Prototypes & production

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C

cqueen

Free Member
Feb 10, 2006
297
3
  • #1
    Hello all, once again. I would like a little advice from those in the know :)

    Example, lets say I had designed a new lolli pop (very simple, just the plastic bit - not the sweet) and wanted to have a prototype made up, with maybe a few hundred for sales pitches.

    What would be the best way to do this? I dont really want to have to do the whole China route yet (due to QA issues). There are a few big local companys that manufacture plastic bottles etc but they could be expensive?

    How much money am I going to need? and how accurate of a design/drawing will the manufacturer need? (bearing in mind how simple a lolli pop is!).

    Any help graitfully recieved

    Thanks!

    Chris.
     
    C

    Calibre Designs

  • #2
    Hi Chris,

    One of our divisions within Calibre Design is product design and development. What you have explained is a typical scenario that we able to handle that would not cost you the earth to do.

    First step is to know and understand your product. Next step is to make CAD drawings from it. To make a mock up of the product from the CAD drawing will only take a few hours (depending on work load). You then have the the model in your hand. Oh how big is the product? Our rapid prototyping process is restricted to size.

    Production: we work in partnership with a company in China for all injection moulded components. Again understanding the product is key as there may be other manufacturing methods. If you mention bottles then generally its blow moulded. In this case, we work with a German manufacturer.

    Don't worry about quality control. These manufacturers are ISO qualified and conform to SA8K. If the final destination is UK then we can organise for the products to be independently controlled.

    Hope this brief information will help you. Get in touch if you are interested.

    Kind regards

    Kay
    Calibre Designs
    [email protected]
     
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    C

    cqueen

    Free Member
    Feb 10, 2006
    297
    3
  • #3
    Sounds great.

    I'm going to do some experiementing today, so I'll get back to you later on. I can't really let you 'understand my product' too much because it's not currently patented.

    But yes your service sounds ideal.

    Thanks!
     
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    R

    Roark

  • #5
    Kay- do you have 3D printing in house- like Z-Corp or something similar or do you use a bureau? Can you produce SLA's and silicone moulds in-house, for use in-house?

    What is the hourly design rate charge? Does your website have examples of your designs and the types of customers you work with?

    Thanks.

    Malcolm Nichols Limited is also a very good prototype house if this is of benefit. Martello Limited are also pretty good depending on what you need.

    BR,

    RRM
     
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    C

    Calibre Designs

  • #6
    Hi Roark,

    Apologise for the late reply.

    Yes it is Z Corp rapid prototyping (3D Printer) allowing designs done on CAD to be made into models. We also have the capability of producing silicon moulds and able to produce prototypes from them. It is only a question of sourcing your desired material to mould it from. There are limitations on size but enough to cover a good area - otherwise you are looking at joining the components together for a 1:1 scale else to scale it down.

    We made a mock up of a new design of a mobile phone recently combining the two techniques mentioned above. Hard casing with a flexible keypad.

    I am hoping to update the website in approx 3 weeks time. If you like, I can email you with some pictures. Drop me a line :)

    Our rates are extremely reasonable, much cheaper than studios or design houses for prototyping!! Give us a try. Design rates vary depending on the job itself. If it is a small project, the design will go for £30p/h. If the job will take many days/weeks/months then the rate will reduce accordingly.

    With our service, the end user also has a chance to interact with the designs made for them in 3D. No technical knowledge or CAD understanding required. Just a fairly good PC will do it!

    Kay
    Calibre Designs
    [email protected]
     
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    C

    Calibre Designs

  • #8
    Hey Steve,

    You have a point and it certainly does make the whole process a lot easier in the short term.

    However the third party company will want a big % share of your company/product license (instead of being reasonable) and will ride on your invention for years to come making your return in the long run not a very viable one.

    Kay
     
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    R

    Roark

  • #10
    In the time it could take you to license the widget- you could be producing it, taking orders, and fulfilling them- and generating revenue. This work adds value to the proposition - although it costs in time, materials, and capital.

    I have never seen a company in a hurry to agree a license with a would be inventor or designer. I've seen cutting edge technology take 1.5 years doing the mating dance and still fall out of bed at an international level.

    Good idea- yet imagine it depends on the objectives of the person that owns the IP.
     
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