Further development into a series specialist for small plastic parts: 1to1 becomes 1to1scale

1:1 scale produces complex series components made of plastic in a short time for regulated industries such as medical technology and electronics. (Photo: Darko Todorovic)

1-to-1 scale produces complex series components made of plastic in a short time for regulated industries such as medical technology and electronics. (Photo: Darko Todorovic)

1zu1scale presented the new brand image for the 30th anniversary at the Swiss Plastics Expo in Lucerne. (Photo: 1zu1scale)

Presentation of 1zu1scale (from left): Jan Löfving (CEO Prototal Group), Thomas Kohler (CEO 1zu1scale), and Ronnie Petersson (CCO Prototal Group). (Photo: 1zu1scale)

From Prototype Specialist to Production Partner for Series: The high-tech company 1zu1 has systematically evolved over the past years. This is now also reflected externally: the company will operate in the future as 1zu1scale in the market. At the Swiss Plastics Expo in Lucerne, 1zu1scale presented the new brand and plans for the new year. In 2026, the series specialist will increase capacity in injection molding and continue investing in innovative 3D printing technologies.

Founded in 1996, the high-tech company renamed itself 1zu1 Prototypes in 2002 and focused the brand on 1zu1 in 2017. Since then, the company has gradually developed from a specialist for prototypes and small series to a partner for series production. The number of parts manufactured has increased tenfold over the past ten years. With state-of-the-art 3D printing machines, injection molding, and integrated toolmaking, 1zu1scale now produces small, precise plastic components in series quality within a short time.

The new brand appearance developed together with Silberball Brand Management emphasizes the transformation: the industry pioneer from Dornbirn (Austria) offers quickly scalable solutions. This accelerates the market launch of innovative products from customers in the DACH region. The legal company name remains unchanged for now.

“All technologies aim towards series production. We have been shaping the future of 3D printing for over 25 years and also focus on small and particularly demanding components in injection molding. Where robust, delicate structures and complex geometries are required, we help — without detours and in rapid succession,” emphasizes CEO Thomas Kohler.

The new brand appearance of 1zu1scale makes the ongoing transformation into a series manufacturer visible externally as well. “Most companies now produce usable prototypes themselves. When it comes to moving into series production, we step in as professionals and accompany them. The immediate scalability can become a game-changer for specialized industries such as medical technology and electronics,” Thomas Kohler is convinced.

Investments in Capacity and Quality

As a practical partner of machine manufacturers, 1zu1scale has accompanied many technological milestones. With investments in know-how, machines, processes, automation, and quality assurance, the high-tech company has advanced industrial manufacturing in 3D printing in recent years. Simultaneously, quality and batch sizes in injection molding have also been increased. Manufacturing has been carried out in a cleanroom for ten years. By mid-2025, certification according to EN ISO 13485 will complete the offering for customers from medical technology.

With the recently installed sinker EDM machine, 1zu1scale is expanding its range to include durable steel tools. “In-house manufacturing opens new doors. This makes us a continuous production partner from small series to millions of units,” says Thomas Kohler. Throughout the year, 1zu1scale will also expand capacity in 3D printing with investments in additional large-scale, next-generation machines.

Positioning within the Prototal Group

Since 2022, 1zu1scale has been part of the international Prototal Group, headquartered in Jönköping, Sweden. Northern Europe's leading provider for industrial 3D printing manufacturing is also active in injection molding. 1zu1scale covers the DACH region and focuses on delicate and precise small components. This specialization enables tailored customer service with high flexibility. “Small, delicate components will now be handled by 1zu1scale, while for others, we rely on our partners within the Prototal Group. This consolidates resources and reduces costs for all parties,” explains Thomas Kohler.

All services of the group are also available through the Dornbirn-based company in the DACH region: from classic prototype construction to large series production. The increased integration is a central component of the growth strategy of the Prototal Group, as CEO Jan Löfving emphasizes: “International standards, local supply chains, and pan-European networking guarantee maximum speed, flexibility, and efficiency. In 2026, we aim to fully launch across Central Europe. 1zu1scale, as a pioneer in the DACH region, is opening the doors.”