production support
As we have a large network of manufacturing partners, both in Europe and Asia, many of our clients like us to help them to get their product in production.
sourcing
Since the product prototypes passed all tests it is time we prepare a package of files for production partners. These files are quite similar to the set we have already for prototyping, but some parts may need adjustments to optimize them for large scale production methods like injection moulding.
We have a large network of production partners in Asia and Europe, both for metal parts, carbon parts, plastic parts or complex combinations.
First of all we make a shortlist and conclude NDA’s with the most promising production companies for your project. Then we share the files, have meetings to help them understand all details of the project and talk to their production engineers.
When all is clear, they will make quotations both for investment costs for tooling and estimated part costs based on intended production volume.
zero production run
After getting several quotes we will help you understand all details and you can choose the production partner you see fit. We encourage you to also do your own research and if possible to contact the production company also yourself to feel if you are comfortable working with them.
When all is ready, contracts are signed and investments in tooling are paid, the production firm will start making a set of tools, moulds and jigs needed for larger scale production.
After 6 – 10 weeks the tools are ready to be tested and normally we receive from the manufacturing partner a set of first out of tool (FOT) parts that we can check and test.
Based on these parts we assemble a couple of products. Normally there are still some small details to be optimized, like color deviations, problems with fit or some minor quality issues due to production parameters. We discuss with their production engineers, get new parts and make sure all is good for a larger production run.
Then it is time to do a zero production run. The volume depends on you, it might be only 20 – 50 pieces, just enough to see if quality is stable and enough for you to serve your needs of having some initial products for trade shows, dealer days or market testing.
certifications
Most products need to comply with ISO standards, CE or medical regulations like FDA. Products that were made during the mould testing stage or the zero production run are suitable to send to notified bodies for certification testing.
Sometimes manufacturing companies have testing facilities in house and can provide you with testing reports of parts or products against a certain ISO norm, which is sufficient to comfortably use the CE mark on your product.
quality
Both during the first out of tool run and the zero production run we normally get parts and help you check, measure and document the quality of the parts. Any issues found will be communicated with the production team and will be solved.
organization
More complex products do not only need parts, but might need coating, decals, integration of electronics, assembly, final quality checks, manuals and packaging. We can help you with all these topics, give advise and organize things for you to get you going.
production
After the zero production run you are all set to order normal production runs of products at the manufacturing firm, which is now your partner for the coming years.
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