Time to get creative.
Following discussions about key requirements and objectives for a product or system, concept development can begin. At NCI this typically starts with brainstorming through hand-sketches or simplified CAD models, review of competitive products and the anatomy of the target site. The goal is to understand the design space and scale of the effort. This work is also important for identifying and prioritizing areas where the risk-of-invention could be a significant factor in a project.
Making stuff.
With in-house machining and 3D printing available, functional prototypes are typically just hours to days from realization. This service allows for quick turnaround when modifications are identified during bench testing or lab sessions and helps to keep your development cycle moving forward, minimizing costs in time and dollars. As the design and functional requirements are fully determined, robust prototypes can be prepared quickly with the experience gained. Better prototypes make better products.
Refining and communicating.
CAD modeling in SolidWorks is used extensively from early in the process to develop ideas and options for a particular project. Animated CAD models and rendered images can often be used to convey an accurate, unambiguous direction for the development path. Larger projects may include a design book to capture the history of a project and record ideas that were not implemented so these will be available for potential future use.
Still refining.
The process for improving the output of any product development effort is testing. At key points in the process testing should include subsystems and full builds to insure that weaknesses can be identified and strengths improved. At NCI, the clients' resources are maximized with testing that is practical and scalable to the timeline. Toward the end of the development cycle methods, tooling, fixtures and strategies can be transferred to the client for additional refinement and implementation.
Defining the how-to.
By its nature, the output of any new product development effort is unique. With this in mind, process development is an important tool for the product development effort. Process development is critical to define manufacturing, assembly and testing methods. Making individual parts is not enough unless they can be assembled in a way that enhances performance, consistency and efficiency of the build. Testing programs are improved when systems are assembled or processed in a consistent manner. Like testing, process development is scalable, transferrable and need not be complicated nor time-consuming early in the effort.
Keeping the focus.
NCI was established to provide flexibility in any early-stage product or system development cycle. Paperwork and meetings are minimized. Often, on-the-fly changes can be implemented through redlines, email or video calls. The objective of every development effort is to keep your project moving forward and prepared for transfer to your facility.
It's not uncommon for NCI to start projects with ambiguity and a list of unknowns. This is not a problem, it's normal and keeps things interesting. We can turn arm waving into a collection of viable concepts that will go on to become viable and advanced prototypes ready for bench testing and lab studies.
Like having someone proofread an important document, fresh eyes to review a design or process can help identify issues that may have been overlooked or strengths that can be further optimized. NCI can work with (or without) internal teams to confirm the first draft or provide solutions to challenges in design, use, assembly and manufacturing techniques.
Not every shop will build a single piece for you, but if it's interesting and challenging, NCI will. Over the years, this service has become a specialty for clients with a tight schedule or a job too small for conventional shops - and yes, it's expensive. Custom machining at NCI also includes small runs on normal stuff, too.
Brainstorming is usually done as a small group enterprise during a development effort; however, NCI has been engaged by clients as secondary source. By providing just enough material to understand the objectives and without prescribing solutions, independent brainstorming sessions can provide a fresh pallet of options for the client. NCI can provide input from deep experience in either scenario.
Occasionally, clients have wanted to explore alternatives without disrupting the focus of their internal development efforts. NCI can provide this space for side projects that will dovetail with a larger effort or provide the bandwidth to develop alternative designs, assembly processes or test systems needed for a project.
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