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EnglishWhich Rapid Prototyping Processes Does Plunkett Associates Offer?
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Plunkett Associates lists rapid prototyping and low-volume production processes grouped by material family: plastics (SLA, SLS, DLP, FDM, machining, vacuum casting), clear parts (SLA, DLP, machining, vacuum casting), elastomeric parts (DLP, vacuum casting, compression moulding) and metal parts (DMLS, CNC, sheet metal). The right choice depends on the material you need, the finish and tolerance you expect, and whether you are making a one-off concept model or a bridge to production.
Plastic parts
| Process | What it is typically used for |
|---|---|
| SLA | Resin-based parts where a smooth surface and fine detail matter |
| SLS | Functional plastic parts built from powder, with no support structures |
| DLP | Resin parts, useful where fine feature detail is needed |
| FDM | Thermoplastic parts for form-and-fit checks and functional testing |
| Machining | Cut-from-solid plastic parts where tolerances and material properties matter |
| Vacuum casting | Small batches of plastic parts cast from a master pattern |
Plunkett Associates describes itself as offering "exceptional capacity and process options" for prototype and production parts in metal, plastic, clear and flexible materials, so several of these processes can be combined in one project — for example, an SLA master used for vacuum casting a small batch.
Clear parts
Clear parts use SLA, DLP, machining and vacuum casting. If you need transparency, ask which process and post-processing step (such as polishing or coating) is used for your part, because clarity varies by process. The site lists post-op services including assembly, packing, printing, painting and coating, which can affect the final appearance of clear components.
Elastomeric parts
Flexible parts are offered through DLP, vacuum casting and compression moulding. For a one-off flexible prototype, DLP or vacuum casting is the likely route; compression moulding becomes relevant when you need a small production run in a rubber-like material.
Metal parts
Metal options are DMLS (metal additive manufacturing), CNC machining and sheet metal. DMLS suits complex geometries that are hard to machine; CNC suits parts where machined tolerances and known alloy properties are required; sheet metal suits formed enclosures and brackets.
Tooling, moulding and production
Beyond prototyping, the site lists tooling and moulding services: concept design, detailed design, analysis, tooling development, bridge production, re-shoring, compression moulding, compression injection and injection moulding, plus data sheets. It states it has UK on-site toolmaking and injection moulding and can support anything from "one to one million" parts — from low-volume development parts to make-to-stock with scheduled call-off.
How to choose
- Concept model or visual check: SLA or DLP for detail and surface finish.
- Functional plastic prototype: SLS, FDM or machining, depending on strength and tolerance needs.
- Clear component: SLA, DLP, machining or vacuum casting — confirm the clarity requirement first.
- Flexible part: DLP or vacuum casting for prototypes; compression moulding for small runs.
- Metal part: DMLS for complex geometry, CNC for tight tolerances, sheet metal for formed parts.
- Moving toward production: ask about tooling development and bridge production so the prototype process matches the final moulding route.
To confirm process availability, lead times and quotes for your specific part, contact Plunkett Associates directly (the site lists +44 (0)1452 386608 and a quote request form); pricing is not published on the page.