Prototype Development of Products with Electronics

Electromechanical Products: Do you have a great idea for a new product with electronics? Want to materialize your idea into a real product and take it to the market? Well, the first thing to do is to develop a working prototype. Prototype development of products with electronics is essential to test and try the products before introducing them to the actual consumers. So, where should you begin with the prototype development of products with electronics?

Prototype development of products with electronics is, no doubt, challenging and expensive. You also would not get the desired results immediately without a prototype. If you, however, break down the product prototype development process into manageable steps, it is possible to succeed with the working prototype.

Prototype development of most products with electronics can be divided into two segments – the electronics segment and the plastic case segment. Let us have a look at each of these segments.

The Electronics Segment

Developing a prototype of the electronics segment of your conceived product can be divided into four steps.

If you are well-versed with electronics or if you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can skip the first two steps. Otherwise, you will need to team up with a product prototype development company that is experienced in the development of prototypes for products with electronics.

Step 1. Create the Schematic

The first step in the development of the electronics segment is the creation of the electronics blueprint or schematic for your product. This blueprint states all the important details of building the electronics segment, including how the necessary components and modules are connected.

Which components are needed will also be specified in the schematic. A bill of materials (BOM) or associated list will be prepared, itemizing every electronic item.

Step 2. Develop a Basic Prototype

Depending on your project and your budget, you may or may not want to develop a basic prototype of the electronics segment.

To create basic prototypes for the electronics segment, you can use breadboards. Utilizing breadboards, you can somewhat crudely, but fairly quickly connect various electronic components. If your project requires advanced electronics, you may also use ready-to-use modules like the Raspberry Pi and Arduino.

Step 3. Design a PCB Layout

You will, at some point, require a production-quality prototype of your conceived product. To create a production-quality prototype, you will require the design and creation of a PCB (printed circuit board).

A printed circuit board is a custom-designed board that holds and connects all the necessary electronic components. Utilizing a special computer application, electronic engineers can turn the schematic of the electronics segment of the conceived product into a virtual layout. Designing a PCB layout is challenging because anything out-of-place can have a big impact on the performance of the final product.

Step 4. Fabrication of the PCBs & Assembly of the Electronic Components

After having a definitive PCB layout, you will need to send the layout to an electronics prototype development company for construction. Such a prototype development company will first fabricate empty PCBs.

After the fabrication of the PCBs, the next step is to assemble the various components on the PCBs through soldering. Most of the modern electronic components are minute and compact, making it very difficult to solder them manually. Therefore, a product prototype development company might employ automated machines to solder the compact and minute electronic components.

The Plastic Case Segment

Most products with electronics need some enclosure, and plastic cases are often the best choice. To create a custom-shaped plastic case for your prototype, you will need to utilize 3D printing or CNC machining.

Step 1. Create a 3D Model

You need to first design a 3D computer model of the required plastic parts. Unless you are proficient at creating 3D computer models, you will need someone expert for this step.

Even if you are capable of creating 3D computer models yourself, the computer software required to create definitive 3D models is very expensive; hence, it may be in your best interest to hire a 3D modeling expert.

Step 2. 3D Printing

Once you have the 3D model of the plastic case or other plastic parts, you can send the design files to a 3D printer for effortless and rapid prototyping. If you do not have a 3D printer, you can approach a prototype shop that offers a 3D printing service.

On the other hand, you can also procure your 3D printer. In the past several years, 3D printers have become cheap enough for personal use.

For the large-scale production of certain plastic cases and parts, however, a completely different technology is utilized. It is called high-pressure injection molding. Shifting a plastic design from a mere prototype to full-scale production is a complex as well as an expensive process. Therefore, teaming up with a plastic product manufacturer, that specializes in plastic product manufacturing with different techniques, will be a wise move on your part.

Product prototype development is vital. Once you have a working prototype of your electronic product development, you can proceed to get potential stakeholders, customer feedback, and a mass manufacturing partner. The path to success of a product with electronics is long, but it all begins with a product prototype.

If you need help with prototype development for products with electronics, then get in touch with GID Development Corporation. A new product prototype development company in California, USA, GID Development Corporation utilizes state-of-the-art technologies in order to develop precise product prototypes quickly and economically.

Aside from product prototype development, GID Development Corporation also provides product design, product development, and other product fulfillment services. GID also possesses the skills and knowledge of a plastic product manufacturer that helps them develop various plastic parts, components, and cases using different injection molding techniques.

Whether it is the design, development, or prototyping of products with electronics, products with imbedded software, mechanical products, electromechanical products, medical device products, or any generic or special-purpose products, GID Development Corporation will certainly “GET IT DONE!”

If you have any questions regarding product design, product development, or product prototype development, simply give GID a call. Currently, GID is offering a free 15-minute telephonic conference. So, just call Jim Grimes at 714-323-1052 between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.

Product Prototype Development – Why Its Necessary?

Undoubtedly, product prototype development is one of the most necessary steps when manufacturing a new product from scratch. But what is a product prototype? In simple terms, a product prototype can be defined as a tangible version or a ready to test version of a product to be developed – which you can touch, feel, and see. A prototype lets you test your concept in the primary stages before you move on to the bulk manufacturing phase and offers you an opportunity to make your final product more successful and customer-centric.

Its 2016, and the importance of product prototype development has increased with every passing day. It is necessary because, it allows you to feel your concept, it lends you an opportunity to attract potential investors and customers, and most importantly, it allows you to test your concept before you proceed towards to final manufacturing phase. Whether you are planning to develop an electromechanical product, a product with embedded software, a plastic, metallic, or fabric product, or a medical device, there are tons of advantages of getting a product prototype made.

Here are some of the most common reasons that justifies, “Why Product Prototype Development is Necessary Before New Product Development”, and they are as follows;

Product Prototype Saves Precious Time:

When you consider launching a new product into the market, time is a most important factor. You need to manufacture and launch your product in the market before anyone else does it. Product prototype development eliminates much of the time that is required or unnecessarily wasted to create patterns, custom tools, and multiple molds for conventional molding. It lends you an opportunity to save time that might be wasted between the initial designing and the analysis, eventually reducing your product’s time to market. A product prototype can be developed easily to test features, performance and usability that would have consumed more time by using the traditional method. Rapid prototyping saves your time; hence, you can get your product in the market fast before your competitors.

Product Prototype Opens Up Innovation Opportunities:

Another crucial benefit of prototype development is that you or the product development company you hire have the freedom to create mock-ups that are complex in surfaces and shaped without worrying about precision. As you get multiple opportunities to modify (both functionally and aesthetically) your concept before final manufacturing process, rapid prototyping takes the creativity to the next level.

Product Prototype Saves Your Money:

In terms of time and money, manufacturing a new product from scratch is always a matter of risk. Real innovation always comes with a risk of failure. Thomas Edison once said, “We now know a thousand ways not to build a light bulb.” Rapid prototype development saves your hard earned money, because it helps you identify and weed out the approaches that don’t work.

Product Prototype Reduces the Risks of Errors:

Simple looking product errors can lead to complex problems in a long run. Rapid prototyping eradicates the probabilities of such tiny errors that can lead to product failure. A product development company can recognize errors and faults, and make fast modifications before bulk manufacturing takes place. Prototyping ensures that the final product is designed and developed as per our expectation. The success of the envisioned product predominantly relies on the prototypes.

If you have a product idea and are looking for a product prototype development company that can help you create a final prototype, then GID Development Corporation can certainly help.

Based in California, USA, GID Company is a product design, product development, and product prototype development company. Whether you are planning to develop products with electronics, products with embedded software, electromechanical products, medical device products, any other types of products, GID Development Corporation has the skills and vehemence to bring your concept to life. Along with over-the-top designing and manufacturing services, GID also offers promising prototyping services that help take a product concept to reality and into the hands of prospective customers.

To learn more about GID Development Corporation, visit https://www.gidcompany.com/ or call Jim Grimes for a free consultation at 714-323-1052 from 8 AM to 5 PM PST Monday through Friday.

Alpha Prototype and Beta Prototype – Difference Between Them in Product Prototype Development

Alpha prototype, Beta prototype, and their difference are what most people have been wondering about. For an inventor, product prototype development is essential. After all, a product prototype is a physical manifestation of a mere idea, which can serve different purposes. For one, a product prototype gives a clearer picture of what the potential product will look like. With a product prototype, the inventor can also test the various functions of the potential product in the real world. A product prototype also assists in making the final product better. Another important purpose a product prototype serves is it helps attract stakeholders, and eventually, the capital that helps take the product further close to the prospective consumers. The cardinal role a prototype plays in the new product development makes product prototype development an important function that no inventor should overlook.

Anyone can create a product prototype, but in order to have a pragmatic prototype that can serve different purposes, it is wise to hire a good product prototype development company. A good product prototype development company has the experience, knowledge to perform extensive research, and proper technology and equipment that help create accurate product prototypes.

Difference Between Alpha Prototype And Beta Prototype

When it comes to product prototyping, a product prototype development company usually creates Alpha and Beta prototypes. What is the difference between alpha and beta prototypes? Well, alpha prototypes are product prototypes that are tested internally by the prototype development company, and such prototypes usually have a lot of flaws. Beta prototypes, on the other hand, are more like the final product with more functions. Beta prototypes are normally tested by potential consumers or the general public. Here are some more details on alpha prototypes and beta prototypes:

Alpha Prototypes

Alpha, the first alphabet in the Greek language, is used for the first testable prototype variant of a potential product. Testing of the alpha prototypes is usually carried out by the product prototype development company itself, but sometimes, the company also recruits outside volunteers to test the alpha prototype.

At the alpha stage, the product prototype can have substantial flaws or missing functions, and unfinished documentation and it may even require a special environment in order to operate or function. Alpha testing can go through many iterations, and the prototype variants may add or subtract certain working features while the prototyping experts fix the flaws and make alterations based on the test feedback.

Once the alpha prototype is fairly functional and closely resembles the envisioned product, it moves to beta testing.

Beta Prototypes

Beta prototypes of a potential product are usually much closer to the final product than alpha prototypes. These product prototypes are, in most cases, tested by the prospective consumers as well as the general public.

A beta prototype is typically an augmentation of an alpha prototype – meaning it has all the functions in place that are expected for the final product. The beta prototype also has fewer flaws than the alpha prototype. The documentation is almost complete or close to complete, and the prototype is usually ready to perform or operate in the real-world environment without any assistance.

Beta testing is usually shorter than alpha testing. The reason for this is that the beta testing is usually designed to identify the minute, last-minute issues before the envisioned product is launched in the market to the actual consumers.

Product prototype development, including alpha and beta, is important. The success of the envisioned product predominantly relies on the prototypes. If you are seeking a good product prototype development company that can help develop definitive alpha and beta prototypes, then GID Development Corporation is worth considering.

GID Development Corporation is a product design, product development, and product prototype development company in California, USA. Using their years of experience in product prototyping and cutting-edge technologies, like the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes, GID Development Corporation can help create accurate product prototypes for products with electronics, products with embedded software, electromechanical products, medical device products, and many other types of products. Aside from new product design, product development, and product prototyping, GID Development Corporation also provides a whole lot of other services that help take a product concept to reality and into the hands of prospective consumers.

To learn more about GID Development Corporation, Get In Touch. Also,  go through our official YouTube channel.

GID Development Corporation currently offers a free, 15-minute telephonic conference for those who have questions regarding new product design, product development, and product prototyping. Those who are interested can call Jim Grimes at 714-323-1052 between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.

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Essential Tips on Prototyping Your New Product

The most important step that follows after conceiving a brilliant new product idea and creating a viable product design is developing a product prototype. A product prototype is a tangible form, that is, which you can see, touch, feel and sense, of your product concept.

Product prototype development is the best thing you can do in order to take your concept further. A product prototype not only gives you the idea of how your product will look and feel like, but it serves other important purposes as well. For instance, you can use your prototype to impress potential stakeholders and generate finance in order to take your product further to the market. A product prototype also helps you identify design or function flaws and rectify them in the early stages, before bulk manufacturing. Not to forget, a product prototype also serves as an excellent sample or model on which you can try different things to make the final product even better. Overall, product prototype development is an essential step that you, as an entrepreneur or innovator, should not overlook.

Here are some tips on prototyping your new product

Determine the type of prototype you require:

It is extremely important to understand the purpose of your product prototype.

  • Is it for you to evaluate the feasibility of your product design?
  • Is it for you to determine whether the product will be practical and/or lucrative for bulk manufacturing?
  • Is it to impress potential stakeholders and get funds to take your product further?
  • Is it to just sell on any crowdfunding platform?

Do not spend too much on prototyping

You do not need to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on product prototype development. Initially, all you have to do is create a simple prototype. Use cardboards or polystyrene foams to make your prototype. You can exclude most aesthetic aspects and functions in the early prototypes. After you achieve what you expected from the prototype, like feasibility for bulk manufacturing or feedback from potential consumers, you can increase your budget for developing a solid prototype with most or all aspects included. For that, you will need to hire a product prototype development company.

Hire a product prototype development company that uses the latest technologies

If you need a solid prototype, which includes most or all functions, find and partner with a product prototype development company. Product prototype development companies use rapid prototyping solutions, such as CAD (computer aided-design) applications, and additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, in order to develop fully-functional and visually beautiful product prototypes, quickly and accurately.

Go for manufacturing of the final product, but keep it in small batches

There is no need to bulk manufacture until you fully understand the market demand and the acceptability of your new product among the consumers. You also need to derive the profitability of your product. If you go for bulk manufacturing from the onset, you might end up with inventory that you cannot move and is unprofitable. To ensure such a thing does not happen, manufacture your product in small batches initially.

If you need assistance with New product prototype development, then GID Development Corporation is here to help. A product prototype development company in California, USA, GID Development Corporation has vast experience in product prototyping. They use rapid prototyping solutions, like Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which includes CATIA V6, SOLIDWORKS, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, GEOVIA, and other apps, to develop new product prototype quickly, accurately, and economically. Get in touch with them to learn more about new product design, product prototype development and product development.

GID Development Corporation is currently offering a free 15-minute telephonic consultation with one of the product development experts, Jim Grimes. Jim is available at 714-323-1052 between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST. Call Jim today!

How to Create your Product Prototype

If you have a concept of a new product in mind, the most important thing you can do to see whether it will work is to bring that product idea to life. In order to bring that product idea to life, the best and the safest approach is to create a prototype – a tangible representation of a concept or product.

Product prototype development may or may not be complicated, but it is certainly time-consuming. However, considering the end result, a physical realization of your product concept, it is certainly worth it to spend some time and efforts for product prototype development.

Here is a list of steps for how to create your product prototype:

Prepare a clear drawing of your innovation

It is all right to scribble your innovation on a tissue paper or a rough piece of paper – product ideas can strike at any time! However, make sure to keep that doodle safe until you make a clear drawing somewhere safe. From your rough sketch, draw it out clearly in a sketchbook. Include every detail, like how it will look, its dimensions, its surfaces, etc. Further, write down the list of features that your product will have.

If you know how to use CAD (computer-aided design) software, it will be very helpful to make a CAD sketch as well. It is obvious you will have plenty of drawings; hence, make sure to date them as it may assist you later on when it comes to patent ownership issues.

Build a non-working version

Using foam, plastic, wood, metal or any other materials you are comfortable with, create a non-working model of your innovation. A non-working model will let you gauge the size and form better than clear drawings that you drew in your sketchbook. A non-working model does not have to be perfect or pretty-looking, but it should resemble like your product as much as possible.

Create a plan for how to develop a working model

Once you got the non-working model, it is time to start thinking about how to create a working model. Consider the size, function and usefulness of your product. Think whether it will be of plastic, rubber, metal or some other material. Take into account the product’s important physical qualities. Think about its strength, flexibility and tactile aspects, for instance, its surface’s smoothness.

Make an exhaustive list of all the things you will need. Refer it as many times as possible to ensure you have not left out anything. This list will be very helpful when you decide to go to a product prototype development company; they will use this list as a guide for determining the cost of new prototype development.

Getting your working product prototype manufactured

Creating a non-working model of your innovation can be easy, but developing a fully functional prototype can be challenging. For that reason, you will need to reach out to a reputable product prototype development company. While working with a product prototype development company certainly is an excellent and sensible idea, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when partnering with them.

Sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)

Before sharing your drawings, it will be in your best interest to get the NDA signed by your new product prototype development company. As the term suggests, it will prevent the company from sharing your concept with third-party or someone else.

Describe your concept thoroughly

Prototype development companies are experts; however, it is essential to describe your idea as clearly and thoroughly as possible to them. Tell them what you think, explain them about how your product should look like, how it should work, who can use it and so on. This will not only help them provide you an accurate quote, but it will also help them understand what you actually want and what you actually expect from them.

If you are looking for an experienced product prototype development company in California, the GID Company is worth giving a shot. With decades of rich experience in new product design and product development, the professionals at GID Company can help develop exceptional prototypes and test them. They can even help with the enhancement of the prototype and bulk manufacturing of the final product. Jim Grimes at 714-323-1052 8am to 5pm PST for a free consultation.

Learn more about GID Company by visiting https://www.gidcompany.com/

Traits to Look for in a Product Prototype Development Company

If you are manufacturing a new product, then you have to develop a product prototype to test the product design and features prior bulk manufacturing process. Product prototype development is an important phase because it offers an insight on how your future product that subsists as a drawing or computer model will appear and feel when produced. Furthermore, prototyping a concept before the bulk manufacturing process allows entrepreneurs and inventors to enrich the product, both aesthetically and functionally.

If you are planning to prototype your concept with the help of a prototype development company, then look for these traits before you hire their prototyping services, and they are as follows;

Thorough Feasibility Studies– A thorough feasibility study of an idea concludes whether the idea is worth development or not. It is essential and enables a prototyping company to guide inventors and entrepreneurs understand their product, available technology for manufacturing, and product development limits. A thorough feasibility report can aid both, a prototyping company and an entrepreneur, dodge several unpredicted manufacturing concerns.

In-house Industrial Design Capabilities– An American product prototype Development Company that you propose to contract must be proficient in industrial product design services or must have a dedicated team of industrial product designers. It is better to hire a company having an in-house team of product designers because it can conduct a product design study and detect precarious areas prior you proceed to the subsequent manufacturing stage. An in-depth product design report card can help you save thousands of dollars and precious time.

Product Development Cost Analysis– A well-defined financial draft for custom development is precious and extremely helpful. A comprehensive financial layout will aid you in gathering money for the product to be developed. For a useful product development cost analysis, you should be aware of issues such as product tooling costs, the cost of raw materials, cost-per-part breakdown, post manufacturing costs, and an estimation on labor costs. An ingenious financial plan safeguards your product manufacturing process against financial dilemmas.

Other Areas of Expertise– A product prototype development company should have expertise in additional areas of product development including, knowledge of licensing and copyright laws, proper understanding of industry standards, contract research and development, education and training in the product development industry etc.

Along with the above-mentioned traits, as a smart entrepreneur, you should also verify whether the company has dedicated teams of proficient industrial designers, prototyping experts, product development professionals, and project development managers to professionally handle your needs or not.