Shaking up China’s manufacturing industry – to make it friendly to hardware startups

Hardware manufacturing can be a painful, long, and expensive process. Factories may be experts at producing 10,000 copies of something, but what if you just need one? For startups eager to dip – but not dive – into the world of hardware production, options can be few and far between. It’s an even more pressing challenge these days as startups rush to Kickstarter or Indiegogo with their gadget ideas, and need a prototype to show off.

That problem provided the inspiration for Shape Prototype, which is based in Shenzhen, China’s manufacturing hub.

“We see ourselves as the manufacturing partner for startups,” says Shape Prototype co-founder Amanda Hsu. “We listen and take into account all aspects of the process that need to be thought through as well as provide manufacturing advice and solutions.”

The company has its sights set on hardware and Internet of Things (IoT) startups in the country.

From prototype to production

Chinese manufacturing partners have been blamed for several high-profile Kickstarter failures. The entrepreneur behind the failed Kreyos smartwatch documented a long and complex nightmare that allegedly involved the factory taking over US$1.5 million in cash and producing only lousy prototypes. Incompetence on the part of new startups is also a factor – but clearly the OEM process is a minefield.

Shape Prototype hopes to redeem Chinese manufacturing in the eyes of startups. The company offers a bevy of manufacturing options, from one-off plastic or metal prototypes to injection molding production for orders of up to 100,000 units.

“Some [companies] have a prototype made and want to figure out the manufacturing cost for mass production before launching a crowdfunding campaign in Kickstarter or Indiegogo,” says Amanda. “Some of them need assistance in optimizing the design to make their first prototype; others have only ideas written down and want us to help to develop the product from scratch.”

By embracing everything from the smallest prototyping order to sizable mass-production clients, Shape Prototype is aiming to differentiate itself as a uniquely startup-friendly manufacturer.

To use Shape Prototype, users simply submit their designs and requirements, including a 3D file of the component and desired quantity, material, color, and surface finish. A member of the Shape Prototype team will then respond within 24 hours with recommendations and advice for how to proceed. After a decision has been reached, Shape Prototype will begin churning out units per the user’s specifications.

The Shape Prototype team and the HWTrek Shenzhen team

Focusing on startups

Hui Xin Mold and Prototype, the parent company of Shape Prototype, is a fairly established player in the world of tech manufacturing. The company designed components for Tesla Motors’ first model, and has worked with Fortune 500 companies including Intel.

But Shape Prototype aims to be different from its larger, more corporate parent.

Hardware boom