The Prototyping Pit

Make it real. Test it early. Get it right. The Prototyping Pit chapter teaches you how to build and refine your product idea through hands-on tools, feedback loops, and real-world testing, before spending a dollar on manufacturing.

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Timelines

RFQs and BOMs

Fit Testing

Common Mistakes

CNC Machining

Take your idea from sketch to sample, step by step.

Whether you’re building your own prototype at home or hiring a professional engineer, this chapter breaks down everything you need to prototype the smart way.

You’ll explore different methods, choose materials, plan iterations, and learn how to prepare a production-ready version of your product. Prototyping isn’t just about building, it’s about learning, adjusting, and improving.

Two engineers looking at a product together

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All Prototyping Pit subscribers get access to essential resources designed to set them up for success. New tools and documents are added and updated regularly throughout the year.

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hands using a metal tool to measure a product

A rushed or untested prototype leads to wasted manufacturing runs, high costs, and unhappy customers.

Prototyping allows you to spot issues before they become expensive mistakes. It helps you build smarter, test usability, and gather critical feedback. This chapter helps you avoid pitfalls and ensures your product is functional, desirable, and manufacturable.

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