Prototype services at NPP

North Pacific Polymers provides comprehensive plastic prototyping services to help clients refine their designs before full-scale production.
Our prototyping process ensures that the final product meets performance, durability, and functionality requirements.

1. Prototyping Methods

North Pacific Polymers offers a range of prototyping techniques based on project requirements, including:

• CNC Machining – Produces high-precision, functional prototypes from solid plastic materials like acrylic, polycarbonate, and PEEK.
• 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) – Rapid prototyping for testing fit, form, and initial functionality. Best for concept validation.
• Thermoforming & Vacuum Forming – Used for creating durable plastic prototypes with curved or contoured surfaces.
• Hand-Fabricated Models – Custom-built prototypes for unique, one-off designs, allowing for quick modifications.

2. Prototype Development Process

The prototyping workflow follows a structured approach to ensure accuracy and efficiency:

1. Design Review & CAD Modeling
   • Engineers collaborate with clients to finalize digital 3D models using advanced CAD software.
   • The design is optimized for material selection, manufacturability, and performance.
2. Material Selection
   • Based on prototype function, plastic materials are chosen for chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability.
3. Prototype Fabrication
   • The selected manufacturing method is used to create the first prototype.
   • Precision machining, laser cutting, or molding techniques are applied to achieve the desired shape and tolerance levels.
4. Testing & Evaluation
   • The prototype undergoes stress testing, dimensional analysis, and real-world simulations.
   • Clients review the prototype for design validation, ensuring it meets required specifications.
5. Design Refinement & Iteration
   • If necessary, adjustments are made to improve the design.
   • A new prototype version is produced until the final design is approved for production.

Benefits of Prototyping with North Pacific Polymers

✔ Faster time-to-market – Rapid turnaround on prototypes allows for quicker product development.
✔ Cost savings – Identifies design flaws early, reducing production costs and material waste.
✔ High precision – CNC machining and 3D printing ensure exact tolerances and consistency.
✔ Customizability – Supports unique, complex geometries for specialized applications.

For custom plastic prototyping, contact us or call 541-619-9030.