A product launch can be a stressful process for an engineer...especially during the prototype phase. Maybe you tried submitting a design to an online prototyping service and kept getting error messages, but no guidance. Or maybe you recieved your prototype but your parts turned out low quality and inconsistent.
Many of our customers find relief in the fact that we offer advanced prototyping guidance to ensure a flawless process from the design phase through production. That is why we now have an online resources page - your new go-to for plastic prototype and engineering tips! This is where you'll be able to find helpful infographics, videos, guides and more. Here are our top 5 resources to help with your prototype build:
1. Mold Classification Guide
How well do you understand the options available for building a prototype part that meets your needs? Our injection mold classification guide helps determine the necessary requirements to build a suitable, cost-effective mold according to your product. This guide breaks up each mold style into 5 different categories: mold type, quantity, raw material, speed (time to market) and special features. Once you determine what features are important, we can help you take the next steps. This is a great resource for anyone who wants a better understanding of what different types of molds are capable of.
The Engineering Resource Center recently added videos to our online resources. These quick 2 minute videos cover topics on metal-to-plastic conversions, material selection, and more. You can find these videos in our online video library or on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with our latest uploads!
3. Pricing Guide/Calculator
No more waiting around for an email response or phone call for an initial price estimate! Our onine pricing calculator is a useful tool to help you determine the estimated price to produce your part. This calculator can give you a ballpark estimate based on your prototype's size, complexity and lead time, among other variables.
In conjunction with the pricing calculator, our Injection Mold Pricing Guide gives a slightly more in depth look at what variables determine your prototype cost. At a glance, you can see how different factors determine your prototype's cost. Our pricing page contains both of these resources - plus a key to common prototyping terms.
4. Rapid Quote
With minimal information, you can get a rapid quote within 24 hours. Matt Sweeney, Engineering Resource Center Manager, will provide you with a quote for the tool and lead time. All you have to do is upload your CAD file using our form, select your requirements, and hit submit. It's that simple!
5. Prototyping Toolbox
Our favorite resource? The Plastic Prototyping Toolbox. From key trends to understanding the true cost comparison of the various options available, this guide will provide you with the necessary information and tools to choose the best prototyping process for your next project. Some of the topics covered include:
We hope these 5 resources will help you become more informed for your next product launch. Be sure to contact us to talk about your project. Our engineers are here to help every step of the way, whether you need engineering guidance or a new prototype.
What's your favorite engineering resource or website? Let us know in the comments!
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