IDE provides the engineering expertise needed to develop a new product or improve an existing one. The following steps define the typical product design process.

Concept Generation

The first phase usually begins with an idea for a new product. A product specification is developed to define the functions and performance criteria for the product. Depending upon the product, one or more industrial design concept sketches are created to define the visual appearance features.

Detailed Design

The second phase is to develop a design based upon the concept model and specification. CAD models are created for the individual parts and for the assemblies which show how the parts go together. This virtual prototyping allows for interference checking and range-of-motion studies before any physical parts are made. The CAD models are built to be robust to ensure minimal impact by downstream revisions. Parts are designed with consideration to how they will be manufactured, assembled, and used.

Analysis

As the physical shape is being developed, the design is evaluated from an analytical standpoint to ensure there will not be any performance issues.  The analysis to be performed varies depending what is being designed, but may include things such as stress or thermal analysis. These can be hand-calculations, or if needed, finite element analysis (FEA).

Prototype

Once the design is completed, prototypes can be built. Plastic injection molded parts can be quickly simulated by stereolithography (SLA) or other rapid-prototyping means. If multiple parts are required, a silicon mold can be made and urethane cast parts can be made. For fabricated parts, detail drawings are created and sent to machine shops.

Assemble and Test

Component parts are assembled and tested to ensure the product meets the performance specification. If changes are required, the CAD models are updated and the prototype phase is repeated.

Product Release

The final phase is to release the product for production. A documentation package is delivered which includes detail drawings of custom components and assembly drawings with bill of materials. For tooled parts, CAD data can be exported in a variety of formats to enable tooling directly from the CAD database to ensure accuracy and expedite the tooling process.