Prototyping & Pilot Batches
01
What is prototyping
At VRI, prototyping means building the prototype in the same environment, process and criteria as volume production.
Prototyping with the company that will run production shortens the path to volume and reduces surprises at scale: what works in the prototype tends to work in volume, with no redesign for another supplier.
02
How it works
- 1
Prototype with DFM
Manufacturability is assessed already in the prototype, revealing design adjustments before investing in tooling and volume.
- 2
Pilot batch
A small-scale production run that validates process, assembly and quality before full volume.
- 3
Volume production
The product moves to volume in the same factory as the prototype.
03
How VRI does it
At VRI, the same partner takes the project from prototype to pilot batch to production, keeping cost and quality under control.
No change of supplier
Prototype, pilot batch and volume happen in the same factory.
Close engineering
Engineering closely follows each transition between stages.
Process and traceability
Process and traceability are preserved from prototype to production.
Frequently asked questions about prototyping
Does VRI build prototypes and also scale to volume?
Yes. We take the project from prototype to pilot batch to volume production in the same factory, with no change of supplier.
Is it worth prototyping with the volume manufacturer?
Yes. Prototyping in the same environment and process as production reduces risk at scale and avoids redesigning for another supplier.
What is a pilot batch?
It is a small-scale production run that validates process, assembly and quality before full volume.
How does VRI reduce rework in prototyping?
By applying DFM early — assessing the design's manufacturability already in the prototype, before investing in tooling and volume.