From Drawing to Casting
Prototype Casting at Ironbound
We produce prototype and first article castings in every alloy we pour — from a single one-off bronze prototype to a small run of aluminum or nickel alloy first articles. Our 3D sand printing capability means you can have a poured casting in your production alloy within days of submitting a CAD file, with no pattern tooling cost.
Every prototype casting is furnished with material certification and a first article inspection report. When your design is approved, we build production tooling and transition seamlessly to volume production — one foundry, one PO, from prototype through production delivery.
Lead Time
3D sand prototype castings available in 5–7 business days from approved CAD file — no pattern required
Options
Prototype Casting Options
Choose the prototype approach that fits your timeline, quantity, and approval requirements.
3D Sand Printed Molds
Binder-jet 3D printed sand molds produced from your CAD file — no pattern tooling required. First castings deliverable in days. Ideal for initial design verification and first article inspection.
Wood Pattern Prototypes
Traditional wood patterns for prototype quantities requiring multiple pours or ongoing design iteration. Low cost, fast modification, and directly convertible to resin production tooling.
Why Ironbound
Prototype Casting Advantages
No Pattern Required
3D sand printing allows first-article castings from a CAD file alone — no pattern tooling, no lead time, no upfront tooling cost. From drawing to first casting in days.
Any Alloy Available
Prototype castings are available in any alloy we pour — bronze, aluminum, nickel, monel, or stainless steel. The same alloy and process used for production.
First Article Inspection
Full dimensional layout and material certification on every prototype casting. Results delivered with the part — ready for your customer or engineering approval.
Production Transition
Prototype castings define the pattern tooling design. Once approved, we build production patterns and transition seamlessly to volume molding — one source throughout.
Specifications
