I want to build an electronic vape device, where can I find someone to design it for me?

[m1kesta]

I'm looking to build an electronic vape "type" device. Slightly different than what is on the market. Are manufacturers overseas normally technically inclined to make advanced changes, or am I better of finding an engineer in the US (where I live) to help me design the technical and electrical architecture of the product?

 

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[happybhoy]

Hey there, over here in Europe the EU has classified vaping as a tobacco product and have introduced restrictions which come into force this month. The restrictions are things like a 2ml maximum tank size on devices and max bottle size of 10ml.
Earlier this week the FDA followed and also classified vaping as a tobacco product, so expect the same kind of restrictions.
Just something for you to think about as any rules which come in might make your new design obsolete.
I personally see the rule change as an opportunity.

 

[m1kesta]

Hey there, over here in Europe the EU has classified vaping as a tobacco product and have introduced restrictions which come into force this month. The restrictions are things like a 2ml maximum tank size on devices and max bottle size of 10ml.
Earlier this week the FDA followed and also classified vaping as a tobacco product, so expect the same kind of restrictions.
Just something for you to think about as any rules which come in might make your new design obsolete.
I personally see the rule change as an opportunity.

Great points. My product targets a slightly different market, but still valid points. We also just had a new law passed that bans vaping in public areas - it's definitely a changing landscape.

However, my current hurdle is finding a platform where I can find engineers on a contract basis. Preferably with some sort of portfolio so I can see their past work. Is there such thing? If not, do you know what the alternative process would look like? I basically need someone to turn my ideas into a working model in a technical language a manufacturer could replicate overseas.

 

[TonyStark]

CRAIGSLIST!

 

[David Young]

I remember seeing a prototype for the original ipod. The designer lashed together a very simple representation using cardboard. The point being that I would recommend you try and build your prototype using available material- doesn't necessary have to work but just show the form. I appreciate this is a little old school but it is a lot easier to convey you ideal to a third party if you have a real world model to show. It will also give you a feel for the product that you don't always get using CAD based modelling. Scanning and 3D printing is also a viable for manufacture short production runs items during the prototype stage.

 

[m1kesta]

CRAIGSLIST!

I suppose I always counted out Craigslist for how seemingly sketch it can be.

 

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[m1kesta]

I remember seeing a prototype for the original ipod. The designer lashed together a very simple representation using cardboard. The point being that I would recommend you try and build your prototype using available material- doesn't necessary have to work but just show the form. I appreciate this is a little old school but it is a lot easier to convey you ideal to a third party if you have a real world model to show. It will also give you a feel for the product that you don't always get using CAD based modelling. Scanning and 3D printing is also a viable for manufacture short production runs items during the prototype stage.

Good point. I agree just making it out of random things can often lead to some further insight too.

 

[BellaPippin]

My husband hired someone from Upwork to do the 3d plans/industrial design he needs from his product to send to a manufacturer. As far as I know he's getting charged somewhere between 300-500 USD. Give it a look

 

[ddzc]

My husband hired someone from Upwork to do the 3d plans/industrial design he needs from his product to send to a manufacturer. As far as I know he's getting charged somewhere between 300-500 USD. Give it a look

I second this. I actually have cad drawings from a custom designed vv/vw vape device I created years ago, but I decided to scrap the project. In this industry, you lose a lot of control due to all of the bs regulations.

I hired the guy on elance. I would give you his contact but he hasn't logged on in two years, so there's probably no point. Post a new gig on upwork and you'll definitely find someone to do the drawings, designs and specs which can be sent off for manufacturing. It cost me around 600 USD.

 

[MattR82]

I've used upwork and it was great for designers. You have to wade through and decipher who is more graphic/mechanical/engineering etc. Also may be worth reading Stephen Keys book, one simple idea. There is a thread on it here. Regarding licensing new products - some completely new and others minor improvements on existing products.

I'd forget craigslist.

 

[iizu]

Vote for Upwork.

It is hands down the best and easiest way to hire capable people.

Some tips for hiring:
-Do some research on how the parts are manufactured(Injection molding, CNC-machining, extrusion, deep drawing, stamping)
-Make sure that the person you are hiring has experience from designing to these manufacturing methods(DFM=Design for Manufacturing)

Because you can find plenty of great CAD-artists that will surely create anything you come up with, but might lack the knowledge about the manufacturing process, so your design becomes impossible to manufacture or way too overpriced.

BTW. If you need someone who can design for CNC-manufacturing, PM me

 

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[m1kesta]

Vote for Upwork.

It is hands down the best and easiest way to hire capable people.

Some tips for hiring:
-Do some research on how the parts are manufactured(Injection molding, CNC-machining, extrusion, deep drawing, stamping)
-Make sure that the person you are hiring has experience from designing to these manufacturing methods(DFM=Design for Manufacturing)

Because you can find plenty of great CAD-artists that will surely create anything you come up with, but might lack the knowledge about the manufacturing process, so your design becomes impossible to manufacture or way too overpriced.

BTW. If you need someone who can design for CNC-manufacturing, PM me

Thanks, will keep you in mind if it's CNC related.

 

[LordGanon]

I know it doesn't exactly answer your question, and going with someone with professional experience is probably very helpful, BUT...I also recently learned CAD. There's a myriad of tutorials on YouTube. That and basic electronics, which you can learn in about a week (or much less) and some reverse engineering should easily do the trick.

A vaping device is really quite simple. Resistance wire, heat resistant thread that pulls liquid through capillary effect, battery, on/off button, liquid container, mouthpiece.

 

[karakoram]

I know it doesn't exactly answer your question, and going with someone with professional experience is probably very helpful, BUT...I also recently learned CAD. There's a myriad of tutorials on YouTube. That and basic electronics, which you can learn in about a week (or much less) and some reverse engineering should easily do the trick.

A vaping device is really quite simple. Resistance wire, heat resistant thread that pulls liquid through capillary effect, battery, on/off button, liquid container, mouthpiece.

Anyone can learn CAD, but knowing how to design a product properly takes many years. An analog might be learning to code from Youtube, but then trying to write a real software app like Microsoft Word. That's a pretty big leap from the begininng of learning to creating a finished product.

Designing a product in CAD is more than just whipping up a 3D model. The design must take into consideration the method of manufacturing for each part of the assembly. We use a concept called DFM- design for manufacturability. How will the parts be made on a production line?

The design of the assembly of parts must also take into account how it will go together. This is DFA - design for assembly. How will the finished product be put together on a production line?

FYI, I'm a design engineer with over a decade of experience. I do consulting/contract work these days with injection molded products (as well as designing the molds, and running molding simulations), and I drive Solidworks all day.

 

[sparechange]

I don't have experience in this so this might be useless, you could check out fiver, have looked into creating products on there and found a few product designers there.

You could atleast have some drawn out prototype for real engineers to work with (for fairly cheap)