"Where ideas are crafted from metal"

Prototypes and Inventions

Typical steps for bringing ideas, designs and inventions to the prototype stage.

  • Consultation
  • CAD Design 3D Modelling
  • Your First Part
  • Tips
  • Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA)

Consultation

We offer free consultations to review your product ideas, prototype parts or drawings. To prepare for the consultation, it is best to bring any drawings, sketches, examples, pictures and if already a completed prototype. Please keep in mind that you have spent many hours in developing your idea and you understand the concepts completely. It is best to be patient and have an organized presentation at your first meeting. For protection of your valuable information, we have our standard Non Disclosure Agreement available or you can bring in your agreement to be signed before disclosing your information. Non Disclosure Agreements are designed to help you protect your intellectual property from copying or disclosure of information to third parties.

CAD Design 3D Modelling

Creating 3D models is an excellent method for working out the little details that could potentially delay your project. 3D Modelling is one of the most cost effective ways to get the product ready for manufacturing without actually building the product. Another benefit for 3D Modelling is that it creates a documentation process that can be used for protecting your intellectual property. The documentation can be used when applying for patent protection and in extreme cases to prove who had the idea first. Visit our CAD design page for more details on 3D modelling.

Your First Part

Once your design has been finalized, you will be ready to consider manufacturing your first part. A complete review of the 3D Models, Drawings, Materials and the manufacturing process should be verified. You are now ready to build your first working model or commonly known as a prototype. Depending on your use for the prototype you can go the traditional route to have the product manufactured using CNC manufacturing or look at a rapid prototyping process to quickly produce the first prototype. Rapid prototyping allows for economical alterations before settling on the final prototype. 3D printers can be used for rapid prototyping producing the first part from plastic resins. Depending on the complexity of your project or the use during the testing phases it may be necessary to go straight to CNC manufacturing of the part from a solid metal material.

Tips

Gather as much information as possible. While you have been designing and reviewing your part, details can often be over looked. You can never have too much information. If you are on a limited budget, try to complete as much of the preliminary work as possible. This will also give you a chance to review the project and to help eliminate unnecessary wasted steps and extra costs. Ask for a quotation to build your prototype. This will help you to confirm your estimated budget and to help keep you within your budget! Always ask questions, we are involved in building a variety of projects and get exposed to different manufacturing techniques. We may have ideas that can help your project move forward quickly and on budget.

Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA)

Now that you are ready to have a manufacturer look at your product idea in order to obtain a quotation and review the manufacturing process, it is time to consider a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Before you send any information out or share with a potential third party, you want to make sure that it is kept confidential. The best way is to have a Non Disclosure Agreement signed and in place between all parties involved in your project. Here are two samples in PDF format that you can download. The samples can be used as is by filling in the details or as guides for your own customized agreement. It is always best to seek legal consultation to ensure that the Non Disclosure Agreement is the right one for your application.

Sample #1 NDA agreement. Click to open pdf file.
Sample #2 NDA agreement. Click to open pdf file.

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