There's an idea for a new product and it's looking like a winner. Some advance marketing indicates the product will resonate with customers and fill a need in the marketplace. Now the task turns to converting the design into a working model. That prototype should be constructed using custom parts.

Getting a Good Idea of Unit Cost

It's true that there's a difference between placing an order with a quantity of one versus an order for a thousand. At this point, the idea is to refine the prototype and get an idea of what it will cost to produce each unit if the good does go into active production. While there may be discounts for volume orders later on, prototypes make it possible to experiment with different materials and decide which one provides the right blend of function and cost.

Why Not Use Standard Components?

While components that are readily found on the shelves may do okay, is that really enough? With custom parts manufacturing, it's not a matter of finding a way to make something fit. The components are made to the client's specifications. That will go a long way in ensuring the prototype performs at the highest level of efficiency instead of just providing an idea of how the new product can be used.

Is Efficiency That Important with a Prototype?

That efficiency will become even more important when the plan is to secure angel investors to cover the cost of launching the new product and setting up the manufacturing facility. Consider the opportunity from the perspective of an investor. Does it make sense to invest in something that produces adequate but not particularly impressive results, or should the investor back something that is sure to capture market share and generate a significant return? The right prototype parts will make it easier to secure the funds needed to produce, market, and sell that new product.

The Chance to Tweak the Design

One of the great things about prototype parts manufacturing is that there is no need to order multiple copies of the same component. Machining professionals who offer customer production are prepared to create a single component for use in a model product. That makes tweaking the component design more cost-effective.

Consider what happens if a design turns out to be less effective in action than it appeared on paper. The designer notices that making one or two changes to the custom part will increase the performance of the prototype significantly. It's easy enough to go back to the manufacturer, provide the details on how to alter the original design, and obtain another sample part. If it provides the level of performance that the client has in mind, that updated design can be used when the finished good goes into full production.

Don't settle for off the shelf components that may or may not show what the prototype is capable of accomplishing. Go with custom parts created by a reliable machinery parts manufacturer. This one decision could make the difference between a new product that generates a lot of revenue and something that becomes a costly failure.