Service · Prototype to Production

Same supplier.
Prototype → production.
Faster launch.

Single-source manufacturing through complete product lifecycle: prototype → functional validation → pilot production → mass production. Reduces supplier qualification time, maintains quality consistency, eliminates technology transfer risk between suppliers.

Prototype to Production Quote Prototyping strategy

Single source Continuous quality Scale ramp ready Launch acceleration

01 · Manufacturing stages

Lifecycle stages we support.

Single supplier through all stages eliminates qualification time and quality variation between suppliers. Especially valuable for regulated industries.

Concept prototypes

3D print, 1-5 units

Initial concept validation. SLA or MJF 3D printing for visual + functional review. Lead time 2-5 days. Cost: low.

Functional prototypes

CNC, 5-50 units

Functional validation in production-like material. CNC machining of metal/plastic parts. Lead time 1-3 weeks. Cost: moderate.

Engineering verification

Mixed processes, 20-100 units

Engineering verification testing (EVT) — mechanical, environmental, regulatory testing. Multiple iterations expected. Lead time 3-6 weeks per iteration.

Design verification

Production-rep, 50-500 units

Design verification testing (DVT) — production-representative samples. Often using pre-production tooling or representative process.

Pilot production

100-2000 units

Pilot production for market validation, regulatory samples, beta testing. Often using rapid tooling or transitional process.

Production ramp

2000-50000 units

Production launch ramp. Scaling from pilot to commercial production. Quality stabilization, process optimization.

Sustained production

Ongoing

Ongoing production at commercial scale. Continuous improvement, cost optimization, quality maintenance.

Engineering changes

Throughout lifecycle

Design changes during production — managed through ECN process with appropriate validation.

End-of-life

Last-time buys

End-of-life support — last-time buy quantities, transition to replacement product, service spares.

02 · Lifecycle benefits

Single-source advantages.

No re-qualification

Same supplier means no re-qualification at each stage

Quality consistency

Same quality team, same processes, predictable results

DFM continuity

DFM lessons from each stage applied to next

Tool / fixture continuity

Tooling investments build on each other through stages

Documentation continuity

Single documentation chain from prototype through production

Supplier relationship

Long-term relationship — cost optimization, problem solving

Faster launch

Eliminate supplier transition delays

Reduced risk

Known supplier reduces production launch risk

Cost optimization

Volume scaling justifies process improvements over time

FAQ

Prototype to Production questions.

Single-source most valuable when: (1) Regulatory pathway expected (medical, aerospace) — supplier change requires re-qualification. (2) Production volumes will exceed 1000-5000 units. (3) Long product life (3+ years). (4) Complex parts where supplier learning matters. For simple commodity parts or short product runs, multiple suppliers may be appropriate. For complex products with long lifecycle, single-source through CIFProto valuable.

Pricing scales with volume — prototype prices reflect setup overhead and small quantities. Production prices reflect amortization over volume and process efficiencies. Typical pricing: prototype $200-2000 per unit, production $20-200 per unit (10× reduction common). Customer not locked into prototype pricing — prices renegotiated for production volumes. Transparent cost structure — customer sees how pricing changes with volume.

Yes — customer always free to take design elsewhere. We do not lock customers into our supply chain. However: (1) Re-qualification at new supplier costs time and money. (2) New supplier has learning curve. (3) Tooling investments stay with original supplier. (4) DFM lessons learned with us must be transferred. Most customers find it more cost-effective to continue with original supplier through production. Decision is customer's.

Common reality — many products have lower production volumes than projected. We handle this gracefully: (1) Production volumes adjusted as actual demand develops. (2) Tooling investments recovered through volume buildup if possible. (3) Per-unit pricing adjusted as volumes settle. (4) End-of-life buys supported. We commit to long-term relationship even if volumes are smaller than expected.

Production ECNs (Engineering Change Notices) handled through standard process: (1) Customer notifies of change. (2) We assess impact (cost, schedule, validation needed). (3) Customer approves cost/schedule impact. (4) Implementation per agreed schedule. (5) Validation per customer requirement (FAI re-execution if needed). (6) Production transition managed for inventory consumption. Standard process protects both parties through change.

For products approaching end-of-life: (1) Last-time-buy quantity coordinated. (2) Specific spares production for warranty service. (3) Tool retirement or storage for future spares. (4) Documentation archive maintained per industry retention. (5) Materials sourcing for legacy production may be challenging — we work with customer through obsolescence issues. End-of-life is part of full lifecycle support.