Prototype and See

Hosted by HLH Rapid

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Sep 2025

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About the show

Prototype and See is a podcast produced by HLH Rapid, hosted by Co-founder and Director James Murphy. Hear from designers, engineers and veterans in some of the world's most innovative companies as they share their stories of success and failures and the ups and downs of bringing new products to market.

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12 recent

September 16, 202536 min

PolyMorphic Shape-Shifting Moulds – 14x Faster Than 3D Printing

Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qmA0WHz7W0 00:00 Intro 00:27 Polymorphic Moulding - An Original, New Way of Manufacturing 04:37 Don't Compete. Make New Categories 05:30 Lots of People Have Failed to do This. Why? 09:25 Polymorphic Moulding vs More Traditional Moulding vs 3D Printing 14:47 Challenges of Innovating in the UK vs USA vs China 19:54 Localized Production and Tariff Wars 24:27 Polymorphic Moulding's Super Simple Software 25:54 What UK Manufacturers Can Learn Form China Manufacturers 31:55 Josh's Tips for Startups 34:41 What's Next for Fyous? About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

April 29, 202433 min

Ep 10. Founding Story of HLH Rapid and HLH Prototypes

Over the years, HLH has grown into one of the leading global manufacturers of prototypes, CNC machined parts, and rapid production solutions. The company specializes in delivering high-quality, fast-turnaround manufacturing services for low- to medium-volume projects, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and rapid injection moulding. This episode explores: The origin story of HLH Rapid and HLH Prototypes Key trends shaping the rapid manufacturing industry Challenges and opportunities of operating across the UK and China The future of prototyping and low-volume production HLH continues to support companies worldwide in bringing products to market faster through flexible, high-quality manufacturing solutions. About HLH HLH is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com www.hlhrapid.com

February 26, 202440 min

Ep 9. Innovation in Urban Mobility

Although the key innovation of Tuleap's bio-electric scooter is still covered by an NDA and cannot be discussed as of yet, the Tuleap team has appeared on HLH Rapid's podcast to share some insightful insights into their sustainability strategies, the genesis of the idea, the state of the urban mobility market, and more: In this episode: Tuleap shares the 'spark' moment that inspired them to build the bio-electric scooter. Frank explains why Tuleap used many different technologies to produce the various scooter components. Tassilo explains the current state of the urban mobility market. We discuss simpler assembly to facilitate easier recycling and Tuleap's other sustainability strategies. We talk about bio-electric design to use less energy. About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, 3D printing, plastic injection moulding, vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

January 29, 202427 min

Ep 8. Mass Production With 3D Printing

Hosted by James Murphy from HLH Rapid Jose Camero is the founder of Triditive, a company recognized as one of Spain's most innovative startups and a leading player in automated 3D printing. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vdTSqhh0VVg In this episode Jose talks about his journey founding Triditive and building a company from ground up We talk scaling up 3D printing without scaling up labour costs We delve into the challenging aspects of product development Jose provides insight into the ideal customer for automated 3D printing We discuss if 3D printing os making manufacturing more sustainable, or the opposite. Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Triditive: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/triditive-aam Twitter: https://twitter.com/TRIDITIVE About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in 3D Printing and Metal AM as well as CNC machining, injection moulding, vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

November 27, 202350 min

Ep 7. MedTech Development: Speed, Mistakes, and Inception to Exit

In this episode, we spoke to Victor Suturin, CEO and founder of Aliform, a cosmetic instruments company. He is a biomedical scientist and former MedTech company investor, who has speaks about what he has learned from his fair share of witnessing and experiencing failed startups. In this episode: Victor talks about his experience investing in a failed MedTech company We discuss third party reliance and management in MedTech development Victor shares about how he and a team of engineers were able to respond quickly to the COVID crisis We highlight 3D printing and manufacturing technologies that are driving medtech development Victor shares how lead times are an eternity in a startup scene Victor talk about balancing between innovation and regulation compliance Find HLH Rapid: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hlhrapid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Aliform: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aliform-innovations/ About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

August 28, 202341 min

Ep 6. Developing One of the World's Most Advanced Robot Hand

In this episode we spoke to Rich Walker, Managing Director of Shadow Robot. Shadow Robots stands as one of the UK's longest-running robotics company. During our discussion, we explored the essential components of building a successful company, the obstacles encountered in robotics development, considerations of robot ethics, and the prospective future of robotics and deep learning. In this episode: Rich talks about how Shadow Robot stay innovative as one of the UK's longest-running robotics company Rich discusses values and robot ethics Rich shares about the story of Shadow Robot's first working prototype and the most difficult thing about building a robot We discuss the future of robotics and deep learning Rich talks about the advancements of rapid prototyping technologies over the years and how Shadow Robot has used it to their advantage Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Shadow Robot: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowrobotcompany/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/shadowrobot About HLH RapidHLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

July 31, 202328 min

Ep 5. Autonomous Electric Aircrafts and The Future of Air Mobility

In this episode we spoke to Michael Norcia, Co-Founder and CEO of Pyka, startup to the world's first commercially certified autonomous electric airplanes. We delve into Pyka's iconic origin story, the steep design and engineering challenges they've overcome, as well as where autonomous electric flight could take the industry (and us!) in the future. In this episode: Michael shares how he went from building a 26ft wingspan aircraft in his parent's backyard to developing the world's first commercially certified autonomous electric plane. Michael outlines the engineering challenges Pyka faced in developing the Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo We find out how 3D printing is put to use in the Pelican Aircraft We discuss safety concerns in crop dusting and how autonomous aircrafts can help Michael tells us about where the industry is heading and exciting future prospects for Pyka Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Pyka: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PykaOfficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flypyka/ About HLH RapidHLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

June 26, 202339 min

Ep 4. Patents and Protecting Your Innovation

For this special episode, we’ve invited Ben Chapman, a patent attorney at Carpmaels & Ransford LLP, one of Europe’s leading patent law firms recognized by the Financial Times. Drawing from his extensive experience working within the Engineering and Technology group, Ben offers valuable insights relevant to all aspects of patents and protecting your inventions. In this episode We delve into the fundamental aspects of what a patent is, what it covers, and its value Ben takes us through the process of applying for a patent and how to determine if you need it We debate if patents encourage or stifle innovation and whether they serve as a recipe book for competitors Ben provides insights into the geographic scope of patent coverage We talk about the cost of filing a patent and explore alternative means of safeguarding your inventions aside from patent protection Ben shares his thoughts on the effectiveness of non-disclosure agreements (NDA) Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVXiA-dc1GI Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Carpmaels & Ransford: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carpmaels-&-ransford/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/carpmaels About HLH RapidHLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

May 22, 202331 min

Ep 3. Innovation and Startup Opportunities in the Aerospace Industry

Marco Pavan worked as a research and technology engineer in Airbus, and since then, Co-founded SteamJet Space Systems - the pioneering company behind the affordable and innovative metal 3D printed water-powered propulsion system for CubeSats and Small Satellites. As the CEO of SteamJet, Marco brings valuable experience in navigating the aerospace sector, an industry which is traditionally not considered ‘sexy’ for startups due to its complexities and high barriers to entry. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qmA0WHz7W0&t=935s Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find SteamJet Space Systems: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steamjet/?originalSubdomain=uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/steamjet_space About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in Metal 3D Printing and precision CNC for aerospace and automotive applications as well as plastic injection moulding, vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com

May 22, 202334 min

Ep 2. Setting of the Medtech Industry and Innovation Through Empathic Design

Alistair Williamson is a veteran of medical device development with 30+ years of experience in product design. As the Managing Director of Lucid Innovation — a team of medical and wellness device specialists with an impressive portfolio of products for the NHS, Lynton Lasers and more — Alistair brings a wealth of knowledge and insights on designing successful medtech devices which he will share in this session. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP3KKiTYwAU&t=95s Find HLH Rapid: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlhrapid/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hlh-rapid/ Find Lucid Innovation: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucid-group-ltd./ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucidinnovation_manchester/ About HLH Rapid HLH Rapid is a rapid prototyping and high-mix, low-volume manufacturing specialist. The company specializes in CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing (SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM), vacuum casting, sheet metal prototyping, and other manufacturing solutions, supporting customers from early-stage prototypes through to manufacturing-ready parts. Contact our team: info@hlhrapid.com