"Can we go directly from 1 prototype to mass production? After all, if they can make 1 good piece, surely they can make 10,000 good pieces?" Well, not really. When it comes to 3D printed parts or a product that comes entirely out of a mold, that might work. But, when different fabrication processes are involved to create custom parts (e.g. extruding the aluminum enclosure in just the right shape) and make them look nice (e.g. powder-coating it in just the right shade of grey), it gets … [Read more...]
From Prototype to Production: 7 Pitfalls for Tech Products
If you have already done the hard work of building a look-alike and work-alike prototype, congratulations! However, there are still these 7 most common pitfalls you have to avoid while going from prototype to production... … [Read more...]
The Conundrum of Investing in Tooling Before a Final Prototype
In most new product development projects for electro-mechanical products, there comes a time when the company (and its investors) need to make a leap of faith when it comes to investing in tooling. They often need a lot of advice and discuss it with us. Let's discuss the conundrum buyers face of doing so before a final prototype is made. … [Read more...]
Prototyping in China: 28 Best Options for Plastic, Metal, PCBA, Silicon and more
Putting the design of a new product idea that is going to be manufactured on paper (sketches) and in 3D drawings (computer-aided design) is usually not sufficient to confirm all aspects of the design. Before proceeding to tooling fabrication, certifications, component purchasing, and manufacturing, you will certainly need to make physical renderings by doing prototyping in China. … [Read more...]
Bringing an IoT Product from Concept to Market: Case Study
We've been fortunate to help Ahera develop their OSIA IoT smart band from concept to prototype and to get them prepared to take the next steps (tooling, certification, preparation, production). It is actually a great case study for entrepreneurs planning to develop their own product and manufacture it in China, so I thought it would make for an interesting article. Ahera is in the middle of an Indiegogo campaign these days. I went to interview their founder, Rudy Bottin, about what it took to … [Read more...]
Different Prototyping Methods In China Importers Should Know About
When it comes to developing and manufacturing hard goods in China and beyond (be it a plastic case for an electrical product, a new type of metal jewel, a new mechanical part...), making prototypes is an important part of the new product development process. When the prototype is made by a Chinese manufacturer, the buyer should know what type of prototype will be made. There are many prototyping processes available for product development teams to choose from. Here is a list of the most … [Read more...]