How does one go about having a small non-electronic contraption
mass-produced? Like, an entrepreneur...

You'll need the services of a prototyping specialist -- a firm that
specializes in taking concepts from the paper stage, thru to a
limited, mass-production run of actual manufactured products:


http://www.inventioncity.com/prototypes.html


Let me know if there's anything else you need on this.


pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Answer by pafalafa-ga on 28 Dec 2006 13:47 PST

Just to clarify, there are many other firms that can create prototypes
for you.  Some specialize in e.g., plastic prototypes, toy prototypes,
machine prototypes, and so on.  A simple Google search on the terms
prototype and whatever-your-item-is should help identify relevant
companies.  But if you need help finding the right prototype firm,
just let me know.

david

I doubt that this can be answered without details about the
contraption. What materials is it made of? Does it require assembly?
If so, are the component parts purchasable, or do they need to be made
from scratch?