Means Engineering, Inc.

Product development engineering in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment & military with a standard of excellence in form, function and design.


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(760) 931-9452 | info@meanseng.com
5927 Geiger Court, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7305

New Product Development

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New Product Development

New product development is a complex process involving multiple steps. Developing new electronic products requires a lot of time, experience, equipment, knowledge and technology. As such, it is often difficult for small businesses and start-ups to create new products. The following tips can help simplify the process.

Schematic Circuit Design

In order to create a printed circuit board (PCB), you must first produce a schematic circuit design. This provides the blueprint for your PCB. Designing a schematic circuit requires extensive knowledge of electronic devices.

It can helpful to have a second set of eyes look over the plans to see if there are any ways to improve the design or reduce the cost of development.

Printed Circuit Board Design

The next step involves the creation of a PCB layout. It is extremely easy to make errors during this process. Any mistakes made with power or RF circuits can negatively affect the performance of the finished product. Before beginning the PCB layout process, you will need to find out the specifications required by your PCB manufacturer.

Although a portion of the board might be automatically routed, most boards will still require some amount of manual routing. The software used to design the PCB should tell you whether or not your design matches the schematic.

Testing the Prototype

After receiving the first prototype, it will need to be tested and debugged. Issues are extremely common, yet difficult to predict. It’s impossible to know how long it will take to debug the prototype until it has been created and tested for defects.

Programming the Microcontroller

Most modern day electronics are equipped with a microcontroller. The microcontroller is crucial to the operation of these electronic devices. After debugging the PCB prototype, the microcontroller must be programmed. Someone with knowledge of computer language should be in charge of this step.

3D Modeling

3D modeling helps your product stand out from the competition. A 3D modeling expert can help make your product look good. Make sure that you work with someone that has experience with injection technology.

Creating new products is a complex process. A qualified contract manufacturer can help. Contract manufacturers provide a second set of eyes for your project. They can help with all aspects of new product creation from design and manufacture to testing.

 

 

 

 

 

Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

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Avoiding Problems Associated With Outsourcing

Most electronics manufacturers simply would not survive without the help of a contract manufacturer (CM). Outsourcing allows electronics companies to create more products, improve quality, save money and reduce time-to-market. Despite the numerous benefits, many OEMs have problems with outsourcing. It’s important to avoid the following pitfalls if you want your CM partnership to be a success.

Choosing the wrong contract manufacturer to work with

Whenever you outsource, you give up control of the manufacturing process. The biggest issues with outsourcing occur when you choose the wrong contract manufacturer. Working with the wrong CM can lead to a number of problems for your business. It’s extremely important that you hire a company you can trust. The right contract manufacturer will become a reliable partner that you can work with for years to come.

Before hiring a company, you need to find out as much as you can about their business. Consider all factors that could affect your relationship with them such as geographic location, technical capabilities, experience, quality control practices as well as strategic and financial fit.

Make sure that the company you choose is able to handle your needs. They should be up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. They should be able to handle a wide variety of projects. Experience with multiple industries ensures diverse capabilities.

Spend some time developing a clear set of criteria for your contract manufacturer. A well-developed plan and a methodical process can go a long way towards a successful relationship with your CM.

Inadequate NPI Product Management

New product introductions (NPI) are a crucial part of the OEM/CM relationship. NPI is a complex process, involving multiple steps. In order to successfully create and launch new products, you need the right contract manufacturer on your side.

A CM can help design, produce and test new products. They provide a second set of eyes for your project. They are well positioned to catch flaws in design that could affect performance. The right contract manufacturer will point out ways to reduce costs and time of production.

The right contract manufacturer can help you produce high quality, reliable electronics. This increases public trust in your brand.

Silicon Use in Electronics

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Silicon Use in Electronics

Most modern day electronics contain silicon. This important semiconductor material is used to power a wide variety of electronic devices from supercomputers to microwave ovens.

In its pure state, silicon resembles aluminum. Silicon wafers are commonly used as a substrate for microelectronic devices. These devices are built in or over the wafer.

What is silicon?

Silicon is a chemical element found in both sand and glass. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Silicon is typically found compounded with other elements. Silicon elements are able to bind atoms tightly and in complex arrangements. The abundance of silicon makes it inexpensive and easy to acquire. This is the biggest reason why silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material.

What is a semiconductor?

Semiconductors are able to conduct electricity under certain conditions and act as an insulator under others. In its pure form, silicon acts as an insulator. Adding impurities changes the electrical properties of silicon. This process is known as doping. Semiconductors are treated with a variety of dopants to change the material’s resistance.

How is silicon manufactured?

Silicon wafers are used in the production of a wide range of electronic components. These wafers are created through a complex manufacturing process. Silicon manufacturing involves the production of metallurgical silicon, which is converted into trichlorosilane then purified and decomposed with hydrogen. This process creates a poly-silicon rod, which is crystallized and cut into wafers.

Why is silicon the most commonly used semiconductor material?

Although there are other semiconductor materials available today, silicon is the most commonly used. There are a many reasons silicon is the preferred material for electronic devices. Perhaps the most obvious is the abundance of silicon in the Earth’s crust. Silicon can be obtained through extremely effective extraction and purification methods. In addition to its availability, silicon forms a nice stable oxide and is relatively strong and easy to handle. The abundance of silicon makes it possible to create wafers of all shapes and sizes, no matter how big or small the requirement. These and other reasons make silicon the best choice for electronic devices.

 

 

 

Environmental Management Systems

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Environmental Management Systems

Technology is always changing. The electronics industry is under a lot of pressure to create new products. High demand combined with fierce competition in the industry has created a number of challenges for electronics manufacturers. Many electronics companies turn to questionable practices in an effort to save money. These practices often produce poor quality products.

Until recently, manufacturing practices have been based around improving efficiency and profitability, and environmental issues were seen as added costs. However, there is more pressure than ever before for electronics manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. Fortunately, many manufacturers are learning the benefits of increased sustainability. Reducing environmental impact is good for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

What is an EMS?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) refers to the practices and processes used by an organization to reduce their environmental impact. An EMS is commonly used to decrease the impact of products, processes and services. An EMS can be designed in compliance with ISO 14001 standards. This ensures reduced environmental impact and increased product performance.

ISO 14001

There are a number of practices that can be used to improve efficiency and sustainability. Some of these practices are better than others. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed ISO 14001 to specify the international requirements for an EMS.

Sustainability is crucial to the electronics industry. ISO 14001 was specially designed to help businesses decrease their environmental impact. ISO certification helps consumers locate companies that are taking the necessary steps to ensure sustainability. ISO 14001 certified companies have proven they are doing all they can to reduce their organization’s impact on the environment.

Choosing a contract manufacturer

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, you should select a company that has strict quality control measures in place. ISO 14001 certification ensures the contract manufacturer has met the international Environmental Management System requirements. ISO 14001 is designed to help business owners become more aware of their impact on the environment.

Means Engineering, Inc. is an ISO 14001 certified contract manufacturer. This allows us to create high quality products while increasing sustainability of our products and practices.

Can a Contract Manufacturer Help Your Business?

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Can a Contract Manufacturer Help Your Business?

Although each electronics company has its own unique needs and capabilities, there are several parts of the manufacturing process that can be improved with a little outside help. Many electronics companies benefit from working with a qualified contract manufacturer. A contract manufacturer can help with the following situations.

Streamlining the design process

It can be difficult for designers and project engineers to come up with new ideas. A contract manufacturer provides an extra set of eyes when creating new products. Contract manufacturers are often able to figure out ways to make production more efficient. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Producing large orders

As your company grows, you might find that you simply do not have the manpower or equipment to fulfill large product orders. A contract manufacturer can help you turn out larger quantities of your electronics products without having to purchase additional equipment or hire additional engineers.

Producing smaller, more complex devices

Many electronics companies find it difficult to keep up with technology. Modern electronics components are smaller and more complex than ever before. In order to produce these components, it’s crucial to remain up-to-date with the latest technology. Older equipment simply isn’t able to produce complex devices. Contract manufacturers keep up with the latest technologies and have the equipment necessary to produce small, complex devices.

Avoiding costly design and production errors

If your electronics company does not have the capabilities necessary to fulfill large orders, a lot of time and money can be wasted on creating faulty electronics. Using a contract manufacturer ensures all products are tested regularly for flaws. This allows you to catch and correct problems sooner.

Choosing a contract manufacturer

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to look for a company with ample experience. They should have strict quality control measures in place to ensure consistent quality of products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. provides comprehensive contract manufacturing services from our location in Carlsbad, California. We are up-to-date with the latest technologies and are an ISO 9001, AS 9100 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer.

ABOUT US

MEI features depth of experience in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment and military products. All product development efforts start with a unique set of requirements, yet we deliver results that share a common standard of excellence in form, function and design.

Our turn-key capabilities provide smart, simple solutions to cumbersome outsourcing issues, and provide our clients with an intelligent route from concept to market.

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