When to request a prototype ?
As part of a sourcing mission and after validating the potential of a manufacturer, your project starts first with the creation of a prototype of this product or article. It is necessary to refine the design and its functionality, before any so-called ‘mass’ production, or in larger series
Overall, they allow you to make your article more attractive.
Why make a prototype?
Create a product or article prototype to validate its evaluation. There are two cases often encountered:
For your article, a 3D printing project is possible:
- It is enough from an image to create a 3D product which will then be printed.
- The number of impressions between the quantity of modification upgrades is often limited until validation
- You have to bear the cost of 3D layout and printing; as well as the number of modifications for validation. This information is established at the start of the project.
The creation of a product or article prototype must be seriously evaluated before any mass production operation, the optimization of its final cost price is essential.
In case your project cannot be validated by a 3D printing, you will have to go through a “Mould”
After agreement, the company will manufacture a “Mould” (think of your inlay of your Company Logo) which you will have validated beforehand. It must be well prepared (drawing, explanations, dimensions, etc.)
- The “Mould” will be billed to you by the company that will manufacture your item before mass production.
- The “Mould” has a lifespan which represents the nominal MOQ it can be used at once if the order has a quantity equal to the nominal MOQ or several times in the event of multiple orders (the company manages the custody and the maintenance of your “Mould”)
- This “Mould” will be personal to you, you will only pay it once.
3D printing allows you to validate a sample, but this method is only used to outline a final mold that will allow it to manufacture your product in series.
Case of 3D drawing
It consists in designing in 3D drawing the product to be manufactured. This is possible for some parts.
Case of 3D printing
The second step is to 3D print your item. More and more manufacturers go through a 3D print of the article created, generally they agree to print it with each correction within a limit of three times. Their job is not to 3D print parts, but to manufacture them.
Important: Ask to have these 3D prints sent to you for verification before any manufacturing agreement
Note: 3D printing is a safe method of manufacturing and importing a manufactured item. However this method is not always possible, it is sometimes necessary to be satisfied with the first phase to create its Mold of injection for the manufacture while passing directly to the creation of your Mould.
Mold (cast iron mold)
While the third phase is setting up an injection mold or jig for your product.
The Mold is necessary for the manufacture of a certain number of articles, but it has to be redone for a new series.
The Mold is very different depending on the size and the product that will be injected. Indeed, the injection pressures are different depending on the product, the Mold being carried out for mass production. It is included in the international purchase order price offer.
The manufacturer often renews the Mold free of charge at the end of its life. This is because if you have set a MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) equal to or greater than the manufacturer’s request, you have amortized its cost. For commercial reasons and if the product is satisfactory, the manufacturer will remanufacture the Mold for the second order.
How to do its packaging?
Regarding the packaging, the procedure is the same. The manufacturer proposes the type of packaging closest to the size of the product and makes its price proposal. Type of printing, color are decisive elements for the design of the cardboard.
Include your instructions for use and assembly in the box, your barcodes
Note: However, in the case of manufacturing a prototype, you cannot also have personalized unit packaging.
