How can a product development firm help me?
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How can a product development firm help me?
Product Development Firm | A Partner from Idea to Commercialization
A product development firm should be by your side from idea to store shelves. Having a single team in place throughout the entire product development process means that there is less room for error and that you can count on consistency. A full-service product development firm is invested in the success of your product and wants to see it on in the hands of your customers just as much as you do.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property is no longer a “should have”, in today’s globalized world it is a “must have”. A product development firm will be able to help you navigate the world of patents, trademarks and copyrights along with your IP attorney.
Line drawings are necessary for design and utility patents, and your product development partner can produce these for your patent application. Since product development firms work with a range of IP attorneys, they will also be able to help you connect with one that fits your specific product needs.
Licensing
When it comes to licensing, your product development partner will be able to provide the technical aspects of the design to interested partners as well as their manufacturers. Licensing a product requires strategy and know-how, and this is exactly what a firm will be able to provide.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing your hardware product is no small task. Whether you decide to manufacture at home or abroad, there are certain unavoidable challenges. A product development partner will help you navigate the manufacturing process and connect you with potential manufacturing partners.
With the assistance of a product development firm, you will be guided by knowledgeable experts throughout the entire development process. You can ask questions, share ideas and collaborate on all aspects of the product development process. A skilled product development firm will be able to guide you from design to manufacturing and beyond.
Now it’s time to get out there and meet potential product development partners. In this blog post we discuss what you can expect during your first product development meeting.
Have additional questions about product development? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Entrepreneurship Needs STEM Education
Critical Thinking—Ask Why
Testing a hypothesis is a major part of STEM education. A reoccurring question at every stage of a science experiment or design challenge is, “Why?”
Answering the simple “why” question gets students thinking about possibilities. It is amazing how one word can take a student beyond a traditional way of thinking and get them exploring alternatives.
Entrepreneurs face this same question everyday as well and are required to think out-of-the-box. Critical thinking skills are key—and one might even say, mandatory—when it comes to starting a business.
Design a Solution
Whether you are an entrepreneur designing the latest tech gadget or a new restaurant concept—innovative solutions drive your business. Problem solving skills are the very foundation of STEM education and teaching this valuable life skill translates both to college and beyond—no matter the career field entered. Having the ability to stop, assess, analyze, hypothesize and solve a problem is a skill every individual needs at every age level.
Share your Invention
When we have the correct answer to a problem, we want to share it. It doesn’t matter if we are the first to figure out a challenging math equation or the first to design the iPod, we have an answer to a problem and want to share it.
A quick glance inside of a STEM focused classroom will show a range of design possibilities to the same question posed by the teacher. Students love to think critically and use their creativity—much like entrepreneurs. Getting hands-on and designing a solution is what entrepreneurs do best.
STEM education is more than four subjects, it’s a mindset. The skills taught in STEM classes can be used in any career field—especially, entrepreneurship.
Have questions about the way our 3D Academy program can complement your areas of study in the classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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The Importance of 3D Design for (Efficient) Manufacturing
3D Design Saves Time
Making sure that the manufacturer has the most detailed information possible about your product helps ensure that you are receiving an accurate quote and that there are fewer potential manufacturing issues down the road.
“Not only does a CAD file help save time when figuring out all the finer details of a part by looking at the 3D model, but it also allows a model to be magnified and even rotate on any axis to get a full three-dimensional concept of the part, which allows the manufacturer a greater sense of the product. It can even reveal internal features of a part if it cannot be seen clearly on a manufacturing drawing. Aside from these benefits, using CAD makes it possible to simulate the movement of a part through production processes.” (Vista Industrial)
3D Design Reduces Material Waste
“CAD files enables the manufacturer to check tool paths before any material is cut. The ability to run a simulation and so verify the complete machining process in a virtual environment is critical for keeping waste and scrap to a minimum. This may be crucial on some jobs, such as those using expensive alloys, large material-intensive components, or for those with complex geometry. Other verification advantages that result from less scrap include less energy consumption and reduced tool wear.
CAD simulations also enable you and the manufacturer to identify how long the production run time will take. Clearly this is useful for scheduling, as well as the planning of throughput, material supply and delivery. As the 3D model is the source of the manufacturing data, the design intent is preserved, and the dimensional accuracy is retained.” (Advice Manufacturing)
3D Design Allows for Ongoing Communication
If your product design needs to be adjusted to meet design or manufacturing needs, this can easily be accomplished within a digital CAD file. Since the CAD files are transferred electronically, you are assured that both you, your product design team and the manufacturer all have the same information moving forward.
“CAD systems also facilitate communication among those involved in design, manufacturing, and other processes. This is of particular importance when one firm contracts another to either design or produce a component.” (Inc.)
In today’s manufacturing environment, CAD files are a necessity. A 3D design allows you to evaluate the form, fit, and functionality of your product. The design will also verify tolerance, loads, stresses and optimize manufacturability. If you plan on filing for IP rights or patent protection, a CAD file will help clearly communicate the design to your attorney and those reviewing your patent application.
Have additional product development questions? Please send them our way, info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Product Development Strategy: Launching Your Idea
The First Steps of Your Product Development Strategy
Write Your Goal Down
Write your goal down in one or two sentences. Keep it short and concise. Then post your goal somewhere where you will see it every day—whether it is at your office, your bathroom mirror, or as a reminder on your phone. Having it around will be a constant reminder of what you want to accomplish this year.
Find a Mentor
Business mentors are a great resource. You can bounce your product development strategy ideas off them and ask for advice when faced with obstacles. It will be even better if you can schedule a monthly meeting with your mentor to help keep you on track and pushing forward. Having a measurable goal and/or accomplishing a task before your next meeting will keep your startup moving ahead.
Start a Business Plan
There are many great business plan outlines online. Find one that fits your specific startup and start filling it out. Get all of your ideas, goals and ambitions out there on paper. You will see your plan start to solidify, and the plan will show you your strengths as well as your areas of weakness. Keep in mind that entrepreneurs aren’t great at every single aspect of business—and asking for help is normal, and extremely beneficial.
Build a Prototype
By now you have an idea, you have probably sketched the product design out a few times, possibly built a rough version out of items around your home and you are ready to get going on an actual prototype. Great!
Depending on your product, 3D printing is an excellent option for initial prototypes. You can get a physical prototype in hours, refine the design and print again. It will take a few iterations to get it just how you are imaging it. Startups all over the globe are now turning towards 3D printing technology at various stages of product development—low cost and quick turnaround times make it ideal for budget conscious hardware startups.
Eventually you will want to build a functional prototype, especially if you are going to move on to patent protection.
Gather Feedback
Take your prototype and start talking to friends, family and people you know to gather their thoughts on your product. In your business plan, you have outlined your target market, so try to find people that fit in this category. Remember that the feedback is going to help you build the product customers want, so the design will most likely change a bit to accommodate customer needs.
Here at 3D Innovations, no matter the stage of your business, we can help you meet your goals. Our team has a proven track record in all areas of product development and we work side-by-side with you throughout the entire design and manufacturing process. Peek at the Case Studies section of our website to see a few examples of the startups we have previously partnered with, and how they leveraged our design and manufacturing expertise to reduce time to market.
Have additional product development questions? Please send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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The Changing Landscape of STEM Education
Reimaging STEM Education
Where once lectures and standardized tests were the main ways to teach and test STEM knowledge, today’s teachers understand that there are better, more hands-on methods, of educating students around STEM subjects.
3D Printing
For instance, 3D printing technology has revolutionized classrooms, schools and makerspaces around the world. 3D printing makes learning fun and engaging. Students can now move away from books and lectures and actually design and print the subject they are learning about. Learning about ancient Egypt? Design and print a model of a mummy.
3D Modeling
Let’s take a quick step back, and before you even get to the 3D printing phase, a CAD model must be designed. This is just another way in which students get to test ideas, theories and use their critical thinking skills. Here at 3D Academy, we have seen a real shift and educators are more interested than ever in introducing students to 3D modeling programs because they understand the long-term benefits of this skill set.
Drones
Drones are taking off, literally and figuratively, in the classroom. This is another area that draws awe from students and they have proved a great way to provide hands-on learning. Whether students are working together to design an actual drone, a replacement part for one or understanding the ways in which this technology can be used in different industries—it has successfully captured the attention and imagination of students.
STEM Education Teaches Life Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Working as part of a team starts from a young age and continues on into the workplace. Learning how to collaborate and work together is a necessity. Teamwork helps students learn about different perspectives, respecting other ideas and coming up with a solution together.
Problem Solving Skills
Hands-on lessons for STEM subjects often revolve around solving real world problems. Students must assess a situation and develop a solution. Problem solving skills are immensely beneficial both inside and outside of the classroom. Having the ability to stop, assess, analyze, hypothesize and solve a problem is a skill every individual needs at every age level.
Innovative Thinking
We are all aware of the benefits of “thinking outside the box”, however, this does not always come naturally. Learning to ask questions and develop diverse solutions helps to instill an inquisitive mindset.
The way STEM education is being taught has fundamentally shifted and this change will no doubt have a major impact on our future generation of STEM professionals and business leaders.
Have questions about the way our 3D Academy program can complement your areas of study in the classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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3D Academy: RobotX STEM Expo Exhibitor (Dec. 11-12, 2018)
What is VPerch?
In partnership with HI FusionEd, Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Navatek, VPerch was created to provide students with the opportunity to learn about various STEM applications as they relate to underwater robotics.
The emphasis of VPerch is to introduce students to the engineering design process through the virtual design (3D CAD) process where they can design and simulate (virtually test) their UROV design and analyze the results before building the physical system. Using the virtual design and simulation process, students see first-hand how their design will perform under certain conditions. Once their virtual design is completed and have enough confidence that it will perform as designed, they migrate to the build phase where they can build their ROV based on their virtual design specifications. We look forward to talking more about the VPerch program and demonstrating it at the RobotX STEM Expo.
3D Printing Technology in the Classroom
3D printing technology promotes active and hands-on learning while having the power to open a world of career possibilities to students.
Four Benefits of Introducing Students to 3D Printing:
3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
Additional RobotX STEM Expo Event Details
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Harnessing 3D Printing Technology for Business
3D printing has been a favorite tool of makers and product design professionals alike because of its quick turnaround time and the fact that it is relatively cheap compared to all other manufacturing methods. 3D printing technology allows designers to quickly, easily and efficiently design and produce a product prototype for review within hours, instead of weeks. While prototyping is where additive manufacturing is most popular and widely used, the technology is beginning to mature and find its way into manufacturing for end-use parts as well.
3D Printing for Prototyping
Our design team regularly uses additive manufacturing technology during the product development cycle when we are working with entrepreneurs and startups on prototyping and finalizing a product design. 3D printing technology is still growing and maturing, it seems that every week new filaments are being developed and new uses for the technology are being discussed. However, as the technology stands today, its strength, its competitive advantage and its usefulness remain in the realm of prototyping. Visual and functional prototyping are imperative when designing a product and this is where 3D printing excels.
3D Printing for Manufacturing
When it comes to manufacturing, 3D printing technology has an advantage on short-runs, however, at this time, it is not able to compete with other traditional forms on a mass-manufacturing scale.
Due to the speed, quality and cost of additive manufacturing, “the technology is best suited for the production of specialty parts in smaller batches, rather than mass-manufactured goods. However, there is an industry shift towards expanding 3D printing technology to take a more prominent role in mass manufacturing. This technology brings some important qualities to the world of manufacturing that make it ideal for certain jobs. For instance, parts can have complex geometries impossible with traditional manufacturing processes. It is also possible to 3D print goods on demand, allowing for easy creation of custom parts” (Engineering.com).
The 3D printing metal segment is making great strides towards high volume manufacturing and McKinsey forecasts the industry to be worth as much as $10 billion by 2030 to 2035. Read more about developments in the metal 3D printing segment on our blog.
3D Printing Quote
At 3D Innovations, we offer 3D printing services to a range of startups, businesses and makers. If you have a design ready to be printed, and would like a quote, please visit our 3D Printing Quote Request page. We have made the quote process quick and easy. Whether you need a prototype or a short manufacturing run, we can help.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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FOG Safe Product Development Process – Pacific Business News
We have had the pleasure of working with FOG Safe from the beginning. We have assisted with designs, prototyping, patents, manufacturing and distribution. Below are excerpts from the Pacific Business News article that discuss our product development assistance (read the full article here).
The Product Development Process
We had several stages of printing for prototyping. I worked with a local product development company, 3D Innovations, through the process. He had resources for using the [3D] printer, so after coming up with designs and going through the process, the finished product is very different than the original idea.
Deciding on a Manufacturer
3D Innovations assisted with sourcing and manufacturing. We looked at several locations, we tried the U.S., and eventually we went overseas. We looked at a lot of paper pulp manufacturers and settled on doing it in China. In order for the product to work and relieve the problem, its gotta be worth it for the consumer. People are not going to want to spend a lot, so we needed to keep the cost down as much as possible.
Then there was the whole tooling process, which is preparing the molds — it’s another upfront cost that comes right out of pocket. We have to provide the schematics for the tooling, and once we approve it it’s all on us, we pay that amount even if that mold doesn’t work, so it’s a bit of a gamble. So we have to be 100 percent, and that’s where the 3D printing comes in. We do the printing, and the manufacturer uses those to make the mold.
Patenting FOG Safe Drain Guards
I have five issued patents. It started with getting a patent attorney and doing a patent search. The hope is that whatever they find is different enough in design, and we felt it was worth the try and we were different.
For my first patent to get issued was well over 24 months, probably closer to 30 months. After that, there were deviations of the design. One of the challenges of an inventor is that you can’t come up with a single design, there needs to be variations, because someone can easily copy off of your original design work. And the patent office is very particular, you can’t be broad, you have to be very specific on a type of design. You can’t just think in one dimension, you have to think about how this can be manipulated and changed. It’s a collaboration between the engineer, myself and my attorney, everyone having input.
Interested in learning more about our product development process? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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The Benefits of Using 3D Printing Technology in Education
Our 3D Academy has seen first hand the benefits of introducing 3D printing technology to students early-on. Below are four benefits of introducing 3D printing technology in education.
Hands-On Learning
3D printing makes learning fun and engaging. Students are able to move away from books and lectures and actually design and print the subject they are learning about. Learning about ancient Egypt? Design and print a model of a mummy. Learning about landforms? Design and print a mountain range. When the possibilities are endless, creativity can flourish.
While CAD programs can get complicated, there are specific programs available for educational purposes. This means students will be able to design on their own and see their exact design get transformed into an actual object.
Creating Inventors
Kids love to create. Whether it’s with LEGOs, blocks, sticks or anything else they can get their hands-on, kids are always creating. Instead of buying someone else’s creation, kids can identify a problem and create their own solution. Giving students the power to design and build with cutting-edge technology gets their minds thinking about the things they can create.
Real World Problem Solving
3D printing is a technology that businesses, engineers and scientists are using everyday to change the world. Put that same technology into the hands of students and introduce them to some of the challenges facing the community. Through this problem-solving approach, students will learn empathy, teamwork, and critical thinking skills as they work to develop a solution to a real-world problem.
Engaging Students
3D printing has a ‘wow factor’ with students since it is not something they see every day. It motivates and engages students to learn. Students who may otherwise not be actively engaged in the classroom, suddenly light up and want to participate when 3D printing is involved.
3D printing technology promotes active learning and has the power to open a world of career possibilities to students. 3D printing inspires creativity and can help encourage students to explore a career in engineering or science.
Have questions about introducing CAD and 3D printing technology into your school or classroom? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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Exploring 3D Printing Technology for Business
While, 3D printing is taking off for businesses and industries around the world, it isn’t exactly movie magic. Just like with any other tool or instrument, you need to have background knowledge and an understanding of CAD and 3D printing technology to successfully develop and print a 3D object. If your startup is interested in exploring the technology further, we have gathered a few of our popular 3D printing blog posts and listed them below.
3D Printing: Competitive Advantage of the Technology
Prototyping to Production—What’s 3D Printing Used For?
The Transformation of 3D Printing Technology
Improving Medical Devices Through 3D Printing
Three Areas Where 3D Printing Shines
Have additional questions about 3D printing? Send us an email at info@3d-innovations.com. Interested in receiving a 3D printing quote? Head on over to our Quote Request page.
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3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
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