By creating a prototype, it is possible to sit down with a real version of the product and determine which aspects are worthwhile and which parts need to be revised or discarded. Additionally, creating a prototype will allow the design team to not only evaluate, but also test the product before going into full production.
If corporate giants can make mistakes, it is all the more important for smaller companies to not forget the importance of prototyping before beginning production. By prototyping before production begins, it is possible to take a glimpse at the production process and see if any steps can be changed, combined or even removed. This not only streamlines production, but keeps the cost of the actual production to a minimum. Subsequently, if there are any difficulties in production or perhaps processes that can create problems for the final product, it is much better to see these before production starts.
Prototyping can also help the design team ascertain the optimal method for production: injection molding, silicone molds, die cast, stamped metal, etc. Just like it is far easier to see if there are any problems with a design by holding an actual working model, it is also far easier to sell to potential customers when they have a prototype to hold and manipulate at a marketing presentation.
It can be difficult to get a potential client to commit to the purchase of a concept. Office: Toll Free: Mon-Fri, 8am until 5pm. Certified ISO Leading Provider of Sheet Metal Fabrication. Park Avenue Kiel, WI News Careers FAQ. August 9, Brittany Beckmann 1 Comment. There are two types of prototypes:. For example, take any industrial product with a latch or any other kind of mechanical movement.
A production-grade prototype allows engineers to discover the best solution for functionality. Engineers also take stability, component compatibility and manufacturability into consideration. Some customers come to HUI with an industrial product that has been over-designed by another company. When we make a prototype, we focus on constructing a product that is cost-efficient and at its highest functionality. Is there anything you can do to make this process run more smoothly? There are many steps you can take right now to ensure your prototyping and production runs as fluidly as possible.
The reality is that the prototyping to production process is fluid and looks slightly different for everyone—there is no tried-and-true formula for getting your unique product through the production line. This is perfectly normal. There are a number of steps you can take to optimize and speed up this process without affecting the quality of your product.
Ideally, your prototyping process should only take about a month or two at most, but the process may take longer depending on where you are in the design process. The best way to ensure that your idea makes it through the prototyping phase as fast and efficiently as possible is to have an initial prototype or drawing already prepared for the prototyping engineers.
They will be willing to go back to the very beginning and work closely with you on the design. If you want to know approximately how long the prototyping process will take based on your starting point, take a look at the estimated timelines below:.
If you start from the very beginning with a basic design idea, the prototype to production process could take months from start to finish. Shaving even just a little bit of time off of each step in this process could get your product to market months ahead of schedule.
Once you have a physical prototype you feel is worthy of production, you can start refining the manufacturing process. The best way to speed up this process and keep costs low is to communicate with your contract manufacturer. Give them detailed information about:. If you worked with a contract manufacturer on the design process, then the manufacturer should already have this information.
Ideally, they will have already incorporated these factors into the original design and prototype so you can move right into the manufacturing phase. But if you contacted a manufacturer after making your own prototype, then the manufacturer may need a few days or weeks to get up to speed. They need to make 3D models of the design, train their engineers on how to craft and test each component, create molds, or program CNC machines to manufacture each part.
Short production runs can be completed in just a few days.
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