Let’s start with NPI, the beginning of the process. It starts with an idea and then a review of whether can it be made, and how much does it cost to build? Prototype, test, re-prototype, finalize, test, package, and market and sell. That NPI. Then as time passes and the product can no longer be updated or parts go obsolete, then a decision is made to EOL (End of Life) the product. This needs a plan as well. When will we stop building it and how long will we support it? Do we need to put out a notification of EOL or post it on our website? Here where we build for other customers that is the customers’ decision and we are part of the process to stop production. How much material is left and when to stop buying supplies. There are processes and steps for every aspect of a product lifecycle.
Questions often asked about injection molding and automation. As always, we are here to answer any other questions you have through the contact form or directly by phone.
How long does the design process take from beginning to end?
Design processes are highly collaborative, and depending on the number of features, can take just a few or several weeks. With a complete design, specialized tooling and components can take another 4-5 months to build. Product qualification depends on the number of components and assembly steps, taking from 2-5 weeks for complete documentation and acceptance.
About how long does an average design project take from beginning to end?
Part design can take anywhere from 1 day to several weeks. Complex assemblies with tight tolerances can undergo several rounds of design, prototyping, and testing. Once a design is complete, tooling can take another 8-16 weeks. For simple or small parts, options exist to create low-run or modular tooling in as little as 2 weeks.
Why do businesses need strategic sourcing?
Noble has been a successful addition for clients looking to reshore product manufacturing, particularly to position them for strategic success. The challenges of material supply, transportation, and workforce shortages are hitting around the globe. Our automation, relationship strength, and technical tools serve to make confident those businesses looking for both domestic and overseas options for manufacturing.
What is injection molding?
Injection Molding is one process used for mass production of thermoplastic parts. The resins are heated and injected into a closed mold, cooled to solidify into the shape machined into the mold, then ejected as either a finished part or can undergo further manufacturing steps.
What is TQM?
TQM stands for Total Quality Management. TQM is a culture in which everyone from high-level executives to level workers focuses on improving quality. Quality is EVERYONE’S job!
Why does creating a product roadmap matter?
Before embarking on a trip, most of us review GPS data and plan out which way we are going to travel, and plot out stops. The same process applies to developing a product. When will we build it based on market opportunities, resources, and the time for engineering and testing? What else are we passing along the way that might impact this product? How does it fit in our overall trip schedule for the quarter, the year, and the next five years? If we only built one product at a time we might not need a complex roadmap, but we would still need to know which way to go.
How is your customer service better than other companies?
Noble’s first core value is Do What You Say. For customer service, that means that even when something goes wrong, tenacity to seek solutions and communicate options are key. We can’t guarantee that machinery won’t break, deliveries won’t be delayed, or people won’t get sick, but we can guarantee that each order matters to our team and we take seriously our responsibility to keep customers up to date.
What things should be provided when coming to us with an idea?
To quote a part, we will request at least a part drawing with tolerances, material specifications, and number of units to produce. Preferably, we can be provided CAD/3D files, samples of parts, a material selection and alternative, quality specifications, and packaging specifications.
What materials do we use? Which ones do we NOT use?
Noble has experience will all common commodity resins but has specific expertise in engineering grade resins with fiberglass and carbon fiber fillers. Noble does not mold PVC.