Prototyping isn’t just about speed—it’s about reshaping how metal stamping evolves. Ford’s breakthrough slashed die production from weeks down to hours, demonstrating the potential of rapid prototype tooling to transform manufacturing workflows.
In the past, it took between 6-8 weeks for Ford to produce a die to stamp a part for a prototype. Thanks to their revolutionary new system, however, that process now only takes mere hours.
In this process, Ford’s designers create three-dimensional CAD drawings which are then sent to a machine that uses a pair of robotic arms to bend and weld the material into shape. The arms bend and shape a piece of two-dimensional sheet metal into a three-dimensional object, creating a one-off part in as little as a few hours. It’s a truly advanced manufacturing process that has never been done before.
While the process is—by industry standards—lightning fast, it has been years in the making. The engineers at Ford had a vision and a goal of what could be done, and progressed toward that goal over the years using innovation and advanced technology. After significant research and testing, it became what it is today—a perfect example of the current state of American manufacturing.
This technology only exists at Ford right now, and the possibility of using it for mass production is still years away. Yet it has a number of implications it has for the future. Ford’s advanced prototyping has paved the way for other applications and industries, creating true potential for metal stamping down the line.
At Manor Tool, we understand the power of rapid prototyping and the demand for low-volume production. While Ford’s system may be proprietary, our in-house tooling and design capabilities enable us to create prototype parts quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you’re in the early stages of product development or looking to test a new design before full production, our team helps bridge the gap between concept and reality.
From CAD file to first article, we bring decades of tooling and metal stamping expertise to accelerate your timeline. Our prototype stamping services support a range of industries—from automotive and aerospace to electronics and medical—with tight tolerances and consistent quality.
Interested in learning more about how rapid prototyping can speed up your next project? Contact us to talk with our engineers or request a quote today.
