Prototyping (Mechanical Design)

Once your design concept is ready, it is time to prototype 

 

 

This process helps us identify errors that we are not able to capture in the CAD software. Here, we identify the good practices;

 

 

 

1) For easy to purchase parts, we will source from online e-commerce platforms such as RS-Component, Digi-key, Element14, and Amazon. 

 

 

For bolts and other components that we can get locally and cheaply, we will do so.

 

 

 

2) For items that require fabrication, for example, chassis, wheel adapter, and brackets, I will;

 

 

 

- Create 2d drawing from created 3d models and label with part number, indicate the manufacturing process, which includes dimensions, tolerances, welding, bending, cutting. A BOM list is necessary.

 

 

 

- Request for Quotation (RFQ) from 3 different suppliers if the price is predicted to be above SGD 500 depending on your company. (usually termed as 3 quotes).

 

 

 

3) Once all items are ready, assemble, test fit and analyse. What you should look for are;

 

 

i) Hole alignments between interfacing components are correctly done

 

 

ii) Space optimisation

 

 

iii) Safety in functionality and how to reduce operational risks

 

 

iv) Cables and wirings are routed neatly with ease, holes to mount electrical and electronics components are correct. 

 

 

Depending on your company's culture, get an electrical engineer in your team to handle this since they are more familiar with their work

 

 

 

4) Test the system rigorously in the environment you need it to be. You should capture any errors in your mechanical design and propose improvements later on. 

 

 

 

5) If your design is the cause of error for electrical and electronic components, such as mounting and securing, you will need to rectify them.

 

 

 

Tips

 

 

 

Usually, there is a "first article" design which means to fabricate first prototype for error catching.

 

 

 

Subsequent prototyping are feature refinement based on feedbacks by relevant stakeholders 

 

 

 

When we do product demonstrations to prospects, we will also receive feedbacks on how to improve the features to the market needs.