Every great innovation begins as an idea. The path from idea to tangible reality, however, can be long and sometimes complicated. Here are a few terms useful in the world of product design and development and ways Pivot International can help you bring your idea from initial concept to the market.
3D printing: a process which creates a physical object using a 3D computer-generated model. A 3D printer can rapidly create components or models from a graphic representation which previously only existed as software. Pivot International uses 3D printing in a number of capacities, including rapid prototyping.
3D rendering: the use of a computer to convert a computer-generated wire frame model into a 3D graphic model. Often used as part of the CAD process. If you’d like to see what your concept will look like before the first prototype is even built, Pivot International can help you create a 3D image to your specifications.
accelerated business model: Pivot International’s business is to take a concept and develop it into finished product. We recognize market circumstances can change quickly and we act accordingly, moving through the design and development phases as quickly as possible without losing the precision, accuracy, and attention to detail you need.
box-build assembly: also known as systems integration, this is assembly work that does not require printed circuit boards. It includes the installation of components and sub-assemblies, the installation of cabling and wires, and the creation of the device’s enclosure. Pivot International can provide this service for you, whether you are creating a prototype or a finished product, or just a proof of concept.
CAD (computer-aided design): software used by artists, architects, engineers, and many others to create detailed 3D images or drawings. It can also be used to create highly precise 2D drawings. Many concepts progress quickly into CAD, because it’s often easier to work with something visible. Pivot International offers CAD technicians and facilities as part of its design process.
CE certification: the CE mark, formerly known as the EC mark, is a mandatory mark for some products sold in the European Union. It signifies compliance with European laws a product needs to follow before it can be manufactured or sold in certain nations. Pivot International can make sure your product passes CE certification.
clean room assembly: assembly of a product in a room virtually free of contaminants, including dust, water vapor droplets, and other particulate matter. Such an environment is necessary for the construction of delicate components like microchips. Pivot International has such facilities and engineers with the knowledge to build in such an environment.
concept drawings: an illustration of a particular idea, generally created before a physical model of any kind has been developed. Often the first step of product development after an idea is developed. Pivot International can provide artists to create concept art to your specification.
contract manufacturing: outsourcing to other companies for components or products. These are some of the services Pivot International provides.
CSA: CSA International (Canadian Standards Association), a member of the CSA Group, is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA’s marks appear on billions of products worldwide.
device master record: called DMR for short, this is the collected records necessary to create and manufacture a product, like the drawings, schematics, and specifications. Pivot International can assist you in developing all the materials that should be a part of your DMR.
electrical engineering: engineering involving the application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Pivot International can provide electrical engineers to build your creation, whether prototype, proof of concept, or finished product.
FCC: the Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, which regulates all communications by radio, wire, television, cable, and satellite in the U.S., including U.S. territories. If a product involves any of the previously mentioned fields in the United States, it has to comply with FCC standards. Pivot International can assist you in ensuring your product does not violate FCC regulations.
FDA: the Food and Drug Administration, the regulatory body for food and drug production and distribution in the United States. Anything meant to be ingested must first pass FDA approval before it can go to market. Pivot International’s manufacturing facilities are FDA registered.
high-volume production: basically mass-production, the process of building a large number of items rapidly. Generally, these items are all the same, or very similar in construction and appearance. Pivot International has mass-production facilities for the creation of both components or finished products.
IEC: the International Electrotechnical Commission creates international standards for certain technological products. Pivot International can build your product so it follows IEC standards.
industrial design: or just ID, is a professional service which creates products and systems per user specification; one of the many services Pivot International provides.
integrated systems: an engineering term regarding the process of making different subsystems of a product into a functioning unified system. Pivot International’s engineers will work with you so your project comes together just as you envisioned it.
ISO 13485 certification: ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. Any medical devices designed and manufactured must receive ISO 13485 certification. Pivot International can help you comply with these standards if you have a medical device in mind.
ISO 9001 certification: Quality management standards from the International Organization for Standardization. If you want a product to have a global reach, it will need ISO certification. Pivot International can help you achieve the required standards.
looks-like model: a non-working model of your concept that looks and feels like the finished item. Pivot International can create a looks-like model to your specification.
manufacturing: to make something on a large scale using machinery, or to invent or fabricate. These concepts are at the core of Pivot International.
mechanical assembly: the act of putting a product together for a manufacturer. Pivot International has skilled mechanical assemblers who can build complex items, including clean room manufacturing, or items which require special certification or requirement standards.
printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA): a printed circuit board serves both as mechanical support and an electronic connection to various components within a device. They can be multi-layered to pack more components into a smaller space. Engineers at Pivot International can build PCBAs into your devices as needed.
product design: the creation of a new product meant to go to the market. The term encompasses the entire creation of a product, from its initial conception to the point where it can be declared as finished. Pivot International can help you every step of the way.
product development: the process of designing and creating a new product. This term covers all the technical details of creating a product, including the methods used to manufacture and test it. Pivot International provides the tools an inventor needs to develop a product from concept to market.
proof of concept: a proof of concept (POC) a working model of a product or component created to demonstrate a certain idea will work in the real world, as opposed to just on paper. Pivot International can help you create a proof of concept model, which is often one of the first steps to attracting investors.
prototype: the demonstration model of a new item or system. The not quite ready for market model of your idea, a prototype is often used as a test to work out any flaws that may not have been immediately apparent during earlier phases of development. Pivot International can build a prototype of your device once you reach that stage.
rapid prototyping: methods used to quickly create a working model, usually from 3D images build with CAD software, and utilizing a 3D printer to quickly build components. All of these techniques, and the equipment and personnel necessary to utilize them, are available through Pivot International.
RoHS: the Restriction of Hazardous Substances. A restriction in the use of certain substances in electrical and electronic equipment in the European Union. If you plan to sell your product in the EU, Pivot International can ensure it follows RoHS standards.
software development: programming, documentation, testing, and refining of applications. Pivot International has teams of software developers on staff who can assist you with any software your concept requires.
specification: the details of a specific product, including its components, any physical dimensions, and other notes pertinent to its design. Pivot International works to the specifications provided by the client.
turnkey solution: a system easily introduced into current practices. If your product offers a turnkey solution, it can be smoothly inserted into your already existing routine. We will work with you to create a turnkey solution, if that is among your goals.
TÜV: In German, it stands for Technischer Überwachungs-Verein, which is Technical Inspection Association in English. These independent consultants inspect facilities for safety and provide various ISO certifications. Pivot International can assist you with compliance with TÜV standards.
UL: the Underwriters Laboratories began in the United States, but their standards are observed around the world. They have been analyzing the safety of new products for well over 100 years. Pivot International can assist you during the design process and make sure your device will pass UL testing.
If you’d like more information on any aspect of bringing your new product idea to market, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’d be more than happy to discuss the product development and manufacturing processes with you. Contact us today!
