Services / Prototyping & manufacturing
Ideambox helps plan prototypes, validate the right risks, prepare DFM, review BOM and tooling decisions, and guide supplier conversations in Taiwan and China.
SLA for ergonomic look-and-feel, SLS for snap-fit testing, CNC aluminium for thermal validation, soft-tool silicone for short-run sealing, MJF nylon for living hinges, FDM only for the cheapest gross-volume mockups. Each prototype is born to answer one specific question we list on the test plan — IEC 60068 cycle, drop test, IP-X4 spray, or first-touch ergonomic review.
EVT proves the architecture works. DVT proves the design is manufacturable and certifiable. PVT proves the supplier can build it repeatedly at AQL 1.5 / 2.5 / 4.0. Each gate has written exit criteria — measurable, not opinion-based — so you don't end up paying for steel tooling on a design that hasn't passed EVT.
Family mold vs single cavity vs multi-cavity decision based on annual volume. Steel grade (P20 prototype, 718H production, S136 medical). Cavity count math against cycle time and CapEx amortisation. Gate type (sub-gate, hot tip, hot manifold). Texture spec (Mold-Tech MT-11010, VDI 3400 Ch33). The molder gets a brief, not surprises.
RFQ package with drawings, STEP, BOM with manufacturer part numbers, AQL inspection criteria, target tooling vs unit cost split, payment terms (30/40/30), and lead time expectation. Three suppliers quote in 5–10 days on identical scope — not a one-month back-and-forth of "what do you mean by X?".
Prototype strategy
Each prototype answers a different question and costs a different amount. Founders waste months and €30–80k building appearance models when they need architecture rigs, or building functional EVTs when they still need to prove the basic mechanism. The plan saves the money.
Painted SLA, no electronics. €800–2k. For investor demo, brand review, or trade-show booth. Cannot validate fit, mechanism, or sealing.
CNC + 3D-print enclosure with eval-board electronics inside. €3–8k. Validates PCB outline, antenna keepout, battery volume, assembly sequence. Built before custom PCB layout.
Custom PCB + SLS/MJF enclosure. 3–5 units, €5–15k. Validates electronics architecture, firmware, sensor placement, antenna gain. Drives the freeze for DVT.
Soft-tool or CNC parts at production materials. 20–50 units, €15–40k. Validates DFM, certifications (EMC, IP, drop), supplier capability. Last stop before steel.
First-shot parts from production tooling. 50–100 units. Calibrates the AQL inspection plan, MTM firmware test, and operator training before pilot run.
100–500 units at production tooling, production assembly line. Validates yield, ramp curve, packaging, logistics, and the field-failure rate that justifies your warranty reserve.
Taiwan and China supplier guidance
Supplier feedback is valuable, but only when the product team knows what must be protected: performance, quality, cost target, assembly, testing, serviceability, and long-term reliability.
Supplier selection
The cheapest quote can become the most expensive path if the supplier cannot control tolerances, finishes, electronics assembly, testing, documentation, or project communication.
Related reference documents
RFQ package contents, supplier qualification, red-flag detection, tooling cost benchmarks. Includes XLSX comparison template.
IDB-BOM-005BoM structure, component lifecycle, second-source planning, MOQ management, counterfeit risk. Includes XLSX BoM template.
IDB-QCI-004AQL sampling (ISO 2859), Cp/Cpk worked examples, inspection types (IQC/IPQC/FQC/PSI), defect catalogues.
IDB-RMP-021Pilot-to-MP gate criteria, yield ramp targets, operator training, capacity planning for the first 8–12 weeks.
IDB-SBC-011Vietnam, India, Thailand, Taiwan — capabilities, cost benchmarks, Section 301 impact, discovery channels.
IDB-PTP-006Structure for writing test methods and decision criteria before the prototype is built. IEC 60068, MIL-STD-810 references.
A short review before supplier commitment can save weeks of rework and expensive tooling changes.