Rapid Prototyping Services
From napkin sketch to working model, get high-quality prototypes with professional support and fast turnaround.
What We Print
Is Rapid Prototyping Right For You?
Rapid Prototyping is perfect for:
- Inventors needing proof of concept
- Engineers testing fit or function
- Designers refining aesthetics
- Educators and students working on projects
- Small businesses iterating before manufacturing
Our Prototyping Services include:
FDM & Resin
- Life-sized helmets, armour and weapons
- FDM for large props, resin for fine detail
- Lightweight and paintable
- Easy Assembly
Iterative Design Support
- 3D Printed Awards
- Branded Merchandise
- Bespoke Pieces
- Fully Customised
Batch Printing for User Testing
- Small batches
- No minimum order
- Ideal for One-offs
Rapid vs Traditional: Why 3D Printing Wins
Feature
Turnaround Time
Cost per Unit
Design Flexibility
Easy Iteration
3D Printed
1-3 Days
Low (especially 1-10)
Very High
Yes
Traditional
2-4 Weeks
High for Small Volumes
Limited
No
Case Studies
Democratising Manufacturing
At Tidewater 3D Printing, we are driven by the belief that simple manufacturing should be accessible to everyone, not just…
How It Works
Steps:
- Send Your Idea: Sketch, drawing, CAD file – whatever stage you’re at
- We Review & Quote: You’ll get a rough turnaround time, price, and material suggestions
- You Approve, Pay & Print – We produce your prototype and notify you of progress
- Collect/Deliver – Make changes and print again if needed.
FAQs
Liquid Resin cured with UV light. Extremely detailed:
What’s the typical turnaround time?
This will depend on a variety of factors: design work, size, material used.
What formats do you accept?
We accept PDFs, CAD files
Can you help me design something from scratch?
Yes! Absolutely! I am more that happy to work on a design with you.
How much does a prototype usually cost?
Again, this depends on a variety of factors: whether design is needed, size, materials use
Who We Work With
- Tabletop Gamers
- Inventors & Makers
- Small Businesses
- Cosplayers & Prop Makers
- Schools & Educators
- Engineers
Why Choose Tidewater?
- High-Quality Products, Always
- FDM and Resin Options Available
- Fast Turnaround
- Local and Approachable – Based in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire
- No Minimums – One-Off Prints Welcome