Bring Your Ideas to Life

From 3D design to finished prototype, we combine true innovation with careful craftsmanship

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CAD Drawing and 3D Printing

Quickly create precise models for testing

Laser cutting, CNC and welding

Perfect for early-stage product validation

Metalworking

Woodworking

Bringing Ideas to Life

At A1 prototypes, we can conceptualize, draw in CAD and then craft detailed prototypes quickly using 3D printing and traditional methods.

Close-up of a technician adjusting a 3D printer in action creating a prototype.

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Various prototypes displayed on a wooden workbench surrounded by tools and materials.

A team member examining a metal prototype component with magnifying glass under bright workshop lighting.

How We Help

From 3D design to final prototype, we support you through testing and product development by finding the right factories for production.

Our Services

From 3D design to metalworking, we bring your ideas to life quickly and precisely.

Close-up of a 3D printer creating a detailed prototype part in a bright workshop.

Craftsman shaping a wooden component by hand in a well-lit studio.

Rapid Prototyping

We quickly turn your concepts into physical models using 3D printing and design.

Custom Fabrication

Plastic, Metal, wood, and textile components crafted to test and refine your product ideas.

About me

A1 Prototypes is owned and operated by Elisha Brinton. I am based in Asheville NC and have lived in Western North Carolina since 1998.

In 2015 my path to becoming an inventor became clear. Ever since a young age I had been intrigued with the process of inventing and patenting new designs. I was at a meeting at my employer, Eagles Nest Outfitter's (eno) headquarters. I placed a small 10" wide model of a hammock stand on the table. Three sweeping arches were joined at the top to hold three hammocks. The model captivated the room in silence for a moment. The owner of the company piped up, "Make this happen". It was the beginning of a successful streak of conquering ever larger challenges.

The design came about after I had made the company's festival booths. After building and assembling these structures and seeing how time consuming that was, I thought, there must be a faster and easier way to display these hammocks and let people try them.

With the help of eno and their grace and patience, I went back to school for CAD and welding and got the training I needed to make anything through drawing and fabrication. I already had an arsenal of tools and a solid background in carpentry. Perhaps most importantly, I could visualize simple to complex things with moving parts in my minds eye. The enopod hammock stand was born. The original production run was made in Asheville North Carolina. It had 6 pieces and 3 bolts and could be set up in less than 5 minutes.

I went on to design multiple products for eno for which I hold patents. Since then I have prototyped everything from wall construction assemblies to mobility tools and solar heaters.

I am capable of true innovation in design and can bring your idea to fruition.