PROTOTYPING FOR CUSTOM ELECTRONIC DEVICES
During the product development stages we produce several rounds of prototypes. We often start with simple block models to evaluate ergonomics and size. Next can be partially functional electronic prototypes to evaluate the best cost/performance of certain components. We end with complete looks-like-works-like working prototypes, for client approval. For reasons of speed and IP protection, we do most of our prototyping in-house, the housings 3D printed and the circuits often hand soldered by our technicians. Our design engineers assemble the working prototypes themselves to assure proper functionality and start a range of functional tests. The working prototypes are then sent to our clients for field-testing, get real user feedback to identify potential bugs and possible improvements. After the CNC’ed prototypes have undergone sufficient testing and validation, pre-production prototypes are made using injection molded parts and PCB assemblies produced by an automated SMT line. We use the actual injection molded parts to do drop- and ingression tests on the housings.
