Proto Labs Helps Scion-Sprays to Win €4million Order

Richard decided to use Proto Labs’ Protomold injection-moulding service to produce the stepper motor arm from glass-reinforced nylon.  However, he says: “I chose Firstcut’s machining service to make the throttle crank from the same material, partly because I wanted to compare the processes and partly because creating a mould for the throttle crank would not have been cost-effective.  At this stage in the product development, it is very important to minimise costs.”

Richard contacted Proto Labs using the company’s two interactive, online quotation systems: Protoquoteâ and Firstquoteâ.  Both systems let him upload his 3D CAD models and then within hours sent back an accurate quote – not an estimate.

 “I was very impressed with the process,” says Richard, “it was so easy. Online quoting systems rarely work as advertised, but this time they did.  The Proto Labs systems gave us a complete price based on our CAD models; a price that was updated instantly when we changed the quantity or material, so we knew what we would pay for what we wanted.  I also liked the personal touch! For example, Protomold suggested a small, design refinement, in this case adding draft angles to help release the motor arm from the mould.”