Where Can I Find Someone To Make A Small Plastic Prototype For An Idea I Have?

[basil08]

I have an idea that could be potentially sold into various outlets. I want to make a prototype, but who can help me? It is small and flat, about 5" in length and 3" wide and I need about ten produced to show to purchasers to see if the idea has a future. I am based in SE England. Is there anyone who could help me? Thanks in advance.

[EcclesCake]

Why not use a 3D printer service to start with?

[jomifl]

If you just want a plastic mock up, you can carve it out of wax, make a silicone rubber mould from the model then cast resin in the mould. You will need a model anyway.

[sinderella]

What material do you want it made out of?

[buildersmate]

I think it depends on whether the model you want to make has to be functional, or whether the shape is indicative of an aesthetic design.
If it has be be functional, there could be limitations in carving it from a soft material.
When I have wanted a prototype, I would just use a local machine shop, they exist in every medium-sized town, usually on the little industrial estate.
Clearly 3D printers are around now and some small prototyping shops will have invested in them. Just phone around.

[Peaspeculiars]

How about trying a local sign making company - they sometimes use moulds to do bespoke lettering/ fascia surrounds (particularly the flat sort that you need) and might be able to help for a small fee.
Or if you can find a plastic packaging company, again for a fee they might be up for the challenge.
Good Luck with your design

[sherrardk]

A design student at a local university?

[DTCwordfan]

Hope that you have the idea patented or at least copyrighted as the 'someone' could effectively seize the idea if it is not protected. This should be your first stage, if not yet done.

[DTCwordfan]

And sounds like something for Dibro in Liverpool.

[basil08]

Thank you to everyone who has given an answer. I very much appreciate all of your comments...You have all really helped.

[Peter Pedant]

. You know those nails which keep carpets in order around the edges ?

Invented by Mr Seager - and he went along to Copydex to mass produce them. They eventually said no and then ..... produced them themselves.

Mr Seager as a litigant in person went along to court and ( screamed ) Naughty Naughty ! Yeah weird I know. and you can read what happened then....

http://swarb.co.uk/seager-v-copydex-ltd-ca-1967/

so be careful. - O he wins in the end ( Denning J ) but then the question arises ( a la Judge Rinder ) does he get a consultancy fee ? or royalty fees for each thing sold ? or all the profits ( profits on account ) ?
and then the appeal judge says Oh and of course as a result of this money the patent passes to copydex.......

[tamborine]

Cut pattern from plastic milk bottle?

[jomifl]

If you can make a prototype and deposit it with a bank or solicitor then no one else can claim to have invented it before you, unless of course they already have.

[Bazile]

^^^^^

unless you have a corrupt bank employee or solicitor ( but i dont think there are such people )