The jump from working prototype to manufactured product is full of surprises. We break it down.
A prototype proves it can work. Production engineering proves it will work — ten thousand times.
The moment a prototype gets handed off for manufacturing, a different set of constraints takes over.
Design for Manufacture From Day One
DFM is not a phase — it is a mindset. Every component choice, every footprint, every connector orientation should be made with assembly in mind.
- Avoid components with lead times longer than your production window.
- Use standard footprints your contract manufacturer already has fixtures for.
- Design test points for in-circuit testing — you will need them.
- Document every deviation from the BOM so your CM does not have to guess.
What Stays the Same
The core architecture should not change between prototype and production.
