Design for Manufacturing

Moving a hardware product from a functional prototype to mass production represents a significant hurdle for many companies. A working model proves the concept, but it rarely demonstrates readiness for the factory floor. We bridge this gap by preparing your product for scale. Our team evaluates designs through the lens of volume production, identifying features that drive up costs or introduce unnecessary risk. We provide DFM services to analyze every component, highlighting areas where geometry modifications could simplify tooling or where material changes could reduce cycle time.

Addressing these factors early preserves profit margins and maintains product integrity. Ignoring design-for-manufacturing principles often leads to problems later, such as low production yield, inconsistent quality, or assembly problems. We guide your project through this transition, preparing technical documentation and specifications that factories understand clearly.  

Establishing clear tolerances and quality standards at the outset minimizes miscommunication that can delay product releases. Send your product into manufacturing seamlessly. We can integrate into your production line and existing suppliers or engage new manufacturers for you.

Trusted by

our expertise

Where we shine.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) bridges the gap between engineering and production. We align your design with practical manufacturing methods to reduce risk, rework, and cost.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance starts early and we make sure it’s built into your product from the beginning. Our team helps you navigate standards, certifications, and documentation to avoid delays down the line.

Production Preparation

Production success starts with preparation. We handle the transition from development to manufacturing by verifying designs, sourcing components, and aligning vendors for a clean start.

Manufacturer Selection

Finding the right manufacturer is critical to product success. We help you evaluate, vet, and select partners who can deliver quality, scale, and reliability, whether domestic or overseas.

Production Sample Inspection

Production sample inspection protects your investment. We evaluate first articles for conformance to spec, helping you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

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Don’t settle for development that’s too slow or doesn’t deliver.
Our team blends technical expertise with your business context to build winning products.

Manufacturing is the goal.

A winning concept that isn’t suited for manufacturing can’t win for your business. Don’t go through development without considering the end goal.

At SGW, we take ideas from conceptual to manufacturing-ready through multiple iterations of design and prototyping. But even a high-quality, functional prototype doesn’t ensure manufacturing success. Ultimately, our designs are optimized for specific manufacturing processes and incorporate feedback from manufacturers to ensure products are ready for seamless manufacturing and assembly.

Choosing the right manufacturing partner determines the long-term viability of a product line. We handle vendor selection by assessing equipment capabilities, quality control processes, and financial stability. This rigorous vetting process protects your investment. Once we select a partner, we manage the transfer of information. We generate detailed drawing packages and assembly instructions that leave no room for misinterpretation.

Manufacturing design engineering requires vigilance during the initial production runs. We review off-tool parts and measure them against the original design data to verify accuracy. If discrepancies exist, we determine the root cause and direct the necessary tooling adjustments. This hands-on management establishes a reliable standard for all future production lots. We also focus on assembly workflow. Even precise parts can fail if the assembly process allows for operator error. We design fixtures and define step-by-step procedures that minimize variability on the line.

We also establish Quality Control (QC) plans that dictate how the factory inspects parts during production. This includes defining critical dimensions and cosmetic standards. By maintaining a focus on design for manufacturing throughout the entire setup phase, we create a predictable path to market. This structured approach protects product quality and supports scalable growth for your business, allowing you to focus on sales and distribution while we handle the technical details of supply chain establishment.

Testimonials

What our clients are saying.

"These guys get it. They are a rare blend of creative and technical talent. Honest, flexible, fun to work with and incredibly competent. As a designer, they make me look good, bringing my ideas to life through their insight and experience."

Preston Lewis, Co-Founder & CCO

"I have worked with the team at SGW on a handful of projects, and I continue to be impressed with the depth and breadth of talent and capabilities they bring to the table. SGW is easy to work with, competent, and they operate with integrity. They make you want to do more business with them. Highly recommend!"

David Sheehan, Engineering Manager

"The team at SGW Designworks was able to identify and test multiple solutions to a complex development challenge in a short period of time, then carry those findings over to a full development effort. This had a real impact on the speed of our development project."

Calvin Allan, Senior Program Manager
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Looking for more support?

Mechanical engineering, Electronics & Embedded Systems, Prototyping, Manufacturing setup

How we engage...

Projects

Have SGW execute a project. End-to-end development, specific development stages, or targeted scopes of work.

Dedicated Capacity

Receive dedicated capacity by technical discipline to add to your project team.

Consulting and Coaching

Get connected with an SGW staff member to support your development strategy and decision making.

Recent Projects

Cradlepoint

5G Vehicle Router

SGW Designworks completed the preliminary design of Cradlepoint’s outdoor vehicle router, with eventual hand-off to the original design manufacturer (ODM).

LANDR

Sustainable Contact Lens Case

SGW Designworks helped LANDR develop a prototype and design package for their contact lens case, connected them with a trusted manufacturing partner, and provided engineering support through production.

PRECO

Rugged HMI for Collision Avoidance Radar

The Preco PreView product line was well established, but was in need of an update. Specifically, the in-vehicle display was aging. Preco was interested in developing a new display unit with specific features and characteristics.

choose your adventure

Get started with our development service in 3 steps...

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Meet with us

Discuss your current development projects, approach, team, and goals

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Get tailored development help

Project help or dedicated capacity by discipline

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See results

Realize the benefits of an award winning team focused on your project

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Don’t settle for development that’s too slow or doesn’t deliver. Put SGW to work and develop the right products on the right timeline.
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