Rapid Prototyping & Small-Volume Runs
Quick-turn graphic panels, membrane switches and labels, printed digitally in Brisbane with no tooling to wait on. Whether you are proving a concept or validating a design before production, we build the part to suit the stage you are at.
Fast-turnaround prototyping, small production runs
In the printed electronics industry, product development cycles often call for rapid prototyping or small production runs. The driver might be a proof-of-concept milestone, a working demo for your client, or simply a need for small quantities of high-quality graphic panels or labels.
Because we run these jobs on a fully digital workflow, shorter than normal lead time is the over-riding factor. You get production-standard parts without the tooling, the setup and the wait that a full production run normally demands.
Different stages, different needs
A prototype means different things depending on where your product is. We start by understanding which of these you need, because the two are built to different expectations.
Early-stage concept work
For a concept shoot, a pitch deck, an investor demo or an early proof of concept, what matters is that the part looks and feels like the real thing. We produce presentation-quality panels and labels quickly, so your idea shows the way you picture it, well before anything goes into testing.
Late-stage validation
When your product is already in trials or validation testing before mainstream production, the prototype has to genuinely perform. We build it in the real materials, with the real construction and durability, using the same processes as full production, so it can be tested as if it were the final part.
Not sure which fits, or somewhere in between? Tell us where your product is at and we will work it out with you.
A completely digital production process
Reid has made significant investments in automated software and equipment to achieve a completely digital production process. A state-of-the-art wide-format digital printing press, high-speed laser cutting machines and thermal embossing equipment let us dramatically reduce setup times, avoid tooling altogether, and shorten delivery times.
1. Send us your artwork
Supply print-ready artwork and a material or spec, or just tell us where the part lives and we will specify it. No drawings? We can reproduce an existing panel.
2. Digitally printed, cut and formed
We print on our wide-format digital press, laser cut to precise tolerances, and thermally emboss where needed. No screens, no dies, no tooling.
3. Back fast, ready to scale
You get production-standard parts in a short lead time. When the design is proven, the same process scales straight to a full production run.
What we can prototype and short-run
Graphic overlays
Digitally reverse-printed polyester or polycarbonate panels, with windows, filters and dead-front graphics.
Membrane switch prototypes
Fully functional overlay plus printed circuit, made to the same standards as full production.
Labels and nameplates
Short runs of durable labels, nameplates and decals on industrial films and adhesives.
Variable data
Consecutive numbering and barcodes output seamlessly from the digital workflow.
Embossing and metal domes
Thermally formed raised buttons and metal snap domes for tactile feedback, even on a one-off.
Industrial films and adhesives
The full range of MacDermid Autotype polyester films and 3M product ranges, specified to the environment.
Digital or screen print
Digital for photographic detail and variable data; screen print available when a run grows into volume.
No minimum order
One piece or a small batch, made without the tooling and setup a long run would carry.
Membrane switch prototypes
A membrane switch prototype is, in essence, a small production run. The graphic overlay layer can be digitally printed or traditionally screen printed, and can be embossed and include metal snap domes. The circuit layers are fully functional and screen printed using the same processes and standards we use for our production runs.
Variable data, built in
By utilising a digital workflow with automated software, we can seamlessly output variable data in many formats, whether that is consecutive numbering or barcodes, without slowing the run down or adding tooling.
Prototypes & Short Runs
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum order quantity for a prototype or short run?
There isn't one. Our digital workflow has no tooling or screen costs, so we can produce a single prototype or a small batch just as easily as a large run.
How is a prototype different from a full production run?
Technically, very little. A prototype is, in essence, a small production run: the same materials, printing and finishing processes, and the same standards we use for volume, just without the tooling and setup a long run would normally need.
Do I need tooling or expensive setup?
No. Because we print digitally on a wide-format press and cut with high-speed lasers, there are no screens, dies or tooling to pay for or wait on. That is what keeps lead times short.
What can you prototype and short-run?
Graphic overlays, membrane switches, labels, nameplates and decals, on your choice of polyester or polycarbonate film, with embossing, metal snap domes, display windows and industrial adhesives.
Can you include serial numbers or barcodes?
Yes. Our digital workflow outputs variable data such as consecutive numbering and barcodes, applied to the first or second surface.
Can a prototype scale up to full production later?
Yes. Because prototypes are made with the same materials and processes as production, moving from a proven prototype to a full run is straightforward, with no redesign.
Do you manufacture in Australia?
Yes. Everything is designed, printed and finished at our Brisbane facility.
Working on something?
Let's talk it through.
Tell us what you are building and where it is in development. We will work out the right way to prototype it, in the right materials, for the stage you are at.