What do you need for a prototype RFQ in the Philippines?

This is for product people, agencies, and hardware teams who want collaboration (DFM, iterations), not only a silent print farm. 3Ready Prototyping Lab (Manila) does design-for-manufacturability and plastic 3D-printed prototypes, including iterative design, not only build-to-print. Metal fab and anodizing are usually partnered out. Multi-process builds need more than a one- to two-week fantasy schedule.

What a good RFQ actually has

1. What this unit is for: internal test, investor demo, trade-show prop, user study.
2. Quantity: 1, 5-10, or first article only.
3. Size / envelope: overall dimensions or "fits in a backpack."
4. Files: STEP/STL/CAD, or "concept only, need design help."
5. Materials: preferred (PLA, resin, etc.) or "recommend for strength/look."
6. Finish: raw print, sanded, painted, "no visible layer lines."
7. Electronics: none, off-the-shelf modules, or full custom (scope carefully).
8. Metal parts: if real metal/anodize is required, say so. A lot of small studios do plastic + design and partner metal.
9. Deadline: event date vs flexible.
10. NDA: if you need one before CAD, send the NDA first.

Build-to-print vs collaboration

A build-to-print shop quotes a frozen file.

A design collaboration partner will:

• flag weak mounts and unprintable features
• suggest splits, wall thickness, assembly
• iterate 3D prints before any small batch
• be honest about what they can't do in-house (e.g. metal)

If the brief is MacBook-grade anodized aluminum and five to ten finished units and circuit work in one to two weeks after design freeze, serious shops will split the workstreams or move the date. Plastic print iteration can be fast. Multi-process production is not.

Copy-paste scope starter

We need 1-2 design iterations and 3 finished plastic prototypes for a handheld demo unit (~200 mm). Open to FDM with finishing or SLA for detail. No metal housing in v1. Target review in 3-4 weeks. CAD available under NDA.

Bottom line

A prototype RFQ isn't a wish list. It's goal, quantity, files, finish, deadline, and what you're open to change. Clear package → faster yes, with a schedule that can hold.