How to Communicate a New Product Idea Effectively
RDM builds products for our clients to commercialize. We communicate new product ideas daily.
Product Modeling and 3D Design
Back in the day, drafting was tedious- hand drawings on rolls of paper that spanned entire rooms. It’s the 21st century: Every great product begins with 3D modeling. Not only does a computer file allow for an expedited design process without the cost of physical materials, it also serves as a great communication tool for potential partners, investors, and manufacturers.
For example, in order for a manufacturer to accurately quote a new product, they need the 3D model of your part and in most cases a technical drawing that shows all its dimensions
RDM has a team of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) certified engineers that kick off each build by reviewing existing 3D files or starting the engineering design services fresh with reference from client-provided drawing and descriptions. We are able to quickly conceptualize, iterate, and formalize product designs with an experienced team that has been developing products through CAD since 2009.
Our preferred 3D CAD program is provided by SolidWorks, as it is a refined and widely accepted platform by engineers for parametric modeling, circuit design, virtual testing, and photorealistic rendering. We are able to work between many other filetypes, such as .iges or .step as well. We recommend using SolidWorks for your design engineering and rapid prototyping needs. For a more comprehensive review of CAD programs that are available for download, are great product development CAD programs, and are affordable, check out this article here.
How Does RDM develop products for clients? Is internal product development different than external?
Pillars of RDM’s Product Modeling process
Conceptualize (Concept Genesis)
Right from the start of the build, we note the product’s requirements, constraints, shape profile, and intended functionality (i.e. target Cost of Goods, weight requirements, material specifications, etc.) through a series of virtual or in-person consultations.
Once there is enough information that has been received or researched, we put together a conceptual 3D model to use as a tool for collaboration. By receiving guided feedback and iterating the conceptual model vigorously during the concept genesis process, we are able to uncover details of the product’s form, fit, and function that will ensure that the end product will meet client and consumer expectations for the product design.
Formalize (DFM: Design For Manufacturing)
Many companies that offer product design services do not understand the true purpose of their client’s product design: commercialization.
While industrial designs and conceptual 3D models are excellent at communicating a vision in the early stages of any build, they are rarely manufacturable at the target cost, if at all.
Additionally, prototyping is expensive and an unrealistic representation of the product at scale. As product development is an investment that is expected to generate a return, at some point the design must be examined by an engineering team that has experience with manufacturing methods and principles.
Our team at RDM specializes in incorporating manufacturing guidance in the infancy of the design, so the risk of unforeseen roadblocks down the line is minimized. If you’d like to read more about DFM principles, check out this DFM article written by our team.
Standardize (Parametric Modeling)
When we are asked to design a family of products with many variants, we use parametric modeling principles while 3D modeling. In short parametric modeling is defined as a systematic, mathematical approach to 3D design that enables users to automate repetitive design changes.
Out team leverages parametric modeling through the use of design tables and scripts that allow for design updates to be easily completed across all product SKUs. If we didn’t do this with complex designs from the start, a small dimension update would take many hours.
By standardizing the 3D files in the SolidWorks environment, we save future engineering hours and minimize the risk of overlooking details while the product family scales.