Your plastic prototype – close to production quality rather than merely a visual representation
Nowadays, a plastic prototype has to do more than just serve as an attractive display model. It needs to demonstrate whether a component will function under real-world conditions – and whether it can be produced cost-effectively in series production later on. This is precisely where we come in: at HERGIL, your plastic prototype is not produced using a 3D printer, but through a genuine injection moulding process using production-ready moulds. This means you receive samples with the same material properties, tolerances and surfaces as the eventual production part.
The advantage is clear: functionality, fit and load-bearing capacity can be reliably assessed as early as the prototyping stage. Design risks are identified at an early stage – long before they become costly in mass production. With over 75 years of experience and our own toolmaking facility, we support you from the initial design right through to the approved component, as a fourth-generation family business that stands for reliability.
Why prototypes with HERGIL?
Our sampling processes are designed to identify risks early, refine tool concepts and prepare stable series production processes – in close coordination with your project team.
Materials for your plastic prototype
We will work with you to determine which material to use – depending on the intended function, the stresses involved and the specific requirements of your industry. We utilise the full range of engineering thermoplastics to manufacture your plastic prototype:
ABS
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
dimensionally stable, impact-resistant decorative and functional components
POM
(Polyoxymethylene)
precise, wear-resistant mechanical components
PA / PA-GF
(Polyamide / glass fiber reinforced polyamide)
high strength and temperature resistance
TPE / TPU
(Thermoplastic Elastomers / Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
soft, elastic functional areas
Because we use the same material that will be used in mass production right from the prototyping stage, your plastic prototype is representative of the final product from the outset – avoiding the disconnect between prototype and production that often leads to unpleasant surprises with purely illustrative models.
Note: Material advice is always application-specific – not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Where plastic prototypes and samples make all the difference.
Especially in industries with high quality requirements, a reliable sampling phase is essential.
Measurement reports for full transparency.
Each sample part can be fully measured on request – optically or tactilely. We document all relevant dimensions and deviations so that you can make well-founded decisions.
Plastic prototyping: from CAD to a robust prototype
For us, the production of a plastic prototype is a structured, documented process – not a matter of chance. Following the DFM (Design for Manufacturing) analysis, we design the mould concept to be production-ready and produce initial samples (T0/T1) under real injection moulding conditions. Thanks to our in-house toolmaking facility, we implement every optimisation cycle on the mould or the process parameters directly on-site – this significantly reduces distances and waiting times.
On request, we can provide a full record of every prototype part using optical or tactile measurement methods and supply initial prototype inspection reports (EMPB) or PPAP documentation in accordance with your industry standards. This ensures that our plastic prototyping process is not only fast but also fully traceable at all times – laying the groundwork for a smooth start to series production.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on plastic prototypes & sampling
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