|
|
|
The next step in the Product Development Process is the manufacturing of functional prototypes. Depending on the requirements made,
the prototype must contain all or some functionalities. For instance to test the product characteristics. There are numerous
technologies, processes and strategies available to go through this phase smoothly. On one hand it's important in this phase to be
able to modify the part on a short term and have a prototype made again, but on the other hand should the manufacturing process be
of a level that the prototypes are representative as being a product made by the final production process.
For plastic parts Enimco uses Rapid Tooling technologies, which make it possible to have parts made out of the final compound,
with a repetitive dimensional quality and the flexibility to make modifications rather cheap and quickly. The tooling steel is not
treated to save time and money, and therefore large production runs are not possible because of wear. Various technologies are
available, each with it's own advantages and disadvantages. Enimco can use any commercially available technology, depending on the
product specifications.
All work done in this phase has the goal to optimise the product design and create a certain confidence level to start investing in
production tooling. So the products must be fully testable and no concessions can be made on component specifications and
characteristics. To make sure Time To Market is not jeopardised, proper project and supply chain management is a critical success
factor in this phase, and that's where Enimco has the focus on during this phase.
|
|
Site is best viewed with Internet Explorer
4.0 or higher.
|
|
