Engineering a New Product from Your Initial Concept
We have many customers who come to us with an idea for a new product, and need help taking it from concept to production-ready status. Some have little more than a sketch of their idea on a napkin.
The engineers we have partnered with can bring your product to life and walk you through the process of creating the manufacturer-ready drawings needed to move your product forward to the prototyping and production phases.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Initial Consultation
You would have an initial phone call with the engineer to describe the concept for your product, including the materials you envision it being made from, rough dimensions, how it should function, and any other details. The more information you can provide, the better, including rough sketches, prototypes, sample parts or components, or other drawings you might have had made.
Non Disclosure Agreements (optional)
Upon request, we are happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement with you where we agree to keep your product design and concept confidential. We have a standard NDA we can provide, or we can work with your NDA.
Product Engineering & Design Quote
The engineer will provide you with a quote for the estimated hours necessary to create an initial rendering and first generation drawings. Additional processes that might be needed, such as the inspection of any prototypes and final drawing revisions may also be quoted.
Designing & Engineering your Product
Once you’ve made the decision to work with us, the engineers may produce some initial computer-generated renderings to give you a feel for what your product would look like. Here are several renderings:
Drafting Manufacturing Drawings for your Product
The next step will be to create first generation drawings of all parts. These drawings will include all dimensions, tolerances, material, and finish requirements. A 3d model may also be created, in stp file format. Here is an example of a 2D drawing as described above:
Prototyping your Product for Testing
Once you’ve approved the first generation drawings, prototypes should be made for every new product so you can test that the function and fit of what you have in mind. Prototypes also give you products that you can show to your prospective customers for market research purposes. We can provide you with a quote from one of our manufacturers that specialize in making prototypes after the first generation drawings are complete.
Quality Testing of the Prototype
Once the prototypes have been made, depending on your location, the engineers may inspect them to make sure they’re made to print; then you can perform your own tests and use them for marketing purposes. It’s critical that you thoroughly test your prototypes for fit, size, function, and finish.
Updates and Product Revisions
There are always changes that are made after the first prototype is made. Your customers might make suggestions that would enhance your product’s features, the engineers we’ve partnered with could come up with ideas to help improve the design for manufacturing purposes, or the prototype might provide you with the spark for new ideas or improvements.
Finalizing Product Drawings for Production
Once you’ve fine-tuned the design, the engineers can produce final, production ready drawings, and we will be ready to go to China for a production quote.
The engineering and prototyping process is different for every product. Some projects might require multiple design changes and prototypes, while others, if the products are simple, could be done with several sets of drawings and one prototype. We will work with you to expedite the product development phase as quickly as possible.
Please contact us to discuss getting the engineering process started.
