WHY TO MAKE PROTOTYPE DURING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PHASE
After the engineering phase to be achieved, its outcome needs to be verified in the real world with real model. It is usually one of the way to verify that engineering and simulation have been achieved properly and a way to validate that designs can be pushed to manufacturing phase . Prototype also allows to have a reference sample for manufacturing.
Making a prototype require to make small quantities of parts which then can be assembled togther to create a prototype. Those parts can be plastic parts, metal parts, rubber or silicone parts, electronics parts and many other parts type.
For electronic products, usually pcb prototype have to be established to confirm, validate and test circuits and systems. On this base, make a few PCB prototype to verify the engineering is absolutely essential. It also allow to perform the first assembly test between pcb and mechanical parts.
Prototype are usually perform in several version: alpha, beta, release. It is actually rare that the first prototype to be perfect, so correction are usually brought by modifying and refining the engineering.
OUR SOLUTION TO HANDLE RAPID PROTOTYPING IN CHINA
We usually ensure a very fast turn around for prototype parts. Typical timing are given below:
- Plastic parts: 5 days
- Metal parts: 5 days
- PCB: 5 days
- PCBA : 5 days
Plastic parts are usually made using CNC machining, SLS / SLA, Vacuum Casting, and sometimes rapid tooling. Metal parts are usually made using CNC machining, SLS / SLA or rapid die casing.
For PCBA, we usually perform components procurement simultaneously to PCB prototype manufacturing. We then solder components on PCB prototype.
WHAT DO WE DO DURING PROTOTYPING PARTS IN CHINA
Once mechanical parts are received, we usually attempt to assembly them all together to verify fitting. In some cases, margin gap and clearance between parts have to be adjusted to reduce play between parts. Sometimes, we use those prototype to test product according to customer requirement (aging, vibration, strength etc…)
For electronic, our Electronic Hardware Engineer will ensure to make PCB board perfectly and will assembly components on the board by himself by soldering components one by one. Once done, our firmware engineer will embeded firmward into the circuit and test will be runned on the pcba. Hardware engineer will also verify electrical property of each component and will make sure everything run well. Possibly the prototype will be adapted and optimized at this stage.
Prototyping is the perfect way to perform in-house testing and pre-certification review
TYPICAL FLOW FOR MECHANICAL PART PROTOTYPING
TYPICAL FLOW FOR PCBA PROTOTYPING
YOUR BENEFIT USING OUR PROTOTYPING SERVICE IN CHINA
Naturally, once the engineering is done, you will enjoy getting a piece of the product we have developped for you. You can then review the product and supply your feedback about it. You will enjoy the quick turnaround of our prototyping service and the full follow up from our engineering team.
The prototype can be use in several way:
First it is a right way to perform testing, validate the engineering, it is perfect to establish a first reference design but it is also an opportunity to have a physical product that can be introduced for marketing purpose to potential client and investor before engaging fund in mould manufacturing and mass production.