Ever have an idea for a product that people might want to buy? You might try to find an investor based on only your verbal description but that is unlikely. A detailed engineering drawing and color 3D illustrations will definitely increase your trustworthiness with potential investors. And if you have a working prototype, that is the crème de la crème for credibility. CAD provides your pathway to getting all of this done in one clear process.

 

I have a very strict policy of not sharing the creative initiatives of startups I have helped. Customers however have given permission to show the examples at the bottom of this page. And here are a few insights I have gained through experience.

 

• Very, very rarely can a new product be described to a designer in such a way that no changes are required during development. Iteration is inevitable as the design matures. 

• Manufacturability and usability must be considered early in the design process. These factors affect cost, reliability, and whether a customer is happy using your product. 

• The method used to produce a prototype can be different than the method used for the production design as long as the design satisfies the requirements of both processes. 

• Make sure you have a designer that knows how to work with a manufacturer to avoid production problems. There are many file types possible for CNC machining and it is important that everyone has the proper capabilities. 

• Don’t get frustrated. Turning a dream into a reality generally takes longer and more effort than the person who had the original idea expected. 

• I suggest you also read over the Designing for Manufacturing page on this website. 

• The more research you can personally do in design and manufacturing processes, the more likely the possibility of turning your dream into reality.