Protoshape

Protoshape Limited is a UK-based contract manufacturer located in Linlithgow, Scotland, offering integrated plastic part design, precision toolmaking, and plastic injection moulding services. Established in 2011, the company specializes in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and provides tooling solutions using both aluminium and steel, handling prototype to high-volume injection moulding. Their in-house capabilities enable faster lead times and cost-effective solutions for customers across Scotland and the UK.

The company's DFM services ensure plastic parts are designed for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective injection moulding. Protoshape's toolmaking expertise spans over 35 years, covering the design, production, and maintenance of high-quality tools for both prototyping and high-volume production, utilizing precision machinery. They offer flexible tooling options including full steel tools for high-volume applications, aluminium bolster tools for cost-effective prototyping and smaller runs, and insert plates. Protoshape also specializes in overmoulding services, producing overmoulded parts using plastic overmoulded onto plastic or metal, and works with a variety of plastic types including commodity, engineering, recycled, and biodegradable options.

Protoshape provides end-to-end services from plastic part design to toolmaking and injection moulding, enabling them to offer objective advice based on real manufacturing experience. Their in-house bolster tool and insert plate system is a key differentiator for rapid prototyping with real plastic parts, offering speed and cost-effectiveness compared to 3D printing. They also offer repair services for worn injection moulding tools.