Cost benchmark
Prototype cost: CNC, 3D printing and PCB builds
Prototyping is cheap per part and expensive per iteration. The cost driver is almost never the shop rate — it's how many rounds you run before the design settles.
| Line item | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM / SLA printed parts | $50 | $300 | $1,200 |
| SLS / MJF functional parts | $300 | $900 | $3,000 |
| CNC machined prototype | $500 | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| PCB fabrication (small run) | $100 | $600 | $2,500 |
| PCB assembly + components | $400 | $1,800 | $7,000 |
What drives the range
- Number of iteration rounds (budget three to five)
- Tolerances and surface finish requirements
- Domestic quick-turn versus overseas lead times
- Component sourcing and minimum order quantities
Before you request quotes
Questions that make a prototype estimate more accurate
Write down these answers before comparing suppliers. They define the scope that drives engineering time, build method and revision risk.
What must this prototype prove?
Choose one primary goal: validate appearance, mechanical fit, a technical function, user demand or manufacturing readiness. Trying to prove everything in one build usually raises cost and slows learning.
Is it a looks-like model, a works-like build or both?
Appearance models prioritize finish and presentation. Functional builds prioritize materials, tolerances, electronics and testing. Combining both generally requires more engineering and fabrication.
What kind of product are you building?
A simple mechanical assembly, a connected electronic device and a product with custom firmware have very different design, sourcing and test requirements.
How complete are the requirements and design files?
A defined use case, constraints, reference products and production-ready CAD reduce paid discovery time and prevent suppliers from adding uncertainty premiums to quotes.
How many units and revision rounds do you need?
Separate the first build quantity from the expected number of design revisions. Each revision can repeat material, machine setup, assembly, shipping and test costs.
What testing, safety or regulatory constraints apply?
Radio, battery, mains-power, medical and safety-critical products may need specialist materials, pre-compliance testing and additional documentation even at the prototype stage.
What costs sit outside fabrication?
Include CAD and industrial design hours, components, supplier samples, assembly, finishing, testing, shipping and a change reserve. A fabrication quote rarely represents the full prototype budget.
Common questions
How much does a working prototype cost?
A functional electromechanical prototype typically costs $5,000 to $25,000 across all iterations. Purely mechanical products often come in under $5,000.
How many prototypes will I need?
Plan for at least three: proof of concept, looks-like/works-like, and production-intent.
Get prototype numbers for your product
The free estimator applies these benchmarks to your product type, industry, stage, complexity and volume, then gives you a full commercialization budget range you can share with investors.