Product idea proposal

[Methal365]

Hi there
I've been scrolling through these forums for a couple days now and can't seem to find what I'm looking for so decided to make an account and post a new topic hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for,
I've got an idea for a product I would like to produce and sell its is a really simple product which I've broken down in to the 5 pieces it'll be made off I've got sketches of the idea and the parts also I've got a 3D model which shows the concept perfectly only issue is this model is in no way workable,
My proposal is I'm looking for someone to make me the CAD/CAM model and also machine for me one mode of the product after this had been made I would like the model so that I can invest in a CNC machine myself and manufacture the product myself from there.

Any advice or any questions just leave them down below I'll reply as soon as possible,
Thank you for the taking the time to read this.

 

[RobinBHM]

I know some of the members on here recommend a cnc forum for stuff like this, have you tried one of those?

I cant remember which, is it cnczone?

 

[marcros]

i would think long and hard before investing in a cnc yourself. you can probably subcontract that out to others and produce the item at a lower overall cost.

i cant help on the cnc item, but the book "The Lean Startup" is worth a read. Somehow, you need to produce some actual items to test whether there is a demand before having CAM models produced. In the book, this is what the author refers to as a "MVP"- minimum viable product. It also gives you an opportunity to test and see whether additional features would actually increase sales, although this may not be applicable for a "simple product"

 

[Distinterior]

Methal,

A guy recently walked into my Showroom and asked if i ever needed any CNC work doing.
I had been thinking of making my own 8' x 4' MFT top but thought I could get him to do it for me.
We agreed a price and he rang me a few days later to say it was done.
I picked it up earlier this week and its spot on square....!!!!!

He is a one man operation and has a couple of CNC machines, the largest of which can handle an 8' x 4' size sheet.

If you want his contact details, PM me and I'll send them to you.

 

[deema]

If you can, patent the ideas, or if not register the design if your convinced of its financial viability. Once it's public. It's the property of everyone if you've not protected it. It's not cheap to do, and takes time.

Prototypes can be made under an NDA (none disclosure Agreement) however you need the financial muscle to go to court if they actual make your ideas public. Most can't afford this so the NDA is worthless. The only other solution is to give each part to a different company to make so no one sees the whole. Avoid drawings that state things like 'part 1 of the widget invention'


I think you need to state the material the parts are to be made from, and whether they will be turned, milled, ground, drilled, laser cut flat or hollow section and the typical tolerance you need them made to in order for people to understand your needs.

 

[nev]

Would 3D printing not be a better way to go for the prototype?

 

[Methal365]

Thanks for all the replies I only just realised I probably should have specified more on the idea,
Well first of all I won't have worry to much about the idea getting taken it a uniques thing that once I create there won't be space in the market for a copy in any way and of course I will be using nda agreements all the ways till it is marketable then I will be investing into a patent.
Thanks for on all the advice and I don't wanna seem arrogant in any way but I've been researching this product for almost a year now and the market for roughly 3 years, also everyone I explain the idea to loves it straight away and can't wait to get there hands on one, I honestly think this think will be a huge hit plus all the thought ive put into it I've realised that CNC is probably the bet way to go forward unless of course there's some other techniques I'm not aware off but the idea will be made of roughly 6 parts 4 of those will be wood while the other 2 will be a thin sheet of aluminium that will have some minor work done to it, the idea in whole will be 120mmX60mmX15mm no to big so could probably be made On a tabletop CNC.
The reason I've decided to go for CNC is because it will fit my needs perfectly epsicually since I can use it for future projects, I should have probably been more specific on what I need, I need someone to take my sketches and my 3D model I already have and render it into a workable file that will create the 6 parts, then I would like them to machine me one of the product the concept has been finalised the only tweaks that will be made is due to the properties of wood or issues that will arise from the physical model but I am confident won't happen, after this if possible would like maybe 30 to 50 pieces to get started with if this won't be possible I will be investing into a CNC machine myself and will just want the file sent over so I can work with.
Ofcoutse I will be reimbursing you for all the raw material and extra payment for all the effort and support you will provide me with hope this is more clear now and someone can help me or atleast point me in the right direction.
Thanks for all the help and support so far greatly appreciated

 

[Chrispy]

Hi Methal365 I've just sent you a Pm.

 

[whiskywill]

he idea will be made of roughly 6 parts 4 of those will be wood while the other 2 will be a thin sheet of aluminium that will have some minor work done to it

A cling film roll holder?

 

[MrTeroo]

High end chinese takeaway trays?

 

[skipdiver]

Time machine i reckon.