Kit Development Process
The kit development process is designed to leave no stone unturned. From the initial client request, through to final production kit, ACS is committed to understanding the requirements and expectations of our customers. Each step in the process is a building block to achieving a kit that conforms to all customer requirements in the most cost effective way.
Initial Design Meeting
The initial design meeting is intended to cover all factors that will have an impact on kit design. These factors include but are not limited to:
Manufacturing Process (open molding, infusion, RTM)
Complete lay-up schedule, including preferred starting point
Core edge placement requirements (bevels, rounds, etc.)
Packaging requirements
Projected delivery/order schedule
This meeting is the starting point, but it is important to be armed with as much information as possible prior to this meeting to ensure a shorter overall kit development time.
Kit Design Proposal
ACS will take all information from the initial design meeting, as well as follow up information and 3D scanned models of the mold surface to develop the kit design proposal. At this time a quote will be supplied. If the quote and design meet customer requirements, ACS will prepare a prototype kit.
Prototype kit
A representative from ACS will be on site for the fitting of the prototype fit to ensure proper fits and to record any changes that need to be made. The majority of the time, when enough information is available during the initial steps in the process, the changes to the kit are minimal.
Revisions
The kit development process is an interactive one. Although we strive to make the initial kit as accurate as possible, there will undoubtedly be some changes along the way. These changes are communicated clearly, both internally and within the customer's organization to ensure continuous improvement, even after the kits are in full production.
Final Production Kit
Once all appropriate revisions have been completed and final design has been agreed upon, we start regular production of the kit. Even after regular production has commenced, we continuously evaluate ways to improve the kit and overall customer manufacturing process.