Prototype Development

Hi everyone.

Was wondering whether anyone has any advice with regards to getting a prototype developed? I have an idea for a product.

Does this service cost much or is it depenedent on the type of product? The product itself i have in mind is relatively simple to design. Its not electrical or mechanical in any way. Is there any companies in Ireland you would recommend? The nearest company to me seems to be Futura in Dublin. Has anyone used this company before and would you recommend?

Buttercake

You can get a lot of things prototyped with a 3D printer these days.

Buttercake

Buttercake wrote: »

You can get a lot of things prototyped with a 3D printer these days.

So i believe. Doesnt seem to be anyone offering this service locally though. Would it be better to avail of a whole development package as opposed to just developing a prototype in terms of establishing costs of production and feasibility though?

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

So i believe. Doesnt seem to be anyone offering this service locally though. Would it be better to avail of a whole development package as opposed to just developing a protocol in terms of establishing costs of production and feasibility though?

Ive been through this process a number of times. Its not so cut and dried as having a 'protocol' because each product idea is unique and so has a different road then the next product. If your product was say similar to another in its specific industry you might be able to find someone with experience dealing with manufacturer's for that industry that would be a good fit for your particular idea.

What you need is to either A. just do all the donkey work yourself, or B. find someone who is experienced in general in developing new products and taking them to market and pay them to do it up to a certain point. But your putting a lot of faith in someone doing that.
Also beware there are a lot of companies out there claiming they can offer this service, but in my experience many of them would be no better at it then if you do it yourself. Many of them are lawyers who specialise in licensing, and just muddle their way through the prototype process.

Much of the process is common sense, business acumen and just putting in some time.

tacofries

As usual get in contact with your local enterprise board, they'll probably offer you mentoring of some sort and if they think there is potential they may offer to help you with a feasibility study. If the study turns up good you could then go on and consider applying for an innovation voucher with enterprise Ireland. This innovation voucher may help you get a prototype made or other work done up to the value of €5000 with a dedicated research centre (often one of the IT's around the country).

Before you do any of the above however make sure to check amazon, walmart and all the other big online shops or shops that would be relevant to your product in order to make sure that it doesn't already exist!

NotaSheep

I recommend protoproducts.ie - they are product development experts, have 3D prototyping capabilities and are well connected in the manufacturing world. You can get support from LEO via the feasibility grant, you can offset most of the cost of prototype development (typically between 50-60% depending on your location/county).

pedronomix

OP, it is prototype not protocol!

pedronomix

pedronomix wrote: »

OP, it is prototype not protocol!

I'm literally just after realising that slip there now. What was I thinking eh ! Yes your absolutely right prototype I meant. Exhausting day yesterday

NotaSheep

NotaSheep wrote: »

I recommend protoproducts.ie - they are product development experts, have 3D prototyping capabilities and are well connected in the manufacturing world. You can get support from LEO via the feasibility grant, you can offset most of the cost of prototype development (typically between 50-60% depending on your location/county).

Have you used these before?

pedronomix

pedronomix

pedronomix wrote: »

I done it again Jesus what's up with me lol

pedronomix

pedronomix wrote: »

OP, it is prototype not protocol!

Ive changed all references of 'protocol' to 'prototype' while im experiencing some lucidity :pac:

Very embarrassed i never even copped it even after it was pointed out to me

Been working too hard thats my problem. Hopefully ill hit the big time with this new idea and i can relax a bit more

NotaSheep

Sorry - only seen your question now - I have not developed a product myself with them, I have used protoproducts as expert speaker for a workshop on product development. The person behind the company has over 3 decades of experience in prototyping/product development with a leading Irish manufacturer, he is certainly worth his salt, but see for yourself - have a chat with himself and decide then.

Duckett

LayerLabz in Dublin may be able to assist you if 3D printing would be helpful

Thanks to everyone for their time in offering advice and the benefit of their experience.

Would anyone recommend or has anyone availed of crowd funding?

Cianos

OP, a good first step would be to contact someone with a 3D printer and the skills to design for it, to make a very simple prototype. It'll be cheaper than you think to get a basic version in your hands, which you can use when approaching other organisations, which will make the entire process thereafter a lot easier because your idea isn't just on paper or in your head, it's something you can hold.

I'd also recommend LayerLabz, they did a 3D printing demo day in our shop before and they're great guys. Without knowing the details of the product you're probably looking at hundreds rather than thousands to have them 3D model the basic prototype and print it for you.