Case Study: Weinor speeds prototype development with Protolabs CNC machining

Weinor - Customer Case Study

Weinor GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer of awnings, patios, and conservatories, needed a faster way to develop and test prototype parts for its new Zenara awning series. The company’s goal was to create a highly innovative design with hidden connection technology and only two visible wall attachment points, but it needed aluminium prototype parts with production-like mechanical properties without the high cost and long lead times of traditional tooling. Protolabs CNC machining services were selected to help solve this challenge.

Using Protolabs, Weinor uploaded its CAD models and received a FirstQuote within one day, then had the aluminium part in hand just three days later for under €1,000. The result was a much faster, more cost-effective prototyping process that enabled frequent, realistic testing and saved Weinor at least six weeks per part compared with its previous approach. Weinor now treats Protolabs as an integral part of its product development process, using the parts to build fully functional prototypes for trade shows and customer review.

Weinor

Christian Treude

Engineer