The countdown to a New Year is a time when every second is taken in and valued. As one-year transitions into the next, we usually plan where we will be when the ball drops. However, being aware of the passage of time isn’t only important at the end of the year, it’s also crucial for project management. There is so much planning that goes into a new product! From design to prototyping, and then to production, careful planning and time management is needed at every stage. For custom keypads and other silicone products, it is crucial to factor in the proper lead-time for your project.

For example, a keypad project that is to be used in a military application will certainly need to be completed by a deadline; but underestimating lead-time could delay the completion of your project. In order to ensure that your next project is ready by your deadline, it is important to be aware of lead-time at every stage of the project journey!

Design

When it comes to silicone projects that are going to be produced at a large scale, it is best to measure twice and cut once. Double-checking to ensure that your design is sound can save you significant time in the long run. One of the best ways to test and tweak a design is through prototyping, a method of quickly creating silicone prototypes.

Prototyping

Prototyping is an excellent way to ensure your design is exactly the way you want it to be, and with rapid silicone prototyping from SiTech, lead times have never been shorter. Generally, a keypad prototype takes 2-3 weeks to complete, which, compared to alternate prototyping techniques, significantly cuts down on lead-time. Prototypes are up to 90% accurate based on the finished production, giving you the ability to make quick changes with the final product in mind.

Production

Once your prototype fits the exact specifications that are required, then your design is ready for production. The production process can vary significantly based on your exact project, so call SiTECH today at 757-887-8488 to get a quote and estimated completion time for your next silicone project!