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Originally Posted On: https://hidakausainc.com/a-complete-guide-to-prototyping-manufacturing.html

 

Projections show that the global product prototyping market will reach a value of $45.6 billion by 2031.

When developing a new product, prototyping is an essential step to make sure your design is suitable for end users. It’s possible to create prototypes in-house, but it’s often better to go with an external prototyping manufacturing company.

So what is a prototype manufacturing company, and why should you work with one? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Prototyping Manufacturing?

Prototype manufacturing involves fabricating draft versions of a product so that you can assess it before entering the manufacturing stage. It generally involves techniques such as 3D printing and CNC machining to create prototype models.

Many prototype manufacturing companies also offer mass production, with Hidaka USA being one such company. This means that once you’ve passed the prototyping stage we can proceed with manufacturing your product without you having to find another company to work with.

Prototypes are typically used for things such as:

• Feasibility testing
• Reviews
• Market research
• Patenting
• Investor pitches
• Feedback

By doing all of these you can optimize your product before releasing it to the public. This will ensure it meets the needs of customers and performs well.

When Do You Need a Prototyping Company?

If you have a product design that you want to take to market, prototyping is a crucial step that you need to take before settling on a final design. Different companies offer various manufacturing options, and several situations rely on effective prototyping.

Potential Investors

You might have a product design but may still need funding to get it off the ground. You can go to investors with an idea, but you’ll be able to make a much better presentation if you have a physical prototype of your product. This way you can show it in action, presenting a much more viable idea to potential investors.

Market Research

Beyond investors, you need to make sure that end users see value in your product. You can use prototypes to determine what people think of your design. Based on the research you do, you can then make any adjustments to improve your products.

Testing

While you may be able to run simulations and other tests using computer software, you’ll be able to benefit more from testing a real-world version of your product. Through prototyping you can make adjustments to test different designs and materials, helping you to settle on the best final design.

In Need of a Patent

If your product has a unique design that’s new to the market, you should patent it so that no one can steal your idea. When engaging with a patent attorney, showing them a physical prototype will help with the patenting process. You can agree on which design aspects to protect, preventing other manufacturers from creating their own duplicates.

The Benefits of Prototype Manufacturing Companies

You might want to do all prototyping in-house, but doing so will likely be detrimental to your overall project. There are several benefits to working on your product with a prototype manufacturing company.

Expert Knowledge

Prototype manufacturing companies like Hidaka employ workers with high levels of knowledge of various prototyping options. This means that our team members can help guide you through the prototyping process, offering advice and guidance the whole way.

We can help you decide on the best manufacturing methods, the most suitable materials, and possibly even improvements that you could make to your product.

Cost Saving

The main reason you might be tempted to avoid a prototype manufacturing company is so that you can save money. In reality, doing so could actually cost your company more.

We already have all the tools and equipment necessary to carry out effective prototyping, which could be more expensive for your business if done in-house. We can advise you on manufacturing costs and timelines, and provide cost estimates for the final product. You can then look at these costs in terms of your budget to ensure things aren’t too expensive.

Time Management

Hidaka has been operating for over 30 years, and with that much experience, we can give good estimates of how long things will take. We’ve optimized our processes to ensure we can get your prototypes made in a short time frame without sacrificing any quality. By keeping operations streamlined we can get you from the prototyping stage to mass production smoothly and efficiently.

Product Visualization

We always maintain the best practices to ensure any prototypes we produce are of high quality. by providing a visually accurate prototype you can get the best idea of how your final product will come out. This is also ideal to show investors as they’ll have a better idea of what they’re investing in.

Why Hidaka?

Since we started operating in 1989 we’ve made it a priority to produce high-quality prototypes for our customers. We do this using a range of prototyping processes including brake pressing, machining, 2D/3D lasering, stamping, welding, and hand working. This diverse range of prototyping methods, along with our high level of expertise, makes us one of the best prototype manufacturing companies in the US.

We can then supply your company with the final product through mass production. Our technicians can fabricate parts in a range of sizes and volumes using various materials. With a focus on quality and on-time delivery, we’ll make sure you get the products you need when you need them.

Prototype Manufacturing for Your Business

Whenever you’re developing a new product, prototyping is essential. You could do this within your own company, but you’re much better off outsourcing it to a professional prototyping manufacturing company.

Hidaka can handle all your prototype manufacturing needs, and then follow up with mass production. To find out more about our services click here to contact us today.