From Concept to Validated Prototype for Swim Gear
Our prototyping service transforms your idea into a tangible, testable silicone sample — ready for market validation, user testing, and investor demo. We bridge industrial design, mold engineering, and mass production.
Choose the Right Prototyping Method
Different stages require different approaches. We help you select the most cost-effective path based on your validation goals, quantity, and timeline.
| Method | Best For | Lead Time | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing (SLA/CNC) | Shape & ergonomics review | 2–3 days | 1–5 pcs | Low |
| Soft Tooling (Silicone Mold) | Early silicone feel & flexibility | 5–7 days | 10–50 pcs | Medium |
| Hand Sample | Functional proof-of-concept | 7–10 days | 1–20 pcs | Medium |
| Formal Steel Mold Sample | Pre-production validation | 25–35 days | 100+ pcs | High |
Soft Tooling & Rapid Samples
Perfect for early design validation. We use aluminum or soft steel molds (P20) combined with silicone casting to deliver production-grade feel in days, not weeks — ideal for crowdfunding, trade shows, and investor meetings.
- Low tooling cost — 70% cheaper than steel molds for early iterations.
- Fast turnaround — first samples in 5–7 working days.
- Production-grade silicone — real feel, real elasticity, real color.
- Easy design revisions — low cost to pivot before committing to hard tooling.
Hand Samples & Functional Prototypes
Hand-crafted by senior mold engineers to simulate final function. Ideal for in-water testing, ergonomics review, and user feedback before committing to steel tooling.
Ergonomic Hand Samples
Shape, grip, and comfort validation for goggles straps, swim caps, earplugs, nose clips.
Functional Prototypes
Water-tested samples for seal performance (goggles), suction (ear plugs), and underwater durability.
Appearance Samples
Color matching (Pantone), surface finish, logo printing (silk-screen/pad print) proofs.
Formal Mold Samples
Once your design is locked, we build precision steel molds (H13, S136) that will serve mass production. The first T1 sample off the formal mold is identical to your future retail product — in material, finish, and dimension.
Dimension, Appearance & Assembly Validation
Every prototype batch is validated against your 2D drawings and spec sheet before shipment. We don't ship surprises.
Dimensional Check
CMM + caliper inspection, dimensions reported with tolerance ±0.1mm.
Appearance Check
Surface finish, color (Pantone), logo clarity, no flash or burrs.
Assembly Fit
Fit test with mating parts (lenses, straps, hardware).
Full Inspection Report
Signed QC report with photos accompanies every prototype shipment.
Material, Function & User Experience Testing
We go beyond "does it look right?". Every prototype can be subjected to standardized and custom testing to prove it works in the real world — in chlorinated pools, saltwater, UV, and heat.
Material Testing
Tensile strength, tear resistance, hardness (Shore A), RoHS/REACH compliance.
Function Testing
Waterproofing, seal integrity, chlorine aging (30-day accelerated), UV resistance.
User Experience Testing
Real swimmer wear tests — comfort, fit, pressure points, in-pool performance feedback.
Sample Revision & Approval Flow
A transparent, documented process from first sample to final sign-off. Every revision is tracked with version numbers and change logs.
Sample Delivered
Prototype shipped with QC report & test videos.
Client Review
You test, measure, and compile feedback (template provided).
Revision Spec
Engineers propose changes with cost & time impact.
New Sample
Revised prototype delivered (v2, v3...).
Final Approval
Golden sample signed off → mass production green light.
Prototype Cost & Lead Time Factors
Understanding what drives prototype pricing helps you plan budget and schedule. Here are the key variables we evaluate for every quote.
Geometry Complexity
Undercuts, thin walls (<0.8mm), multi-shot overmolding increase mold cost.
Material Grade
Standard, food-grade, medical-grade, or specialty UV-stable silicone.
Lead Time
Standard 7–30 days; rush service (+30% fee) can halve the schedule.
Finish & Printing
Pantone color matching, silk-screen, pad printing, UV coating options.
Testing Scope
Standard QC vs. 3rd-party certified lab reports (FDA, LFGB, CE).
Quantity & Revisions
More samples = lower per-unit cost; revisions tracked and quoted transparently.
Apply for a Prototype Sample
Share your project details — our engineering team will respond within 24 hours with a feasibility note, quote, and recommended prototyping method.