Case study

AI Vision : From concept to product

Client: AI Wearable Startup
Industry: Consumer Electronics
Product: Smart Fitness Device Enclosure
Objective: Fast prototyping and low-volume production for enclosure design validation.

Challenge:

The client needed to quickly validate the enclosure design for their fitness device with precise mechanical components, high-quality surface finishes, and fast turnaround, all while managing costs.

Solution:

CNC Machining:

• Pros: High precision, durable, excellent surface finish, ideal for functional prototypes.

• Cons: Slower for complex designs, more expensive for small volumes.

Vacuum Casting:

• Pros: Fast turnaround, cost-effective for low volumes, excellent for appearance prototypes.

• Cons: Less precise, not as durable as CNC, limited material choices.

Implementation:

• CNC machining was used for functional prototypes to test mechanical components.

• Vacuum casting was used for appearance prototypes, allowing for quick design validation with multiple color and texture options.

Outcome:

• Speed: CNC provided precise testing, while vacuum casting offered fast design feedback.

• Cost Efficiency: Combining both methods balanced time and cost, with CNC used for functional tests and vacuum casting for design iterations.

• Development: The client advanced to user testing and design refinement, leading to faster market readiness.

Conclusion:

CNC machining is ideal for precision and functional testing, while vacuum casting excels in appearance prototypes with quick turnaround and low-volume production. Combining both allowed the client to efficiently move from concept to product.