Showcasing Product Design and Development

Before any design project is started we will discuss with the Customer what is expected from the parts or product both in terms of performance and capability as well as indicative costs of production. Not all great ideas can be made and many are unlikely to result in the anticipated return on investment. 

Plastic material selection can depend on many factors, strength, use, colour, feel, cost, any finishing required and accreditation to industry standards or legal requirements. Once the correct material(s) have been selected supply issues must also be considered to protect continuity of production. 

Design is by far the most important element of any product development. With extensive knowledge of materials and tooling we not only create the functionality of the parts but also design them for manufacture and long term capability. CAD files can also be used for 3D printing. We use Solidworks but can supply export files in other formats such as STEP or IGES if required

Once the initial part design is complete it is useful to create rapid prototypes to check the function, assembly and look of the product. Inevitably this leads to design improvements which enhance the final capability of the product. In house FDM capabilities enable us to check the design at anytime speeding up the design process. 

During the Concept Feasibility stage the required finishing of the parts will have been discussed. This could be painting, hot foiling, silk screening, pad printing, sublimation printing, ultrasonic welding or vibration welding. We have extensive knowledge of these processes so can ensure the parts are designed accordingly. 

Usually the most expensive part of any new product so tool design is vitally important. We have extensive knowledge of tool design which we can also supply ourselves or via the nominated toolmaker. Parts need to be design with tooling in mind not only for functional capability and cosmetics but also cost. We have working relationships with several far east toolmakers who can manufacture quality tools quickly and at a competitive price.