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Expert Prototype Manufacturing & Design in Saint Paul

Transform your product vision into reality with Saint Paul's premier prototype manufacturing and design experts. EVOK combines 25 years of injection molding expertise with cutting-edge CAD design, rapid prototyping, and compliant mechanisms to deliver jewelry-quality prototypes at optimized prices. From initial concept to first article approval, our Minnesota-based team accelerates your time to market while ensuring structural integrity and cost efficiency.

Advanced prototype manufacturing facility with precision injection molding equipment and CAD design workstation

Our Prototype Manufacturing & Design Services

Comprehensive product development solutions from concept to production, delivering optimized injection molded components.

CAD Design Services

Engineering and part design review that transforms customer files into mold-ready designs. We model from scratch or optimize existing 3D files, implementing moldability changes with detailed redlining to ensure your parts are production-ready.

Rapid Prototype Services

Validate final designs with structural and cosmetic verification before committing to production tooling. Choose from functional or cosmetic prototypes using the right rapid prototype process to advance your design efficiently.

Mold Design & Production

Complete tooling solutions that minimize cycle time while maximizing performance and cosmetics. We build cost-effective production tools with detailed mold flow analysis, optimized gate sizing, and strategic vent placement.

Parts Qualification

Comprehensive qualification including molding trial reports and first article inspection. All critical dimensions receive 30 inspection points per cavity to ensure your parts meet exact specifications before production launch.

Material Selection

Expert guidance through material and texture science to ensure optimal part performance and cost-effectiveness. Material selection is integrated throughout our design and manufacturing process.

Compliant Mechanisms Design

Innovative design solutions focusing on dematerialization and performance optimization. Our compliant mechanisms achieve motion through flexible component deformation, eliminating traditional hinges and bearings for superior functionality.

Engineer reviewing prototype parts and technical drawings during product development process

Our Proven 5-Stage Development Process

Concept Feasibility Assessment

We evaluate how your design can be produced and function as a consumer product. Our Saint Paul engineering team analyzes manufacturability, material requirements, and cost implications to establish a solid foundation for development success.

Alpha Research & Iteration

Beta Development & Tooling

Qualifications & First Article

Product Launch & Stock Build

Trusted By Industry Leaders

Success Stories

Delivering exceptional results for OEMs across powersports, medical devices, semiconductor, and consumer products industries.

"driven with details ... Very impressive"

Lawrence Dathe
Lawrence Dathe

"Great expertise and people!"

Rick Chen
Rick Chen

"Evok provided exceptional service! Paul and the studio team demonstrated amazing expertise and professionalism throughout the process. They exceeded expectations with precision and timely execution. Highly recommend for any project requiring top-notch design solutions."

Jason Salveson
Jason Salveson

"Great customer service! Paul is super dedicated."

Mo Amin
Mo Amin

"Paul is very knowledgeable and passionate regarding all facets of plastics manufacturing."

Matt Maskell
Matt Maskell

"Amazing business and amazing person to work with.Paul and I grew up together he has always had attention to detail in everything he has ever done,my company has used him a couple times now and are so pleased with the outcome I would recommend the company to anyone, once again..."

Kevin Nattress
Kevin Nattress

"Had a Great to work with Paul and it has been great! Has a plethora of knowledge and was great to learn from."

Landen Pool
Landen Pool

"driven with details ... Very impressive"

Lawrence Dathe
Lawrence Dathe

"Great expertise and people!"

Rick Chen
Rick Chen

"Evok provided exceptional service! Paul and the studio team demonstrated amazing expertise and professionalism throughout the process. They exceeded expectations with precision and timely execution. Highly recommend for any project requiring top-notch design solutions."

Jason Salveson
Jason Salveson

"Great customer service! Paul is super dedicated."

Mo Amin
Mo Amin

"Paul is very knowledgeable and passionate regarding all facets of plastics manufacturing."

Matt Maskell
Matt Maskell

"Amazing business and amazing person to work with.Paul and I grew up together he has always had attention to detail in everything he has ever done,my company has used him a couple times now and are so pleased with the outcome I would recommend the company to anyone, once again..."

Kevin Nattress
Kevin Nattress

"Had a Great to work with Paul and it has been great! Has a plethora of knowledge and was great to learn from."

Landen Pool
Landen Pool

"driven with details ... Very impressive"

Lawrence Dathe
Lawrence Dathe

"Great expertise and people!"

Rick Chen
Rick Chen

"Evok provided exceptional service! Paul and the studio team demonstrated amazing expertise and professionalism throughout the process. They exceeded expectations with precision and timely execution. Highly recommend for any project requiring top-notch design solutions."

Jason Salveson
Jason Salveson

"Great customer service! Paul is super dedicated."

Mo Amin
Mo Amin

"Paul is very knowledgeable and passionate regarding all facets of plastics manufacturing."

Matt Maskell
Matt Maskell

"Amazing business and amazing person to work with.Paul and I grew up together he has always had attention to detail in everything he has ever done,my company has used him a couple times now and are so pleased with the outcome I would recommend the company to anyone, once again..."

Kevin Nattress
Kevin Nattress

"Had a Great to work with Paul and it has been great! Has a plethora of knowledge and was great to learn from."

Landen Pool
Landen Pool
The EVOK Advantage

Why Choose EVOK?

Experience the difference of working with Saint Paul's most dedicated prototype manufacturing partner.

25 Years Expertise

Quarter-century of injection molding mastery with deep industry knowledge across medical, powersports, semiconductor, and consumer product sectors serving Minnesota manufacturers.

White-Glove Service

Personalized attention from a dedicated team of problem solvers who prioritize your success through transparent communication and collaborative partnership.

Cost Transparency

Upfront pricing with detailed itemization allows you to contribute to optimized design decisions. We're passionate about delivering the lowest possible price without compromising quality.

Speed to Market

Proprietary technology and cross-functional collaboration accelerate your product launch timeline. Our streamlined New Part Development Pipeline eliminates delays and reduces risk.

Meet The Saint Paul Team

Industry experts dedicated to bringing your product vision to life.

Paul Dathe, Founder and Chief Engineer at EVOK Polymers

Paul Dathe

Founder

Paul Dathe founded Evōk Polymers with a singular mission: delivering the highest quality injection molded components at the lowest possible price through proprietary technology and deep industry expertise. With over 25 years specializing in engineering, product design, and solving complex injection molding challenges, Paul brings unparalleled depth to every project. He holds four U.S. utility patents and earned Six Sigma black belt certification, applying rigorous process optimization to mold design engineering. Prior to founding EVOK, Paul led new product development at Caliber Products, launching 13 products while growing sales 540% and expanding from 25 to 144 customers with 100% retention. His responsibilities spanned tooling design, functional assessments, 3D modeling, prototype fabrication, tolerance analysis, and mold flow studies. Earlier, as Senior Mechanical Engineer at Entegris, Paul managed a $40 million product line of ultra-clean liquid delivery systems for semiconductor applications. He began his career at Rollerblade in design and prototyping before serving in senior engineering roles at General Mills and Boston Scientific. Paul earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Design from Bemidji State University with emphasis in rapid prototyping and 3D computer modeling. He's an active member of Allied Executives Business Leadership Peer group and the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

Jason Weber, Industrial Designer at EVOK Polymers

Jason Weber

Industrial Designer

Jason is a seasoned industrial designer with a passion for creating innovative and functional injection molded products. His design philosophy is deeply influenced by his life within a multi-generational household with his wife, two sons, and mother, which nurtures innate empathy and keen observation of human behavior—qualities that translate directly into user-centered design excellence. Jason brings creative vision to EVOK's engineering projects, balancing aesthetic refinement with manufacturing practicality. His ability to understand how people interact with products ensures that every component he designs not only meets technical specifications but also delivers intuitive functionality and ergonomic comfort. Jason's multidisciplinary approach bridges the gap between pure engineering and real-world application, helping clients create products that resonate with end users. Outside the studio, Jason finds inspiration through cooking, gaming, and relaxation, activities that fuel his creative process and problem-solving abilities.

Shawn Monitor, Sr. Industrial Designer at EVOK Polymers

Shawn Monitor

Sr. Industrial Designer

Shawn Monitor has been an instrumental creative force on some of the most advanced injection molded seating and component projects of the last two decades. His particular expertise lies in graphically and physically communicating evolving design concepts and intricate part features through complex mechanical and visual prototypes built in diverse materials. Shawn creates photorealistic renderings using Otoy OctaneRender® and develops professional layouts, diagrams, and logos with Adobe Creative Cloud, providing clients with clear visualization of engineering concepts before tooling commitment. His deep involvement in pre-molding design reviews has significantly reduced risk on numerous large-scale projects by identifying and resolving potential manufacturing issues early in the development cycle. Shawn excels at finding mechanical molded part solutions that can be prototyped and validated prior to expensive production tooling, saving clients time and money while ensuring design intent is maintained. He holds several patents reflecting his innovative approach to injection mold component design. Beyond his professional achievements, Shawn practices photography and enjoys the vibrant Twin Cities live music scene, interests that sharpen his visual communication skills and creative thinking.

Daniel D. Hoyt, Ph.D., Business Development Manager at EVOK Polymers

Daniel D. Hoyt, Ph.D.

Business Development Manager

Daniel brings exceptional expertise in system and process design engineering, coupled with strategic partnership cultivation that sets EVOK apart in the injection molding industry. His passion for innovation and collaboration drives initiatives that challenge traditional norms in part design, prototyping, tooling, and injection mold manufacturing. Daniel's vision extends beyond disruption—he's building a community centered on continuous improvement, mutual benefit, and genuine partnership that empowers small and mid-sized businesses to compete at the highest levels. His leadership focuses on creating Lean Partnership-Based Organizations that optimize engineering processes and deliver sustainable growth. Daniel's proficiency as a facilitator, public speaker, teacher, and coach, combined with exceptional team-building and mentorship abilities, accelerates EVOK's mission to transform industry standards. Under his guidance, EVOK establishes new benchmarks for collaborative engineering success, ensuring clients receive not just technical expertise but strategic insights that drive their competitive advantage in demanding markets.

Natalie Weber, Operations Officer at Evok Polymers

Natalie Weber

Operations Officer – LIV

Natalie is a dedicated apprentice in product design and management who embodies the harmonious blend of creativity and sustainability in injection mold engineering. Possessing innate curiosity and a discerning eye for innovation, she tirelessly explores where design converges with environmental consciousness—bringing fresh perspectives to material selection and dematerialization strategies. Immersed in intangible design principles since childhood, Natalie grasps the profound impact injection molded products can have on the planet, driving her commitment to infusing eco-consciousness into every project facet. Her education in sustainability, combined with hands-on mentorship from seasoned professionals, accelerates her mastery of product design intricacies. Natalie investigates diverse materials, manufacturing techniques, and emerging technologies, always evaluating their ecological footprint and lifecycle implications. Her journey extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing components—she's shaping a future where injection mold design engineering seamlessly integrates sustainability principles, leaving a positive legacy for generations while meeting demanding performance specifications.

Julie Young, Accounting and Finance Manager at Evok Polymers

Julie Young

Accounting and Finance Manager

Julie Young has been an integral part of Evok since its inception, bringing meticulous attention to detail and thorough financial expertise to the organization. As an experienced accounting professional, she excels in organizing and categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing clear, concise financial reports that enable informed business decisions. Julie's proficiency in accounting software ensures streamlined processes and timely delivery of financial information, maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements. Her dedication to professionalism and confidentiality provides the financial backbone that supports Evok's operations and growth. Beyond standard bookkeeping, Julie plays a critical role in vendor relationship management, ensuring all partners are paid promptly and maintaining the trust-based environment that is central to Evok's values. Her reliable financial services support both the team's effectiveness and customer satisfaction by ensuring resources are properly allocated to deliver exceptional injection molding solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of engineer builds prototypes?

Mechanical engineers with specialization in product design and rapid prototyping typically build prototypes. At EVOK, our team includes mechanical design engineers, industrial designers, and prototype engineers with expertise in 3D modeling, CAD design, injection molding, and various fabrication techniques. Our founder Paul Dathe holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Design with emphasis in rapid prototyping and has over 25 years of experience building prototypes across multiple industries.

How much does prototype manufacturing cost?

What's the difference between functional and cosmetic prototypes?

How long does the prototype development process take?

Can you help with CAD design if I only have a concept?

What materials can be used for prototypes?

Do you provide parts qualification and testing?

What is your approach to cost optimization?

Ready to Start Your Project?

Talk to our Saint Paul prototype experts for a free consultation and detailed project assessment.

Certified Excellence

Awards and Recognition

Six Sigma Black Belt certification logo

Six Sigma Black Belt

Process optimization and quality excellence certification

Institute of Packaging Professionals member badge

Institute of Packaging Professionals

Industry expertise and professional standards membership

25 years of experience badge

25+ Years Industry Experience

Quarter-century of injection molding expertise and innovation

Let's Bring Your Product Vision to Life

Contact our Saint Paul team for a free consultation. We'll discuss your prototype needs, timeline, and budget to create a customized development plan.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 612-991-2001.