Do YOU have an idea for an invention?!

August 19, 2005 2:35 PM

I have an idea for a product, and I'd like to get a prototype made. Does anyone have a service they'd recommend? And how does one research materials? (It's going to be solely made of some kind of rubber, but I don't know what to call the kind of rubber I want...)
posted by crickets to Technology (5 answers total)

How complex an object? IE. Does it have hollow spaces, or just one solid piece? It is something you could carve from a block like plaster or wax, then build a mold from that and use liquid latex to create?

If any of that holds true, talk to the various special effects shops in your area perhaps. Or use one of 'mold-a-cock' kits available on the net (make a dildo of your...ahem...). Or talk to a dentist about the stuff they use to make molds of teeth.
posted by Kickstart70 at 3:10 PM on August 19, 2005

If you have money to through at this project, try a product design/industrial design consultantcy, or a freelancer. A product designer can handle concept development, prototyping, materials, and preparation for manufacturing and CAD data. They might even be able to point you towards manufacturers they can recommend. Prepare to be greeted with a some skepticism, as they tend to see a lot of ideas, few of which are viable in the marketplace. The smaller firms will be more willing to take a look

A less expensive route might be to contact a school that offers a product design/industrial design major. A student would jump at the chance to work on your prototype and do CAD, especially if it's something they could include in their portfolio. They typically won't have much experience in manufacturing, but should be able to research materials.

http://idsa.org/ has a list of schools (although not mine), and probably a list of consulting firms.
posted by hydrophonic at 4:13 PM on August 19, 2005

through = throw

Also, if you're around Chicago, I know some people.
posted by hydrophonic at 4:14 PM on August 19, 2005

If it would be made from industrial rubber (think gaskets, etc.), I also know someone. Portland area. Note this would not work for the dildo route! Nor would you be able to "wear" the rubber product, nor would it be food grade.

People walk in or cold call the company my friend works for all the time. You tell them what type of mold you want made, you pay, they make the mold, then they make the product using the mold. Most of the time, you own the mold (including the copyright to it - you're commissioning them to make it). My email is in my profile. You can email me for more info. You can also try calling random rubber product companies in the phone book. Just tell them you want a mold made, see what they say. You'll be able to tell right away if they are willing to work with someone who's not quite sure what they're doing.
posted by peep at 5:12 PM on August 19, 2005

I don't know if this is suitable for your part(s), but you might want to try eMachineshop.com. They give you a free, simple CAD tool you can use to draw your part, then it will give you a quote on small quantities automagically. At the very least, its free to mess around with.
posted by jeb at 12:56 PM on August 20, 2005