Rapid prototyping

Markforged Rapid Prototyping Compresses the Path From Concept to Controlled Build

The fastest prototype is only useful when it teaches the production team something trustworthy. Markforged rapid prototyping programs combine DfAM review, printer-cell thinking, material selection, inspection notes, and bridge-production planning so early parts can inform real manufacturing decisions.

Launch a Prototype Sprint
Rapid prototype additive manufacturing sprint
72-hour sprint logic

Prototype work is split into decisions that can survive production review.

Day 0

CAD and intent intake

The team reviews the model, application goal, required quantity, load case, critical surfaces, and whether the part is a fit-check model, working fixture, or bridge-production candidate.

Day 1

Material and build route

Engineers identify reinforcement, print orientation, post-processing, and inspection needs. If additive is the wrong route, the risk is surfaced before build time is wasted.

Day 2

Build and checkpoint

Prototype builds are reviewed against the release goal, not simply photographed. Notes can include fit, surface, critical dimensions, handling, and operator feedback.

Day 3

Decision and bridge plan

The buyer receives a next-step recommendation: iterate, release as tooling, move into limited builds, or switch to a more appropriate process.

Material pathways

Choose the route around function, not hype.

Continuous fiber composites

Strong candidates for jigs, fixtures, grippers, drill guides, soft jaws, and inspection tools that need stiffness without long machining lead times.

Metal additive parts

Useful where geometry, low volume, or lead time justifies an additive route and post-processing expectations are understood before launch.

Polymer prototypes

Good for fit checks, ergonomic studies, housings, fixtures, and early validation when the decision is about speed and learning.

Bridge production

When the prototype works, the next question is repeatability.

Bridge production requires controlled scheduling, inspection checkpoints, revision references, and a plan for what happens if demand grows. Markforged helps buyers avoid the common gap between a successful prototype and a production team that still lacks evidence, queue discipline, or spare-part planning.

Bridge production queue for additive manufactured tooling

Start with one part family and one measurable production goal.

Send CAD, timing pressure, and the reason the current path is not working. We will help determine whether a rapid additive sprint is the responsible next step.

Start Prototype Review