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Answers
to your questions.
•
Is this a prototype process?
Not a very good one; our business model is based on repeat
production (low volume production is fine) and your prototype
should simulate your production process or you learn nothing
about your manufacturing issues.
•
But can I use it to prototype
my product anyway?
Yes, you can, but the form, fit and function of your production
product will not be the same - so there’s not a lot
of value in using the Tool-Less process to prototype if
your production process is different.
•
Is this an interim process before
I go to injection molding?
Yes, it can be used for that purpose if you can live with
the differences listed above. It is especially appropriate
if the design is not stable and you need market or customer
feedback and multiple redesign’s prior to your production.
We regularly produce 500 units, make changes, build 500
more, make more changes and build another 500 before our
customer releases tooling.
•
How
durable are Tool-Less products?
We can design a pretty durable product - probably not
as durable as an equivalent injection molded product though.
The weight of the product, drop requirements, whether
the product has to survive with no damage, or without
creating a danger - these affect our design direction
and feasibility. We use thicker materials, add doublers
in corners and other design details to create a more durable
product.
•
Can
I get it in my colour?
Yes, you can, there may be a minimum required for custom
colours, but we can match any colour.
•
Can
you hide your joint lines?
No, we cannot. We use the joint lines as an aesthetic
feature and we can control where they fall on the part
to maintain the best aesthetics. Our design team is very
good at using these features to your benefit. |
