prototype testing Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

Consumers today expect high quality products that perform as expected time and time again. Unfortunately, companies often struggle to meet consumer demand.

Testing finished products helps catch potential problems that consumers might experience after purchase. However, testing shouldn’t only take place at the end of production. Testing each component throughout production helps catch issues sooner when they are easier to fix.

Regular testing provides important information about materials, prototypes, and product samples. This information can help engineers, designers, and production managers meet the requirements of regulatory agencies, evaluate product design, and verify a production process.

Proving Compliance

Products used in critical applications such as those used by the medical, aerospace, and defense industries must meet extremely strict requirements for both quality and reliability. This is because failure of these products could cause harm or affect the livelihood of the people that use them.

In order to prevent problems, government agencies set compliance guidelines that manufacturers must meet prior to sale. Companies responsible for the creation of certain products must adhere to these guidelines which include test procedures used to prove compliance.

Material Testing

The quality of materials used is as, if not more important, than the processes used to produce new products. With so many different types of materials available, it can be extremely difficult to know which type is best for each application or use. Testing materials helps manufacturers determine whether a specific material is appropriate for its intended application. This can have a significant impact on the quality and reliability of finished products.

Design Improvements

Regular testing helps locate areas that could benefit from improvement. This might include a simple change of material type, or it could mean changing the design completely. It’s much better to make these changes before or during production than waiting until you’re faced with a defective product or prototype.

There are several different ways to test products and materials. The method used depends on the intended use of the finished product.

Working with a quality contract manufacturer ensures testing takes places and potential issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. This helps prevent defective products which can lead to costly returns and/or recalls. Please contact us to learn about our testing policies.

Why Prototypes Are Necessary to the Design Process

Prototypes provide a usable version of your product for testing and experimenting. This can help you locate errors in design and provide proof of your concept. Prototyping is a crucial part of the design process. Unfortunately, many companies fail to recognize the importance of prototyping.

While sketches and blueprints can provide you with the general feel and texture of your product, prototyping enables you to actually touch and experience it. Occasionally a design will look good on the screen but will fall short during production. Creating a prototype gives you the insight necessary to solve any issues with your product before beginning production.

Benefits of Prototyping

Many companies choose to skip prototyping in order to save time and money on design. However, skipping this step could end up costing you more in the long run.

There are numerous benefits to creating a prototype. Prototyping helps with the collaboration, design and testing of your product.

Communication about needs and wants can easily be misinterpreted. Creating a prototype can save your company time and resources on redesign and production.

Prototyping Saves Time and Money

Creating one prototype of a useless product is far less expensive than producing large quantities of the same product. Prototypes are cheaply made versions that can be tested and experimented with.

Prototypes Help Sell Your Product

Prototypes are essential when pitching your idea. Skeptical clients are far more likely to jump on the opportunity if they are able to see and touch a prototype. Prototypes do not need to be elaborate to be effective. Your company’s needs will determine how detailed your prototype should be.

After creating a prototype, it should be fully tested to locate any potential problems. It’s much easier to deal with these issues when they are caught early in the design process. For the best results, prototyping should occur early and often. This helps keeps your team grounded when making important decisions.

Creating Prototypes

Means Engineering, Inc. offers design, production and testing of a wide range of electronic devices. We have experience with a variety of industries. Our team of professionals can help your company create high quality prototypes. Please contact us for details.

Testing Materials