Prototype Springs

Proof Before Production: Confirm Fit, Function, and Quality First!

At Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. Inc., we strive to support our customers from prototype to production, ensuring we are there every step of the way. In order to meet your prototype needs, we offer two flexible options:

Option 1 – Overnight Prototype

After receiving your purchase order, our technicians set up the machines, produce a small quantity, and overnight them to you for review. This is not a single free part but the start of your production run, giving you a chance to confirm fit, function, and performance.

Example: For a 10,000-piece order, 5 parts are shipped overnight. We require approval within 24 hours so production can continue without delay. This option is ideal for customers ready for production who need one final verification step.

Option 2 – Sample Production

For early stage designs or limited needs, we can produce a small quantity of parts as a standalone order. Each order is manufactured under the same quality control standards as a full production run. Because these low-volume orders may not meet typical machine efficiency or material minimums (especially for specialty wires), pricing per piece will be higher than for larger production runs.

Example: If you need only 5 pieces to evaluate a spring or wire form, we can quote that quantity as its own order. While the per-piece cost is higher than a full production run, this approach allows you to validate your design while maintaining full quality assurance. We are confident that the quality demonstrated through this low-quantity order can serve as the foundation for a larger production run in the future.

Ready for a Prototype Quote?

When submitting a Request for Quote form, please note in the comments that you are requesting a quote for a prototype or sample spring or wire form. Additionally, specify which option you would like to select to move forward with. This will help us expedite the process and better meet your needs. The overnight prototype option is reserved for customers who are near the final stages of their design and ready to start production but require confirmation of fit and function. The sample production option is more suited for those who are in the early stages of design and need to test and refine their prototypes before moving towards production.

By clearly outlining your requirements and selecting the appropriate prototype option, you help us streamline the process and deliver results with precision, speed, and quality. To ensure an accurate and competitive quote, please review our Spring Design Page before submitting your request, this will guide you in providing all the key details needed to move your project forward efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prototype Springs

Can Ace Wire Spring make prototype springs or wire forms?

Yes. Ace Wire Spring can support prototype springs and custom wire forms for qualified manufacturing opportunities. Prototype and sample production can help customers evaluate fit, function, performance, and manufacturability before moving into larger production runs.

What types of prototype springs can Ace manufacture?

Ace can support prototype compression springs, extension springs, torsion springs, wire forms, and other custom spring applications. Prototype capability depends on the spring design, material, wire size, tooling requirements, quantity, and production expectations.

What is the difference between an overnight prototype and sample production?

Ace offers two prototype paths. The overnight prototype option is intended for customers who are close to production and need a small number of parts shipped quickly for final fit and function review before production continues. Sample production is better for early stage designs, small test quantities, or projects that still need evaluation before production.

Are prototype springs free samples?

No. Ace does not provide free prototype springs or free sample parts as a standalone service. Prototype and sample orders require setup, material, machine time, quality checks, and production resources. Low quantity sample orders may have a higher per piece cost than larger production runs because they do not always meet normal machine efficiency or material minimums.

When should I request a prototype before production?

A prototype or sample may be useful when a customer needs to confirm fit, function, load performance, assembly clearance, end configuration, material behavior, or overall manufacturability before committing to a larger custom spring or wire form order. This is especially helpful for new designs, supplier replacement projects, failed part reviews, or applications where performance and repeatability matter.

What should I include when requesting a prototype spring or wire form?

Customers should provide drawings, samples, photos, dimensions, material requirements, load or torque requirements, quantities, application details, quality requirements, and any known production expectations. For more detailed guidance, visit our Request a Quote Tips page.