Pre-Production Prototype
Definition: The process of preparing the product for introduction into the marketplace.
Objective: The objective of the pre-production prototype is to develop the manufacturing processes and techniques required to produce the product.
Product: The product of this activity is a pre-production prototype or process.
Technical Activities: During the pre-production prototype step the following activities must be completed:
Develop a pre-production prototype
Determine pre-production processes
Select final product materials and components
Select manufacturing procedures, equipment, and tools;
Assess specification conformance
Test product performance, reliability, and quality
Design a field support system
Calculate full production costs
Technical Information: The pre-production prototype step usually will result in knowledge about the manufacture-ability of the product, the manufacturing processes, maintainability and reliability, material and component lists, plans for field support, installation and production costs, safety and environmental factors, time schedules, and regulatory requirements.
Assessment:
Do you have a production prototype of the product?
Have you conducted pilot production?
Have you selected the manufacturing process?
Have you selected the manufacturing equipment?
Have you conducted full-scale production?
Do you have a commercial-level design?
Do you have quality control procedures?
Have you produced sufficient quantities for market?