The Path
Idea to shipped product. Ten stations, in order.
- 01设计
Design
Design & engineering
Industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering. Get a real design-for-manufacturing review before you spend on tooling.
Lead2–8 weeks · 13 firms - 02手板
Prototype
Prototyping
Looks-like and works-like models: CNC, SLA, urethane casting. In Shenzhen this takes days, not weeks.
Lead3–10 days · 31 firms - 03电子
Electronics
PCB & assembly
Board fab, SMT assembly, component sourcing — and Huaqiangbei for the parts you need tomorrow.
Lead1–3 weeks · 21 firms - 04开模
Tooling
DFM & tooling
Getting a mold made: steel grades, T1 samples, and making sure the tool is legally yours.
Lead3–6 weeks · 20 firms - 05试产
EVT · DVT · PVT
Pilot builds
Three builds with a contract manufacturer, each proving something different before mass production.
Lead6–16 weeks · 12 firms - 06认证
Certification
Certification
FCC, CE, UL, CCC and battery transport — the Shenzhen labs that test and file.
Lead2–6 weeks · 9 firms - 07品质
Quality
Quality control
Factory audits, in-line and pre-shipment inspection, golden samples.
LeadOngoing · 12 firms - 08包装
Packaging
Packaging
Retail boxes, inserts, manuals and labels, printed down the road from your factory.
Lead2–4 weeks · 7 firms - 09物流
Logistics
Logistics
Freight forwarders, Hong Kong consolidation, and 3PLs that ship to your customers.
Lead1–6 weeks · 6 firms - 10融资
Funding
Funding & legal
Accelerators, IP protection, company setup and paying suppliers safely.
Lead1 firm