Prototyping and testing for technical textiles
In-house prototype workshop in France - rapid iterations and field validation to de-risk your smart products.
Turn your concepts into functional prototypes
Prototyping and testing is a key milestone in product development: the idea becomes tangible, testable and ready to improve. At AQ-Tech, we design and build mechanical, electronic and smart textile prototypes to quickly validate the feasibility, ergonomics and performance of your concept.
Our prototype workshop in France - an integrated 500 sqm Fab Lab in Sillingy - builds mock-ups, functional prototypes and short pre-series in house. We combine industrial rigour (HF weld testing, ultrasonic welding, washability validation) with R&D agility to accelerate your iteration loops.
Full-stack technical prototyping under one roof
We build every type of prototype - feasibility study, mechanical, electronic, smart textile, testing & validation - from one-off pieces to short runs, integrating each discipline as your project requires.
Technical feasibility study
Validate feasibility before kicking off the build.
- + Technical analysis and risk identification
- + Selection of suitable technologies, materials and processes
- + Product architecture recommendations
Mechanical prototyping
From concept to physical part.
- + Machining, 3D printing, plastics, sheet metal, laser cutting
- + Assembly of functional mechanical prototypes
- + Integration with embedded electronics or textile structures
Electronic prototyping
Test, measure and harden your connected systems.
- + Fast turnaround on PCBs, wiring and bench testing
- + Integration of sensors, microcontrollers and RF modules
- + Functional testing and performance measurement
Textile & smart textile prototyping
For soft, ergonomic and connected products - from the functional textile prototype to a washable smart textile.
- + Design and manufacture of technical textile prototypes
- + Integration of sensors, conductors and inflatable systems
- + HF weld, comfort, durability and washability testing
Testing & smart textile validation
Confirm reliability and performance of your prototypes - smart textile product testing and on-field validation.
- + Mechanical, electronic and textile testing (sealing, HF weld, wear cycles)
- + Performance, durability, washability and compliance measurements
- + Functional field validation before pre-series
Feasibility study
Technical analysis and selection of the most realistic, high-performing solutions.
Mock-up & POC
Fast-track mock-ups to validate the product's key working principles.
Testing and validation
Functional, mechanical, electrical or textile tests tailored to your needs.
Iterative approach
Each prototype version feeds the next one until we reach the final design.
An agile method for your smart textile products
We believe in an iterative approach: test, measure, adjust. This agile loop reduces risk, improves final quality and shortens time-to-market. Each functional prototype becomes a learning tool that guides the design towards the production-ready product.
An A-to-Z partner
Explore our other product development services
Beyond prototyping, AQ-Tech supports you across the full innovation process for technical textile products.
Outsourced engineering
From design to industrialization of your technical textile products.
Industrialization & certification
Prepare market launch and series manufacturing - CE, ISO 13485.
Technical textile applications we prototype
Our workshop prototypes products across three application families: smart textile (embedded sensors, EMG biometrics), inflatable systems (wearable airbags, HF welding) and functional textile (soft exoskeletons, connected PPE).
We operate in demanding fields such as health, sports, defense and industry.
Frequently asked questions about technical textile prototyping
Where can I prototype and test a technical textile product with embedded electronics in Europe?
AQ-Tech operates a textile prototype workshop in Sillingy (Annecy, Haute-Savoie, France), an integrated 500 sqm Fab Lab. We build functional textile prototypes with embedded electronics - HF welding, sensor integration, washability validation - on the same lines used for pre-series. A multidisciplinary team (mechanical, electronic, firmware, textile) works under one roof, which speeds up iterations and secures technical decisions.
How long does it take to build a smart textile prototype?
It depends on product complexity. At AQ-Tech, a simple prototype can be built in a few weeks, while a complete system (mechanical + electronics + textile, such as a connected garment or wearable airbag) requires several months of iteration.
Do you offer HF weld testing and validation testing for textiles?
Yes. Our teams have test rigs and custom benches to validate your mechanical, electronic or textile prototypes against performance, durability, washability or comfort criteria. We also run HF weld, sealing and pressure-resistance tests on inflatable structures.
Can I produce a short series from the prototype?
Absolutely. We deliver pre-series runs and support you all the way to industrialization, either in-house or through our specialized European partners.
Need a technical textile prototype?
Our engineers and technicians are ready to bring your idea to life. Let's discuss the best way to turn your smart textile or inflatable project into reality.
