Game-Changing Rapid Prototyping Services: Get Quality Parts in Days

November 08, 2023

When it comes to rapid prototyping, quick turnaround and quality rarely go hand in hand.

There always seems to be a trade-off—either the prototype is completed in days but doesn’t function properly, or it takes weeks to get it right. Even if the prototype works perfectly, you’re already behind schedule.

And on top of that, you have to find a capable manufacturing partner for production, increasing time to market even further.

At GTR, we know that innovation can’t wait.

That’s why, three years ago, GTR became the only full-service manufacturing shop to offer in-house rapid prototyping for sheet metal parts.

4 Reasons to Partner with GTR for Rapid Prototyping

At GTR, rapid prototyping isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s the first step in a new partnership. Our engineers approach rapid prototyping orders with the same attention to detail as production orders and take the time to deliver the best prototypes possible. All within days.

Here are four factors that differentiate GTR from standard rapid prototyping shops:

1. Our collaborative approach

Developing a prototype always involves a dialogue between GTR and the customer to ensure the customer receives not just what they asked for but what they truly need. Our engineers collaborate with customers’ product design teams to ensure the prototype is optimized for volume manufacturing.

Long story short: if you’re looking for a company to simply build to print, no questions asked, GTR isn’t for you.

2. Our prototype-to-production service

GTR does so much more than just prototyping. Our facilities have over 104,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space filled with 115 advanced machines. Our two-cell manufacturing capabilities enable parallel workflows—allowing us to work as efficiently as possible.

So while our skilled engineer-operators and advanced manufacturing technology empower us to produce high-quality prototypes in days, the journey doesn’t have to stop there.

As a full-service shop, we can seamlessly transition from prototyping to small- or large-scale production and bring your next great idea to market. The production process is efficient because we’re already familiar with the part, and we rarely run into problems because we solved most of them during prototyping. It’s a win-win.

3. Our superior customer service

GTR has become well-known in the manufacturing industry for our excellent customer service. Customer experience is a cornerstone of our company, and we’re committed to exceeding expectations.

In fact, some customers come to us specifically after working with shops that didn’t communicate well, leaving them in the dark.

At GTR, we don’t wait until there’s a problem to contact customers. We provide updates throughout the manufacturing process and address customer questions immediately.

Now, that’s superior customer service.

4. Our start-up mentality

Did you know that GTR began with three men working out of a garage? We’ve come a long way in the past 50 years but haven’t forgotten our start-up roots. We’re committed to meeting customers where they are, especially for rapid prototyping.

We’ve taken on a project that started with two engineers handing us an off the shelf enclosure and asking if we could help them customize it. The customers didn’t have a company behind them, but they had a great idea and wanted to make it work.

Several rapid prototyping shops had already said no. GTR said yes.

We reverse-engineered the part, discussed the customizations, and took the project to production. Two years later, those same customers were running a million-dollar company.

At GTR, we understand better than most shops that every project has to start somewhere. Customers receive the same exceptional, personalized service whether they’re from a start-up or a million-dollar enterprise.

Choose GTR for Rapid Prototyping Services

GTR stands out in the manufacturing industry as one of the only full-service shops providing rapid prototyping services. We take that role seriously, striving to deliver exceptional service to every customer who walks through our doors.

When customers come to us for rapid prototyping, we’re proud to provide: