OUR DESIGN PROCESS
This page gives an overview of the typical stages of our design process. This can often be adapted depending on how much progress has been made before approaching us.
1. DISCUSS REQUIREMENTS
Through email, phone call or face to face meeting, we will discuss your requirements to understand what you are looking to achieve. We will discuss the user scenarios, application & other factors that will influence the design.
2. CREATE BRIEF & SPECIFICATION
We will form a brief summarising what we are looking to achieve. A specification will also be created including factors such as size, use environment, functionality, usability etc.
We will also outline the price and lead time. To ensure complete transparency, we break this down into natural project milestones.
3. INITIAL DESIGNS
If the project requires, we will first carry out a phase on concept generation, offering a number of designs which fulfil the brief. This shows different ways the end result can be executed.
4. CAD DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Once the best way forward has been agreed, we will begin to detail up your design. To do this, we will use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to create the parts.
This offers engineering & functional accuracy as well as a detailed visual representation.
5. 3D PRINTING & FUNCTIONAL PROTOTYPE
Using our range of professional grade 3D printing equipment we can create a robust and functional prototype of your design in a material comparable to mass production and complete with specified fasteners.
6. PREPARATION FOR MASS PRODUCTION
For many customers, just a handful of parts are required. If larger scale production is necessary, we have many years experiencing design parts for mass production processes such as Injection Moulding. We will ensure your design is suitable for the Injection Moulding process whilst minimising part cost. This will include preparation of engineering drawings, which manufacturers can use during mass production to ensure the parts meet the required tolerances and specification.
We will walk you through the entire process, discussing subjects such as quantity requirements & material properties to advise suitable tooling options & factory location.
7. MASS PRODUCTION & QUALITY CONTROL
Finally, your design is ready for mass production. However, for many, this is the most daunting part of the process. Our engineers have many years experience working with factories across the globe. We can use a factory of your choice or our manufacturing partner factories. Either way, we can take control of the mass production process & quality control to ensure your parts functional exactly as they should.