Ensuring the quality of a product before mass production starts from prototyping. It does not only bring you closer to the final product quality-wise but also brings cost efficiency for mass production. Here is a three-step guide on how to get the most out of prototyping and phases even before you start.
1. Work closely together with your casting partner and designer right from the start
First, ensure your need for prototyping arises from business objectives. For quality assurance and cost efficiency of your product, your casting and manufacturing partner should be working closely with you, for example through having a workshop together at the start.
Even a one-day workshop between you, the manufacturer and the casting designer will take you a long way in the prototyping process: the right casting method can be found by comparing the methods together with the production volume in mind. The more casting methods available, the better the basis for producing the prototypes for your product.
During the planning process, efficiency in production and reaction times can be increased by having the products manufactured in a specific geographic location. If your intention is to sell your products in Asia, it is highly recommended to select a partner that has the appropriate facilities in Asia. By clarifying the life cycle of your product and production volumes, for instance, it is much easier to achieve your business objectives with your partner.
2. Make prototyping flexible to allow more improvements and testing
Usually, the product details change during the prototyping process and before mass production. For the process to be flexible, make sure the prototyping process of your product is based on the requirements set for it.
“Changes in assembled components are usual during the prototyping phase, especially if it has many parts in it. Therefore, it takes a few prototyping cycles to get to the final product,” says the Sales and Development Manager Sami Oksanen from Alteams Finland.
By having several prototyping cycles for the product, more additional changes can be made. In addition, different kinds of testing can be done before mass production. For example, functionality can be tested with a works-like prototype before getting to a product-quality prototype.
3. Select a casting partner that can both prototype and manufacture your product
For prototyping and manufacturing of your product, it is beneficial to select a partner that can do both. This eliminates the need for third parties, and thus makes communication during the process only between you and the manufacturer. Therefore, choosing a manufacturer that can make the prototypes is beneficial for the quality assurance for your product.
Read more about Prototyping at Alteams on our website and get started!