Inventor Questions

A: Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided drafting is the use of computers to assist in the creation of a design.

A: CAD drawings are needed for filely every stage of your project – from prototyping to obtaining quotes for molds, estimating manufacturing costs, packaging design, and more.

A: We can create your CAD drawings in-house or you can search the Internet for a design company. If you search for a design company, please be sure to look for a firm with plastic injection-molding experience. If they don’t understand this industry, your drawings will likely need modification once you begin working with an injection molder.

A: We’re here to help you, regardless of the stage of your project.

A: When your drawings are complete, we will supply you with printed hard copies and electronic copies. Once you pay for them, they’re yours. We would like to work with you on the entire project, but the decision is yours.

A: We will use your prototype and information from our discussion to start the CAD design.

A: Yes. As long as we can understand what your idea is, we can work from there. We can get started even if you only have a concept in mind.

A: A prototype will allow you to test your idea and make sure it’s accurate before you go through the cost of building a mold. Often, investors and potential buyers want to see a prototype before making a commitment.

A: 3-D printing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of filely any shape from a CAD drawing. 3-D printing is achieved using an additive process, where a 3-D printing machine lays down successive layers of plastic. There are many options available, and we will work with you to determine the best method based on how you intend to use the prototype. Typically this process will take a week or less, and you will have a sample of your part to use for fit and function.

A: There are countless options available when building a mold. We ask the quantity you expect to produce to help us recommend the best method of production for your mold. If you anticipate producing a million parts, we’re going to recommend a mold that will be able to withstand that level of production. If you anticipate producing 10,000 parts, we will recommend a very different approach to producing your mold. Your quantity will help us determine such things as the type of material to use to build the mold and the number of parts to make each time the mold opens (known as the number of cavities). If you know you will need a certain level of production each month, we may recommend producing a mold that creates more than one part to meet your production requirements.

A: We ask about how your product will be used to ensure we’ve considered any unique requirements you may have. For example, we need to know if the resin we use for your product needs to meet any specific requirements – such as being able to withstand extreme sun exposure or use in a medical product.

A: The color of resin often drives pricing and availability.

A: We have many sources for components, and we offer assembly and packaging services.

A: Every product is different and every inventor has different requirements. If you have a specific target date, please let us know and we will develop a schedule to try to meet your due date. It can take 8-16 weeks from our first meeting until you have your product in your hands. Much of this time depends on how quickly you are able to provide feedback or approval.