Send us your initial brief here, and we will schedule a meeting to discuss your needs. During this meeting we will:

• Review your requirements in detail to confirm we can meet them with high-quality service.

• Agree and sign a non-disclosure agreement.

• Discuss budget, fee structure and timeline.

Following the meeting, we will:

• Prepare a detailed quote based on agreed requirements.

• Provide for your review, a draft copy of the standard contract outlining project requirements and objectives.

• Prepare the finalized contract aligned with the approved quote.

In this phase, the previously gathered requirements serve as a foundation for developing and refining design concepts. The goal is to thoroughly explore and brainstorm ideas until the most promising concept emerges for further development. This design process integrates multiple disciplines, from freehand sketching to rapid prototyping, problem-solving discussions and initial engineering design. Ease of manufacturing is usually considered at this stage too and if necessary, suppliers are involved in order to help minimize costly, time-consuming changes down the line.

This phase is where we carry out the majority of our design work. We primarily use SolidWorks, along with its Simulation module if specified in the contract, as our main CAD system for both design and analysis. This tool is fundamental to our design process.

To ensure realistic representation and to validate form, fit, function, and aesthetics, we will incorporate various materials into our designs. Throughout the project, we will provide you with 3D viewing files, allowing you to review and manipulate our designs and give feedback on our progress.

At this stage, all components necessary for the final product will be clearly defined, including their materials and manufacturing processes. We prioritize engaging suppliers as early as possible. This collaborative approach fosters mutual understanding and enables us to address design and manufacturing challenges while changes are still manageable and cost-effective.

In this phase, we focus on developing the physical representation of products. We carefully select the most suitable processes for prototyping to ensure efficient development. For rapid prototyping and scaled-down models, 3D printing and related technologies are typically the most effective options. 

In addition to 3D printing, we often complement our prototyping efforts with CNC machining, laser cutting, plastic molding and other suitable techniques. For larger prototypes, we may collaborate with sheet metal and fabrication suppliers to ensure precise assembly.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) plays a critical role in product development, especially when creating prototypes is not feasible either due to scale or budget. While it is essential to conduct sufficient prototyping at various stages of a project to validate designs and ensure functionality, a balance must be struck between investing in prototyping and the risk of encountering issues later when components are in production. 

Prototypes may range from single components for design validation to small batches for comprehensive product testing.

In this phase, all interfaces and the product's form, fit, and function are rigorously evaluated using early production components, supplemented by prototype parts as available. This includes testing electronics with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) mock-ups that have dummy connectors and wires. If issues arise, additional prototype iterations may be needed to address design changes and confirm solutions. Specific tests for sub-assemblies or individual components can also be conducted to validate performance. Additionally, especially for critical applications, approval testing may occur through a certified body to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Using SolidWorks, we will consolidate all prior work to develop the design to production standards. The output includes a combination of 3D model data, detailed documents, and drawings. Some drawings are fully detailed and toleranced, while others serve as reference drawings that provide data not easily defined or visible in the 3D model, streamlining design documentation and reducing lead time.

During development, the detailed design remains flexible and is managed through a prototype revision system. Once the design moves to production, this system transitions to a different engineering configuration control.

Additionally, depending on your contract, we can provide rendered images and/or videos of the product for your promotional materials, and for other use cases. 

In collaboration with our suppliers, we will create an accurate prototype of the final product. This prototype will demonstrate the product's appearance, functionality, and tactile qualities. Afterward, it will undergo testing and inspection to ensure it meets our established standards.

We will provide all relevant data as outlined in our contract. This will include STEP or IGES CAD files, 2D drawings, testing data, and information related to prototyping, among other items. If you have any specific requirements or additional data needs, please let us know.