?
Upload your CAD file and receive a quote within 24 hours.