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Prototyping

An effective prototype will help you both evaluate a design and provide valuable feedback on the performance of processes used in its construction - including welding, joining and inspection. Where required, this can help de-risk and optimise manufacturing process introduction.

Our intellectual property team are happy to provide searches and advise on routes to protect your ideas. We can also assist in the generation of funding, create customer confidence and enable potential manufacturing and life cycle costs to be calculated.

Our extensive laboratory facilities enable products to be assembled, from very small geometry electronics and medical diagnostics devices to large power generation and cooling systems. Engineering expertise in welding, joining and additive manufacturing processes support the application of these technologies. Additive manufacturing, for example, is frequently used with 3D computer aided design (CAD) for rapid prototyping of a part, model or assembly. 

Prototype production

If you already have a clear design brief, we can project manage and deliver a prototype, leaving your engineering team free to explore other avenues of interest.

TWI’s national and international networks also enable us to source suitable suppliers of materials, machining, assembly, inspection and control equipment.

Prototyping within a development programme

We can offer assembly, testing and assistance in developing a route to manufacturing as part of an overall  technology acquisition programme.

Our capabilities for prototype delivery include design and machining using the latest CAD design tools and advanced engineering facilities. We have internationally recognised specialist manufacturing expertise including:

  • Numerical modelling and simulation
  • Materials engineering (including: metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites)
  • Joining, coating and material processing
  • Product performance and structural integrity
  • Inspection (destructive and non-destructive)
  • Software development, programming and control systems
  • Test and validation

TWI is also able to advise and help in the writing process for funding applications for UK and European programmes. We have a dedicated department for the management of this type of project, which de-risks and eases the application process and work programme.

TWI is committed to delivering high quality projects, and we seek to continuously improve our value to Members. To achieve these aims, we conduct our work within a formalised Quality Management System which complies with BS EN ISO 9001:2008, BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and the requirement of LRQA, UKAS, PCN, CSWIP and BINDT accreditation services.

Related Case Studies

If you require further information on how TWI can help to develop your idea or product, please email contactus@twi.co.uk.

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk