Using the latest version of SolidWorks, we collaborate closely with clients to refine and optimise designs for manufacturability and performance. We offer prototypes from SLS, SLA and FDM printing or, machining from solid utilising our in house 5-axis CNC machining centres and lathes.
We can help you design a better product through ‘DFM’ or design for manufacturing. This process, when carried out at the earliest stages of the design process, ensures that the production method produces a better part with less defects, increased tooling life and better production cycle times, meaning you have a more consistent product supply at the best possible price. Get in touch with our design team today and lets make your product amazing!
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Cutting-Edge Technology
Our facility is equipped with the latest CNC machining and turning centres, ensuring every prototype meets the highest standards of precision and repeatability.
Expertise You Can Trust
Our team of highly experienced operators brings deep technical knowledge and craftsmanship to every project, ensuring your designs are executed flawlessly.
Hallam begins prototype development at the concept stage, leading to long-lasting relationships with customers. Recent examples of joint working include the development of a safety light for the London Underground system and a new LED-based floodlighting system for industrial and commercial applications.
Hallam Castings can create machined product prototypes quickly from CAD models linking via CAMWORKS to the company’s CNC machining centres – for example using “subtractive” processes. In other words, removing material from a solid to be left with the prototype part.
Hallam can also offer other product prototype techniques including (FDM/FFF) Fused Deposition Modeling/Fused Filament Fabrication, Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering and 3D printing – “additive” techniques.
Hallam also uses sand and investment casting, laser cutting and fabrication techniques within product prototype projects.
As well as iterative form, fit and function testing within the prototyping cycle Hallam is also able to develop special aluminium and zinc alloys to provide exceptional mechanical properties or corrosion resistance within components or products.
Finite element analysis can be provided on CAD models.
Hallam’s UK prototype services deploy leading-edge computer technology to formulate and design prototypes with precision. Design support is provided by the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, University of Sheffield, with facilities including sophisticated simulation and testing facilities.
Hallam’s experience in prototype manufacturing extends across a range of techniques; machined prototypes from CAD models can quickly be created using CAMWORKS, linking directly to Hallam’s extensive range of CNC machining centres. “Additive” techniques such as (FDM/FFF) Fused Deposition Modeling/Fused Filament Fabrication, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, including printers availble via our link to the AMRC and the Mercury Centre at the University of Sheffield, allow rapid creation of physical models or fully functional prototypes, according to project requirements.
As part of the prototype manufacturing service Hallam can develop or select special aluminium and zinc alloys offering superior mechanical properties or corrosion resistance; finite element analysis on CAD models for simulated mechanical property evaluation; and help with component selection, including electronic component sourcing, helping to ensure high quality in all aspects of product development.
Hallam is a UK prototype manufacturing leader, offering the highest level of prototype manufacturing and assembly support and providing advice if required during the component selection process, helping customers refine designs and develop efficient assembly regimes. The prototyping team utilises design for assembly and manufacturing principles to ensure that prototypes meet design specifications but are also optimal for lean manufacturing in volume.
Hallam uses both “subtractive” methods such as CNC machining, and “additive” methods. Among the additive techniques Hallam offers are stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and 3D printing.
Hallam’s expertise in finished product manufacture and assembly allows the company to provide valuable feedback during the component selection process, ensuring efficient, value for money, sustainable and practical product and prototype solutions.
Hallam selects or develops special aluminium and zinc alloys to meet specific customer product requirements for mechanical properties or corrosion resistance.
