Ideation Sketches to Final Illustration

Conceptual Ideation: From Spark to Focused Direction – Fast-Tracked to Proof of Concept

At Ratio Product Lab, we partner with new inventors dreaming up their first big idea and established product brands looking to innovate or expand their lineup. Our goal? Turn raw concepts into clear, viable directions quickly—so you can move forward with confidence and speed.

We start with deep consumer insight research (market trends, user pain points, competitive gaps, and opportunity spotting) combined with hands-on client collaboration and rapid conceptual sketching. This collaborative sprint lets us explore multiple paths, generate fresh ideas through brainstorming, and quickly narrow down the strongest options based on real feedback and feasibility.

The result: A refined set of prioritized concepts (shown through professional sketches, quick renders, and illustrations) that communicate key features, user benefits, and potential directions—making decisions easier and faster.

Even if you're already deep in your own product development (rough sketches, early prototypes, or an MVP in progress), we jump in as your strategic partner: reviewing what you've built, providing a fresh starting point, filling gaps, and integrating your work into our proven design process for maximum momentum.

By the end of this phase, your product is sharpened and manufacturing-ready in mind—setting you up for seamless progression to proof-of-concept prototypes (CAD models, 3D prints, and functional testing) in the next step, without costly backtracking later.

CAD Engineering Components & Assemblies

Mechanical Engineering & CAD: Smart, Simplified, and Manufacturing-Ready Designs

At Ratio Product Lab, we bridge beautiful concepts to buildable reality. We start with a well-conceived product illustration (sketches, renders, or client visuals) and translate it directly into precise 3D geometry for mechanical components.

Our guiding principle? Simplicity wins. We design the most streamlined parts possible—optimized for known production methods—so prototypes are affordable to make and full manufacturing stays cost-effective and scalable. No unnecessary complexity means fewer tools, lower costs, and faster time-to-market.

Our multidisciplinary team brings deep expertise in:

• Mechanics & kinematics

• Thermodynamics

• Materials science

• Structural analysis

• Electrical device integration

Combined with advanced tools like Autodesk Fusion 360 (our go-to for CAD, simulation, and product lifecycle management), we design and rigorously analyze everything from transport systems and robotics to medical devices, watercraft, heating/cooling equipment, food service gear, tracking systems, and beyond.

Rapid 3D Print Prototyping

Prototyping: Where Ideas Meet Reality – Iterate Fast, Learn Deep, Nail It Before Production

Every year at Ratio Product Lab, we guide a wide range of products—from consumer gadgets and medical devices to robotics and industrial tools—across the finish line to market. No matter the category, one truth holds: prototyping is the make-or-break stage.

This is where theory turns into tangible truth. We assemble the pieces, check component fit, test how the solid CAD model performs in the real world, and uncover what truly works (and what doesn't). Does it feel right in hand? Does it function as expected under stress? What small tweaks could make it dramatically better, stronger, or cheaper to produce?

We answer these questions quickly and affordably using the right mix of technologies tailored to each project:

• In-house 3D printing (our 24/7 studio farm) for the fastest possible iterations—print, test, refine, repeat in hours or days, not weeks

• Precision machining and casting when higher fidelity, specific materials, or mechanical properties are required

Nothing beats 3D printing for rapid learning: we get hands-on feedback first-hand, spot assembly issues early, validate fit and function, and evolve the design iteratively until it's optimized—all before committing to expensive production tooling.

The payoff? Fewer surprises, reduced redesign costs, stronger performance, and a product that's truly ready for scale. Whether you're a new inventor proving your concept or an established brand refining a flagship line, our prototyping phase delivers confidence and momentum.

Proof of Concept Models and Conventional Film Props

Production Scaling: From In-House Prototypes to Market-Ready Manufacturing – Managed Seamlessly

While our Virginia-Highland studio handles rapid 3D printing, assembly testing, and early iterations in-house, we partner with a tight, trusted network of specialized vendors, fabricators, prototyping experts, and injection molding professionals for the components and processes we don't produce on-site.

This collaborative ecosystem lets us deliver high-quality, production-grade results at any scale—without you having to hunt for reliable partners or manage multiple vendors yourself. We stay involved every step: coordinating, quality-checking, and ensuring your vision stays intact from prototype to final product.

Key strengths of our production approach:

• Specialized casting for flexible parts — We routinely provide cast components that replicate the feel and performance of silicone using TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or similar materials—perfect for soft-touch grips, seals, wearables, or flexible enclosures

• Advanced in-mold electronics (IME) — We work closely with select vendors pioneering next-gen IME technologies, enabling us to embed circuits, sensors, and conductive traces directly into molded plastic parts. These partners excel at moving from proof-of-concept to full production quickly—even for low initial volumes—reducing assembly steps, improving durability, and enabling sleeker, more innovative designs

• Flexible scaling — Whether you need low-volume bridge tooling, pilot runs, or high-volume injection molding, our network handles it efficiently with consistent quality and fast lead times

• End-to-end management — We handle quotes, timelines, certifications, and testing coordination so you get predictable costs and fewer headaches

The result? Products that look, feel, and perform exactly as intended—launched faster, with lower risk, and built for real-world success.

Whether you're an Atlanta inventor moving from prototype to first sales batch, a startup validating a wearable or smart device, or an established brand incorporating cutting-edge IME, we make the transition smooth and strategic.

Ready to scale your product without the usual production pitfalls? Let's map out your path from our in-house prototypes to full manufacturing.

Manufacturing Transition and Vendor Selection

Seamless Transition from Prototype to Production – We've Got Manufacturing Covered

At Ratio Product Lab, we keep everything agile and under control in our Virginia-Highland studio: all functional prototypes and components are produced in-house using our 24/7 3D printing farm for rapid iteration, real-world testing, and quick refinements—without delays or surprises.

Once your design is locked, validated, and ready to scale, we hand off to our network of trusted production partners — vetted alliances with deep expertise in component manufacturing, electronics assembly, testing, and certification. We manage the entire process so you get consistent quality, on-time delivery, and products that meet market and regulatory standards.

We don't just "throw it over the fence"—we stay involved to ensure smooth execution and protect your vision.

What this means for you:

• In-house only until it's perfect — Fast 3D-printed prototypes for dozens (or hundreds) of iterations, then strategic handoff for full-scale production

• Expert-guided production — We leverage our long-standing alliances for high-quality injection molding, casting, electronics fab, assembly, and certifications

• Low-volume launch support — We provide detailed estimates for production tooling and low-volume runs (hundreds to thousands of units) to bridge the gap from prototype to market entry—getting you selling faster with minimal upfront risk

• DFM from the start — Every design is engineered with final manufacturing in mind, so handoffs are efficient and costs stay predictable

Whether you're an Atlanta startup gearing up for crowdfunding, an inventor ready for your first production batch, or a brand scaling a new line, our end-to-end approach minimizes headaches and maximizes speed to shelf.

Ready to move from prototype to production? Let's discuss your volume goals and get you a tailored handoff plan.