Quick answer: a design goes through five stages before it becomes a series: engineering (drawings and cutting lists), prototype, adjustments, pre-series and production. The aim is for the final piece to be exactly what the designer imagined, but manufacturable, durable and at a reasonable cost.
1. What we need to start
A sketch, drawings or a 3D model, the overall dimensions, the preferred materials and the number of units. It does not all need to be resolved: part of our job is to complete what is missing.
2. Engineering
The technical office turns the design into shop drawings: it defines thicknesses, joints, hardware, cable routing if needed and how the piece is assembled and transported. This is where the first questions for the designer come up, and we always propose solutions that respect the original idea.
3. Prototype
We make a first unit with the real materials and finishes. It is the moment to see the piece in three dimensions, sit on it, open the drawers and check proportions that a drawing does not show.
4. Adjustments and pre-series
Once the changes are approved, we update the drawings and, for long runs, make a short pre-series to fine-tune times, jigs and packing before producing all the units.
5. Production and inspection
The series is made with the machining programs and templates from the prototype, so that unit one hundred is identical to the first. Each batch is inspected before it is packed.
Confidentiality
We sign non-disclosure agreements before receiving any documents if the designer needs it. The design is theirs: we do not show it or make it for anyone else.
More information on manufacturing for designers and brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you make short runs?
Yes, from a single piece. We have no minimum order.
Will you change my design?
Only what is needed to make it manufacturable and durable, and always with your approval.
How long does a prototype take?
It depends on the piece. We give you a firm lead time as soon as the drawings are approved.
By the technical office of Eban Premium, bespoke furniture manufacturer in Silla (Valencia, Spain).