Coming up with an idea for a beautifully designed product can be difficult, but actually turning that idea into something that you can hold in your hands is even more difficult than that. Designing a product for manufacturing requires close attention to detail, a considerable knowledge of manufacturing technologies, and a willingness to rethink your design on a moment’s notice.
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when designing for manufacturing. Keep them in mind before you start your next project!
Lack of Specific Detail
A lack of detail in your design will turn into a lack of communication between you and the manufacturer. Your design may be clear to you, but the only way to be sure it’s clear to the people who will produce it is to provide as many specific details as possible. In this case, too much information is far better than not enough.
Lacking Knowledge About the Machinery
Make yourself aware of the machines that your manufacturer has at their disposal, but also of the ways that they work and what their limitations are. This will help to inform your design process and prevent unnecessary changes to your plans.
Designing Features That Are Difficult To Manufacture
Complex designs can wind up taking a ton of time to manufacture, and sometimes they can even be impossible to manufacture at all. Try to keep your design as simple as possible without losing any of its functionality, and be sure to avoid any features that may break easily during the manufacturing process.
Allowing Aesthetics To Hinder Manufacturing Unnecessarily
It’s important to not let aesthetic features become too cumbersome in the manufacturing process. It’s great to make a beautifully designed product, but not if it costs you a ton of time and money in manufacturing. Always be sure to strike a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and cost.
Looking for a manufacturing partner to bring your designs to life? Contact RJ Manufacturing today!
