1. Define the commercial product
Start with who the product is for, how it will be sold and assembled, the target timing and markets, and which development information already exists. A visually complete concept is not necessarily manufacturing-ready, while an incomplete concept may still be suitable for an early feasibility conversation.
2. Review the available product data
The team identifies what is confirmed and what still needs development. Relevant inputs can include concept art, 2D drawings, 3D or CAD data, part information, color references, artwork, instructions and packaging requirements.
Unknown part count, materials or assembly details can be marked as requiring engineering advice rather than guessed.
3. Align part, material and assembly decisions
Part breakdown, visible surfaces, interfaces and assembly approach influence the tooling and molding discussion. HIPS, ABS and PVC choices are reviewed against component function, structure, surface, finishing and other product needs.
See the HIPS vs ABS vs PVC guide for the material questions to prepare.
4. Develop the tooling path
Approved component information moves into mold engineering and construction. Mold-flow review, CNC work, tooling details and trial planning are connected to the specific product and the output expected from each stage.
The customer and manufacturer should agree how trial findings, design changes and approvals will be recorded.
5. Review trial parts
Trial output is evaluated against the agreed drawings, fit expectations, visible surfaces, molding risks, material, color and downstream requirements. The actual review criteria must be defined for the product rather than copied from a generic checklist.
6. Run the agreed production scope
Once the required approvals are complete, the project can move into the agreed molding, spray painting, Tampo Print, assembly and packaging activities. Not every project needs every service, and each handoff should be clear.
7. Inspect and prepare delivery
Confirm inspection and documentation requirements against the product, assembly, finish, packaging and target market before production and delivery.
What changes the schedule and cost?
Use the reviewed design, process scope, quantity plan and approval schedule to build a realistic estimate and timeline.
Confidentiality: Begin with a non-confidential overview. If an NDA is required, ask whether it and a suitable file-transfer method can be arranged before sending unreleased designs.
Related resources
Explore ITTAK’s connected manufacturing capabilities and view the KAIYODO / ARTPLA project galleries.