Hello dkriss1,
Thank you for your question.
I understand your desire to work with a firm that is close to your
midwestern location, however, with today's easily available electronic
communication tools, location should not be a primary consideration.
Email is almost instantaneous and photographic images of the progress
of your project can keep you well informed. Free software, such as
Microsoft Netmeeting and the addition of a very inexpensive web cam
(under $50) can give you live video communication with your design
build shop. I would consider using a company that is remotely located
if they seem to fit your needs better than what you find locally.
I searched for prototype design build at Google and found the
following possibilities for you to interview and request bids:
The Open Directory Project at DMOZ has a listing of Prototype
Developers. I selected several that seem to have the capabilities to
develop your specific project:
http://dmoz.org/Science/Technology/Manufacturing/Prototyping/
-----------------------------
Advanced Design Consulting
http://www.adc9001.com/
Corporate Headquarters
Advanced Design Consulting, Inc.
126 Ridge Rd.
P.O. Box 187
Lansing, NY 14882
Phone: (607) 533 - 3531
Fax: (607) 533 - 3618
This company uses their web site for password protected client access
to their project updates and progress. They work in the following
areas:
Synchrotron Equipment
Neutron Equipment
UHV Design / Manufacturing
Cryogenic Systems
Precision Positioning System (Optical Tables)
Astronomy
Industrial Design
Scientific Design
Electronics / Controls
Testing & Evaluation
Manufacturing
Research & Development
I would think the would possess the expertise for your product
prototyping.
-----------------------------
Athena Manufacturing, LP
4807 Commercial Park Dr.
Austin, TX 78724
512-928-2693
fax 512-928-2741
sales@athenamfg.com
http://www.athenamfg.com/
"Athena provides total manufacturing solutions for your design,
prototype and production needs. Let our experienced staff of engineers
and journey-level technicians streamline your design cycles and reduce
the cost of your next project."
-----------------------------
A UK based company, CA Models appears well qualified:
http://camodels.co.uk/company.html
Established by craftsman and entrepreneur Clark Campbell, to produce
one-off appearance and engineering models, CA Models is recognized as
a market leader.
Equipped with cutting edge technology and highly skilled personnel the
company supports the rapid prototyping requirements of the product
development industry, world-wide.
contact us
We have a wealth of experience to be utilized and contacting us could
not be easier.
http://camodels.co.uk/contact.html
----------------------------
Envison in Greensboro North Carolina
http://www.envision-nc.com/pages/home.html
"...With a wide range of capabilities, the talented Envision team is
here to assist you with skills that go beyond
essential model making. We look at our job as a collaborative effort,
a kind of concurrent engineering. Customers rely on our ability to
trouble-shoot the design and manufacturing
process. We make suggestions. We provide solutions..."
1648 Sullivan Street Greensboro, North Carolina 27405
Phone: 336.274.8300 / Fax: 336.379.8834
----------------------------------
I also found Widget Junction from the DMOZ listing. This is a bulletin
board system allowing inventors to communicate with designers and
prototypers and request quotation.
http://www.widgetjunction.com/
"WidgetJunction.com is a business exchange for custom fabricated parts
and manufacturing.
No contracts. No commissions. Free membership. Free posting.
RFQ-Quote Service
Buyers can post an RFQ (Request For Quote) for custom parts and hard
to find items and attach photos, drawings and specifications. Vendors
submit sealed Quotes or estimates which post to Buyer's RFQ on his
"MyDesk" Page. Buyers can review preliminary Quote information or
"select" a Quote to obtain more detail, including Vendor contact
information. The Buyer and Vendor then communicate independently. The
Buyer can remain anonymous and controls whether or not respective
identities are revealed.
Find suppliers and job shops around the world for your prototype or
production project."
This could be an interesting resource for you.
--------------------------------
At Thomas Regional -
http://www.thomasregional.com/index.html?y=&us=3dde6520d101e&tb=1 -
You can register free for access to their industrial database and
search for prototypers by state.
I registered and searched prototype in Missouri and found the
following:
http://www.thomasregional.com/nsearch.html?y=TH10379852948453&us=3dde6520d101e&what=prototype&heading=3965&goto=nsearch&cov=MO
Central Pattern Co.
8830 Pershall Rd.
Hazelwood, MO 63042-2916
Phone: (314) 524-3626
Fax: (314) 522-8399
Company Description:
Manufacturer Of Prototypes & Castings; Rapid Prototyping Service
Ultra-Tech, Inc.
3003 Power Dr.
Kansas City, KS 66106
Phone: (913) 262-7009
Fax: (913) 262-7210
Company Description:
Manufacturer Of Custom Precision Machining, Turnkey Equipment Design,
Prototyping, & Production Machining
There were others, but not as appropriate for your needs. You can, of
course, search other states at this site to find additional listings.
--------------------------
Another interesting searchable resource is ProtoMarket at
http://www.protomarket.com/
ProtoMarket.com is a revolutionary marketplace that matches buyers and
sellers of rapid prototyping/tooling, casting, CNC machining,
production tooling, and short-run production.
A page on Rapid Prototyping defines this process as:
"Rapid Prototyping(RP), or Solid Freeform Fabrication(SFF), Solid
Freeform Manufacturing(SFM), Layered Manufacturing(LM), or Desktop
Manufacturing, consists of various manufacturing processes by which a
solid physical model of a part is made directly from 3D CAD model
data, without any special tooling. This CAD data may be generated by
3D CAD Modelers, CT and MRI scan data or model data created by 3D
digitizing systems."
http://ecoleing.uqtr.uquebec.ca/geniedoc/gmm/productique/RP_GENER.HTM
This process may and may not be appropriate for your particular
design. If it does show promise for you, then you might wish to
consult the Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping at
http://home.att.net/~castleisland/
--------------------------
Continuing my search, I found a company in the midwest that lists
hydromechanical devices as one of their areas of expertise:
Kevin Kennedy Associates
http://www.kkai.com/epb.html
"KKAI offers a vast resource of consultants, engineers and experts in
project management, quality, lean manufacturing consulting services,
product development and product design."
They seem to be a very complete service facility and are located in
Indianapolis.
----------------------------
Rexnord Technical Services is another possibility for you.
http://www.rts-rexnord.com/rtsss.html
RTS - Rexnord Technical Services
5101 West Beloit Road
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214
(414) 643-3067
Fax: (414) 643-3200
E-mail: rtsinfo@rts-rexnord.com
"PROTOTYPE, FABRICATION AND MACHINE SHOP:
RTS is staffed to produce complex "one-of-a-kind" items or short run
critical components. All designed, fabricated or machined components
are accurate, reliable and cost effective. Our craftsmen will work
closely with your engineers or production personnel to help eliminate
bottlenecks."
--------------------------------
D'Antonio Consultants International
http://www.dantonioconsultants.com/
"The capabilities of the DCI team are diverse, and projects have
ranged over a wide array of technologies. DCI focuses on research and
development, specializing in electrical and mechanical engineering and
prototyping services. We also provide final assembly, calibration and
test for several products.
The DCI philosophy is to work in partnership with our customers so
that critical product attributes are clearly defined early in the
program. This promotes shorter development times, fewer prototypes and
earlier marketing of new products. Relationship building and
satisfying customer’s needs have been key to DCI’s success in
obtaining and completing product development projects."
D'Antonio Consultants International
6308 Fly Road,
East Syracuse,
NY 13057
Phone: 315-463-4999
Fax: 315-463-5267
mailto:info@dantonioconsultants.com
-------------------------
I hope the above listing of possible prototype design and build firms
will lead you to a fruitful collaboration. Do investigate some of the
forums and search functions of Thomas Regional to find many more
possibilities.
If anything above is unclear or a link non functional, please do ask
for clarification.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
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