Prototyping Costs Compared: 3D Printing, CNC, Silicone Mold
June 22, 2026 · ~5 min read
Your first prototype is the moment of truth. Suddenly a CAD file becomes a tangible part — and that is where you find out whether design and function actually work together. But which manufacturing process fits your budget and your requirements? This overview gives you an honest comparison.
Cost Comparison by Process
FDM Printing
€10–30/part
Lead time: 1–2 days · Low strength, visible layer lines
SLA Printing
€30–80/part
Lead time: 1–2 days · Good surface finish, high detail
SLS Printing
€50–150/part
Lead time: 2–3 days · High strength, no support structures needed
CNC (Plastic)
€80–250/part
Lead time: 3–5 days · Production-grade materials (POM, PA, ABS)
CNC (Aluminum)
€150–500/part
Lead time: 3–7 days · Near-production quality, excellent accuracy
Silicone Mold (Vacuum Casting)
€50–120/part (mold: €800–3,000)
Lead time: 5–10 days · 10–50 parts, good surface finish
Rapid Tooling (Aluminum)
€3,000–8,000 tooling
Lead time: 2–4 weeks · 500–5,000 parts, injection-molded quality
Decision Matrix: Which Process for Which Situation?
"I need an enclosure by tomorrow"
→ SLA print (smooth, fast, €30–80)
"The part must hold 50 kg"
→ CNC aluminum (strong, near-production)
"10 parts for a field test"
→ SLS print (durable, no supports, ~€80/part)
"Investor wants production-ready quality"
→ CNC + post-processing (anodized, ~€400/part)
"I need to test the original material"
→ CNC from original material (PA6, POM, ABS)
"Budget is very tight"
→ FDM print (cheapest option, good enough for fit tests)
Hidden Cost Factors
The per-part price is only part of the equation. These line items often drive prototyping budgets higher than expected:
- Post-processing — Sanding, painting, and assembly can add 30–50 % to total costs.
- Design iterations — The first draft rarely works. Plan for 2–4 iterations per prototype.
- Material waste — Especially with CNC, up to 60 % of raw material becomes chips.
- Shipping and logistics — Express shipping within Europe or from Asia can run €50–200 per shipment.
Break-even: When Does Injection Molding Become Cheaper?
Per-part costs of prototyping methods are almost always higher than injection molding. But tooling investments need to be amortized across enough parts.
Rule of thumb: Injection molding pays off starting at 300–500 parts.
Below that, 3D printing or CNC is almost always more cost-effective — even though the per-part price is higher, you avoid the upfront tooling investment.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine Processes
The best results come from using multiple methods together. Run early iterations in 3D printing — fast and cheap for form and fit checks. Then switch to CNC for the final functional prototypes that go to investors, test labs, or pilot customers. This approach saves 40–60 % of your prototyping budget without compromising on the quality of your final parts.
Anton Steenken
B.Eng. · Hardware R&D Engineer · Founder of engineer your idea
Which Process Makes Sense for Your Project?
Tell us about your prototype — we will recommend the right process, materials, and timeline. No commitment, just a quick conversation.
Get in Touch →