Having a great idea is only the beginning when it comes to getting a new idea to market. There are a few injection molding process steps, and here’s what we need to get started:
1. Complete Project Budget.
2. Solid Product Concept & Market Research.
3. CAD or 3D Technical Drawing.
4. Budgeted Time For Tool Development & Production.
5. Estimated Annual Usage (essential for mold grade and cavitation).
Complete Project Budget
Each step of the project will have a budget allowance, and of course that will sum to a complete project. Having a complete budget is preferable, but given time is a factor, having an allowable budget at a given time will also be helpful to know.
Solid Product Concept & Market Research
Ideas need to be researched to know what is possible and what isn’t. Just having a napkin sketch is a start, but beyond that you will want to know how everything will connect and work. What materials you may want for the product, or know how it should function and its durability over time.
CAD or 3D Technical Drawing
With a concept in-hand, the next step is to have that turned into a technical drawing in a 3D format. It will give you an understanding of the part as you would see it in real life. These are beneficial to flush out details that you may not have thought about and you can also see the part move and function.
Budgeted Time for Tool Development and Production
How long do you have to get your product out to market? Having a time schedule will factor into how fast the tooling will need to be done, and if that is going to drive the cost of tool beyond expectations. Each step in the development has an optimum amount of time to complete, and knowing what you need ahead of time will dictate other steps in the process.
Estimated Annual Usage
Concerning tooling, the annual usage is going to drive the mold grade you will need to have a durable and quality tool. If you don’t know the exact number, a good estimate will be good enough. Is it 500 parts, or 5 million? This estimate will drive the type of tool and material, which can also affect the cavitation in the tool itself.
If you are a startup company or a burgeoning entrepreneur with a conceptual product, we are here to help with tooling, design and plastic injection molding.
With these five items in place, we can help with the tooling, design, and plastic injection molding. We are your turnkey production source that can turn your concept into reality. However, it is important that before contacting us, you have the above items in place.
If you do not have a technical drawing or CAD file, you will need a technical designer to complete one for you. We can recommend Design Engineer Lee Rawls (www.jump-design.net) who has a great understanding of the intricacies of plastics part design. We also highly recommend Zach Finn from www.rapid3dconcepts.com for CAD files and product design.
We also recommend the NW Innovation Resource Center (www.nwirc.com), a nonprofit organization helping entrepreneurs and inventors to bring their ideas to life. Their new Innovation lab is up and running. The NW Innovation Lab or “TheLab” is a dynamic environment where entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators access resources and support that are essential for transforming ideas into successful businesses. www.nwinnovationlab.com
When you’re ready to start the injection molding process steps, reach out to us.