Turning an idea into a reality takes a unique set of skills. To be done well, it also takes the knowledge of experience, and the ability to look down the road to avoid pitfalls that can derail the product from ever reaching its potential. Forge Product Development offers a solution to this problem. We offer a chain of products and services proven to take any idea from conception through delivery.
Our Development System
Product Consultation Meeting
This is where our partnership begins. You meet us, we meet you. We share in your dreams for your product and establish what it will take to make your vision a reality. This usually takes less than an hour and is free of charge. We prefer to do this in person or over a webcam, as product design tends to be expressed best visually.
3D Computer Model Generation
This is the usually the next step in the design process. This model becomes the backbone of your project. It allows us to flush out design details, optimize the design, and create documentation to help protect or define your product. Design Optimization and Testing
All of our designs will be functional and we will strive to meet your goals. If your design is particularly complicated, your are trying to squeeze the maximum performance from it, or are creating something truly unique, we may suggest testing and evaluating your product through one of our optimization add-ons. These include:
3D Printed Prototypes
The ultimate in hands on evaluation, a physical prototype of your design printed from the model. Available in both metal and plastic, this is a great tool for evaluating esthetics, getting your customers on board, and performance testing. Model Stress Simulation
Here, we take the computer model and simulate the forces generated during its use. Critical components of a design can benefit greatly from this testing. This add-on can also help to determine the optimal design to maximizing the strength to weight relationship. Model Motion Analysis
If your idea involves multiple moving components, a motion analysis will help to verify the clearance between those components and that the paths of motion are as expected. This is also another great tool for helping your customers visualize the use of the product. Design Documentation
Once your design has been flushed out, it is time to document it. We can generate two different types of documentation. Patent application drawings
Patents require artwork of the design to help illustrate its form and function. These basic drawings do not contain any manufacturing information. Documents for Manufacturing
These documents can detail the design geometry, tolerances, materials, finishing processes, assembly instructions and other important details. This information is what manufacturers will use to produce your design. Manufacturing Management
Your idea is documented, but your customers want product. We have an established and tested group of manufacturers that are ready to produce your designs. We can manage your supply chain needs and help resolve any issues that may be revealed in the manufacturing process. Choices made in the design creation process can account for up to 70% of part cost. To reduce the impact of a poor design impacting your profits, you need to partner with a team that can see how the product will be manufactured, while it is still in the design stage. We pride ourselves on being able to view the entire production processes for your product. This unique viewpoint allows us to design cost savings into your product from the beginning, while creating great value and performance for your customer.
03/14/2022
Here is part two of our recent talk with a group of students competing in the national Met2 Engineering Competition. This segment includes a variety of tips for working within SolidWorks.
