on prototypes
critical features
before shipping
no minimums
What Is Rapid Prototyping?
CNC prototyping makes real parts from real materials — fast. Unlike 3D printing, your prototype is made the same way as your production part. This means you can test fit, function, and strength before committing to a full run. Hawthorne teams use our rapid prototyping to test fit, form, and function before committing to production.
Validate Your Design
Upload your CAD file and pick a material. We check your design before cutting.
Test Real Materials
Get a real metal or plastic part. Test strength, weight, and fit on your assembly.
Iterate Fast
Make changes and get the next version in days. Lock in your design before production.
Built for Speed & Iteration
Your prototype deserves a machining partner who moves as fast as your team — without cutting corners on quality.
Speed — 3-Day Rush
Prototypes ship in as few as 3 business days. Same-day quotes keep your project on track. No waiting weeks for simple parts.
CMM Inspection
Every prototype is CMM inspected before shipping. You get a documented inspection report — not a guess. Know your part is right before you test it.
Design Iteration Support
Update your file and get a new part fast. We store every version so you can compare revisions. Most teams go through 3 to 5 rounds before locking in.
Low-Volume Friendly
Order one part or fifty. No minimum quantity and no setup fees on most orders. Perfect for testing multiple versions or investor demos.
Prototype Part Types
From functional test parts to investor demos — precision machined and ready to test.
In Hawthorne, aerospace companies drive demand for rapid prototyping. Local teams working with SpaceX Headquarters and Teledyne Technologies rely on fast-turn CNC prototypes to test fit, form, and function before production.
Hawthorne also has a strong defense presence that drives demand for fast-turn CNC prototypes to test fit, form, and function before production. Teams at SpaceX National Security Space Launch and Teledyne Defense Electronics use our services for critical components. Hawthorne supports national security space launch programs and tactical aviation systems.
Enclosures & Housings
Prototype electronics enclosures, sensor housings, and device shells in aluminum or stainless. Test fit, thermal performance, and assembly before committing.
Al 6061 & 7075Structural Brackets
Load-bearing brackets, motor mounts, and structural interfaces. Test strength and stiffness on real materials before finalizing your design.
±0.001" standardMechanical Components
Gears, shafts, couplings, and custom hardware. Machine prototypes in the same material as production to validate wear, fit, and function.
Metals & plasticsOptical & Sensor Mounts
Precision mounts for cameras, LIDAR, and sensors. Ultra-tight alignment tolerances for prototyping optical assemblies and test fixtures.
±0.0005" criticalMedical Device Prototypes
Surgical tools, implant test samples, and device housings in titanium, stainless, or PEEK. Test form, fit, and sterilization before regulatory submission.
Ti, SS, PEEKInvestor & Demo Models
Polished prototypes for pitch decks, trade shows, and user testing. Bead blasted, anodized, or painted to look like the final product.
Appearance-ready
First Article Prototype — 6061-T6 Aluminum
Machined as a first article prototype for a hardware startup validating a new enclosure design. Delivered in 3 business days with full inspection documentation.
critical features
mating surfaces
rush turnaround
inspection (FAI)
- Dimensional inspection report (CMM data included)
- Material certification & heat lot traceability
- First article inspection report per customer specs
- NDA-protected project files — confidential handling
Speed. Quality. Design Support.
Prototyping demands more than fast parts. Here is what you get on every order.
Speed & Flexibility
We move fast so you can iterate faster.
- 3-day rush on simple prototypes
- Same-day quoting on most uploads
- No minimum order quantity
- Bridge production (1–50 pcs)
Verified Quality — CMM
We inspect before we ship. No exceptions.
- CMM inspection on every order
- NIST-traceable calibrated gauges
- ±0.001" standard, ±0.0005" critical
- Dimensional inspection reports included
Design Support (Free DFM)
We help you get from idea to production-ready.
- Free DFM review on every upload
- Design change support between revisions
- Material selection guidance
- Seamless prototype-to-production scaling
From CAD File to Prototype in Days
Three steps. No runaround. Built for teams that move fast.
Upload Your CAD File
Send your STEP or IGES file. Select material, quantity, and finish. We review for manufacturability and respond fast.
We Machine & Inspect
Your prototype runs on our CNC mills and lathes. Every order gets CMM inspection. We verify every critical dimension before anything ships.
Test, Iterate, Scale
Test your prototype for fit and function. Need changes? Send a new file and we turn it around fast. Ready for production? We scale up with the same tooling.
Common Questions About CNC Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping By City
How Hawthorne's Top Industries Use Rapid Prototyping
Hawthorne's economy drives specific machining demand. Here's what we see from local teams.
Upload Your Prototype CAD File
Get a fast quote for your prototype. One part or fifty. Rush delivery in as few as 3 days.
No minimums · Design changes welcome · NDA ready · Ships anywhere in the US