Case Study: Wicab Inc. achieves rapid, production‑quality prototypes and low‑volume injection‑molded parts with Protolabs

Rapid Injection Molding Helps Med Device Company Bring Vision to Blind

Wicab Inc., maker of the FDA‑approved BrainPort V100 sensory‑substitute device, needed faster, more affordable prototyping and low‑volume production for its next‑generation BrainPort V200 headset. After finding 3D printing and cast‑urethane too slow, costly or limited in material choices, Wicab engaged Protolabs for injection molding of roughly 12–15 headset components to achieve production‑quality, field‑ready parts.

Protolabs used its quick‑turn injection molding service and tooling to deliver polycarbonate prototypes and end‑use parts in under 15 business days, moving Wicab from months‑long lead times to delivery in days or weeks. The Protolabs parts gave Wicab improved durability and finish, predictable pricing and reusable tooling for additional low‑volume runs, enabling the company to scale the BrainPort V200 toward market release.

Wicab Inc.

Rich Hogle

Vice President and Research and Development Director