Rapid Prototyping Services Available: [Back to Top]

ProtoCafé offers a full turnkey rapid prototyping solution. Depending on your designs we can tailor a custom solution that best fits your design needs and the end use of your model. Some examples include:

  • scaled models
  • models for form, fit, and function testing
  • aesthetic models
  • functioning assemblies
  • high fidelity prototypes (i.e. tradeshow or photo shoot quality models)
  • marketing display models/sales tools
  • patterns for investment casting and soft tooling
  • vacuum forming patterns
  • heuristic evaluation/usability testing models
  • translucent models
  • flexible/rubber prototyping

Available methods:

  • FDM
  • SLA
  • Polyjet / Objet / Polymer: Super Fine resolution using 16 micron layers
  • SLS
Urethane Castings / Soft Tooling / Silicone Molds / RTV Molds: [Back to Top]

ProtoCafe specializes in silicone molds and urethane castings, also known as soft tooling and RTV molds (room temperature vulcanization or silicone rubber molding). Urethane castings are a great alternative to other tooling methods because they are fast, accurate, and low cost.

This is a great option when you need a spec-like material for multiple sets, in a short time frame, for less than a traditional tool would cost.

We offer:

  • Custom color matching
  • Clear materials
  • FDA approved materials (USP Class 6)
  • Production grade materials
  • Over molding
  • Pad printing / Silk screening
  • Threaded Inserts

    • Materials Options: Material can be chosen to match the hardness of your production material, from 10 shore A to 80 shore D, giving the prototype the same "feel" as a production part. Today's urethanes can withstand heat up to 220 degrees F.

    - ABS-like - Lexan-like
    - Polyesther - Polypropylene-like
    - Epoxy - Santoprene-like
    - Silicone Rubber - Over molded
    - Clear/Tinted - Insert molded
    - Polyurethane resins
    Model Finishing Services: [Back to Top]

    ProtoCafé offers complete model finishing services to give you tradeshow quality models. In the world of trade shows and product marketing, models are a must. They are tangible objects your customers can receive accurate physical details from. This can result in a more marketable product and future financial success

    • Show quality finishes
    • Master Pattern finishing
    • Custom masking and painting
    • Digitally color matched paint
    • EMI Shielding
    • Clear Coating
    • Soft touch coating
    • Plating / Metallizing
    • Laser cut graphics / logos
    • Pad printing / Silk screening
    • graphic applications (i.e. logos, user interfaces, etc.)
    3D CAD Services: [Back to Top]

    Whether you want help with a single project, occasional assistance during busy periods or a complete CAD management service, ProtoCafé is committed to providing the highest level of service to you and ensuring you maintain a high quality of service to your clients.

    • Conversion of designs or mark-ups to electronic CAD drawings
    • Mechanical design
    • Industrial Design
    • Surfacing
    • Animation

    We are proud to now offer our customers CAD services. Everything from industrial design through 3D CAD engineering services. We have the flexibility for you the customer to choose what CAD application you would like us to work within. Whether it best fits your organization for us to use Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks or Inventor we have you covered. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with the engineering and design of your product please give us a call.
    Laser Etching / Marking / Cutting / Engraving: [Back to Top]

    ProtoCafé use state of the art Universal Laser Systems to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions for laser engraving, laser cutting and laser marking applications. Our laser processing systems produce custom, one-off items to identical mass-produced parts and products. With our Universal Laser Systems we are able to cut, mark and engrave plastic, metal, wood, glass, stone, ceramic, rubber, acrylic, textiles and many other materials quickly and easily.

    Laser Applications: Photo Examples

    - Art, Hobby & Crafts
    - Awards & Personalization
    - Industrial Marking & Cutting
    - Printing & Design
    - Product Decorating
    - Signs, Badges & Stamps
    3D Scanning: [Back to Top]

    ProtoCafé use Exascan 3D Scanners- self-positioning, completely portable, free standing, 3D handheld laser scanners. They are very precise and can produce quick and reliable results in STL format, which can be used immediately to produce 3D models. It's portability allows us to easily go on-site to complete a project no matter how big the object may be.

    3D Scanning Applications:

    • REVERSE ENGINEERING: Fast and accurate 3D scanning of existing objects.
    • INSPECTION: Accurate part digitizing for conformity assessment. Easy and quick scanning of parts for production line adjustments purposes, etc.
    • CAD/CAM/CAE: Greatly facilitates the design process from existing concepts,quick transfer of handmade models to CNC machines, easy scanning of prototypes for performance simulations (FEA).
    • MOCK-UPS: Easily capture physical mock-ups for further modifications, or to obtain 2D or 3D CAD files.

    Benefits:

    - VERSATILITY: Allows for the scanning of objects of virtually any size, shape or color. Unlike other technologies, the REVscan allows scanning in confined spaces.
    - SELF-POSITIONING: No external tracking or positioning devices are needed. The innovative positioning targets allow the operator to move the object any way he wants.
    - TRULY PORTABLE: Fits in a case the size of a carry-on suitcase, easy to carry on the job site or from plant to plant.
    - HIGH ACCURACY: Yields some of the best data quality available in laser scanning technology.
    Simulation Services (FEA, CFD): [Back to Top]

    With the fast paced product development market we are in today it is becoming vital to not only prototype your product physically but also use simulation as a tool to drive your design process. We have the ability with various tool sets to provide you with results that will not only help with design decisions but we take it a step further and can offer optimization services on given parameters within the designs. Whether you have a design objective you are trying to reach or looking at the fatigue of your product we can help.