Prototyping
APEM Prototyping: Fast and cost effective
New products are inherently risky. What looks good on the drawing board may not function as anticipated in use. The newer the design, the higher the probability of encountering something unforeseen, either in the manufacturing process or in the end use. APEM’s prototyping processes are set up to fully vet your design. Customers benefit from a fully engaged APEM team of design, manufacturing and QA engineering professionals who will take your concept through the gauntlet to ensure that the product you get will look and function as designed. APEM engineers combine a touch of audacity (we like working on the design cutting edge) with the best risk management practices in the market.
For membrane keypads we offer extremely fast prototyping, with a proof available within one week and a full prototype within two weeks of customer sign-off on the proof.
For fully custom products lead times will depend on the complexity, but APEM guarantees a rapid RFQ response indicating anticipated time to prototype.
Depending on design innovation, complexity, quantities required, criticality, tooling costs and required timelines, APEM oversees and advises on Designing for Manufacturability as follows:
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Phase |
Mock up |
Prototype |
First Article Inspection (FAI) |
Mass Production Product to market |
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Objective |
Refining spec, verifying ergonomics |
Qualifying the spec |
Ensuring product is conform in every aspect and process is replicative |
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Benefits |
Ease of product modifications without major cost consequences |
Product is qualified while maintaining some ability to make adjustments |
Process is qualified |
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Spec definition |
Still fluid: APEM can operate from specs in which as little as 25% of concept is fully fleshed out |
100% conform to spec. Prototype can be qualified |
Conform |
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Tooling |
Mock up tooling |
Prototype tooling |
Conform |
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Process |
NA |
Process is not conform to mass production due to presence of R&D on production line |
Conform |