Tag Archives: prototypes

Last updated: May 22, 2026

Why Working Prototypes Fail in Production, Part 2: The Failure Patterns and Fixes [Podcast]

A working prototype can make a product feel almost ready for production. The design works. The team has seen it function. The customer may already be thinking about launch dates, tooling, production quantities, and delivery schedules. But a working prototype … Continue reading

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Why Working Prototypes Fail in Production, Part 1: What Changes Before Mass Production [Podcast]

A working prototype can give a product team a lot of confidence. The device functions. The team signs it off. The design looks ready. Everyone starts thinking about tooling, production schedules, and launch dates. But then production starts, and unexpected … Continue reading

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NRE Costs Exposed: How One-Time Engineering Bills Can Sink Your Product (Ep. 49 revisited)

In episode 327 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud revisit a topic that still catches many product developers and importers by surprise: What are non-recurring engineering costs, and why do they matter so much before production starts? NRE costs … Continue reading

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Fabricating Tooling BEFORE Final Prototypes: A Necessary Leap of Faith? [Podcast]

Let’s explore a critical stage in the new product introduction (NPI) process: Getting tooling for plastic injection molding made before your final prototypes are finished. They discuss the risks and considerations of commissioning tooling before a final prototype is completed, … Continue reading

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Crowdfunding Failures: 4 Great Prototypes That Failed To Launch

4 Crowdfunding failures we can learn from Not every great product idea makes it into production. Even some excellent products are crowdfunding failures that didn’t make it past the prototype stage, leaving the inventors, backers, and fans scratching their heads … Continue reading

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Why You Need Mature Product Designs BEFORE Working With A Chinese Manufacturer!

As part of our design support service, we have been speaking with many inventors planning to manufacture their new products in China about the importance of starting with mature product designs. What many don’t understand is that several steps just can’t … Continue reading

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