SMS Technologies, Inc. Headquarters
9877 Waples Street
San Diego, California 92121

Telephone: (858) 587-6900
FAX: (858) 457-2069
General Information: info@smstech.com

Rapid Prototype Business Unit

QUICKTURN RAPID PROTOTYPE, SHORT-RUN and NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION for PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Focused prototyping factory
• Dedicated core team and production resources
• Complete SMT line with AOI
• Hand assembly line
• DFM/DFT at the most impactful stage of development
• ISO 9001:2008, AS 9100, TS 16949, ISO 13485, ITAR, COMSEC 

The EMS environment has key challenges related to rapid prototype processes. These can include:

• Resource allocation issues
• Adequately addressing a wide range of client support needs
• Ensuring needed flexibility to accommodate quick-turn  rapid prototyping schedules.

We’ve optimized our Rapid Prototyping and Short- Run process to eliminate these potential issues. Our Rapid Prototype and Short- Run group exists as a separate “focused” factory within the main factory, with a dedicated core team and production resources. This separate business unit’s core team includes the team leader, a group of program buyers/planners, a production manager, and a team of highly trained production operators. Certain special skills that are contained within the main manufacturing organization are available to ensure the highest level of technical expertise required.

As a standalone-manufacturing group, the Rapid Prototyping team has its own equipment which includes a complete SMT line including AOI and its own hand assembly line. All work is done in the Rapid Prototype and Short-Run cell. This cell is only scheduled by the Rapid Prototype and Short-Run department. This ensures that your work is completed on time as scheduled by your buyer/planner with you.

In addition to being ISO 9001:2008 certified, SMS is AS 9100, TS 16949, ISO 13485, ITAR registered and a COMSEC facility. All of these standards are incorporated in our QMS system giving you the highest quality standards of all these registrations. SMS is also a Lean Six Sigma facility working to achieve the highest quality at the best cost solution for your products.

Transitioning to volume production can be a challenge. At SMS we address this right up front. When you engage with our Rapid Prototype and Short-Run team to build your prototype assemblies, our team looks at providing you with DFM/DFT feedback. However, if you are planning to use SMS or one of its sister facilities, a Product Focus Team is assembled and immediately works with the Rapid Prototype and Short-Run group in developing a manufacturing process that will lead to volume production. The process developed will ensure that your production requirements are met at the lowest possible cost while ensuring the highest quality achievable. Continuous feedback is used to keep improving the product and cost.

 Our team uses a focused transition methodology which addresses challenges such as:

• Component availability or obsolescence issues not anticipated in the design phase
• DFM/DFT considerations
• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
• Cycle time required to process prototypes
• Challenges associated with emerging technologies
• Challenges associated with industry-specific quality requirements.

For rapid prototyping and product development services call (858) 587-6837 to speak with an SMS Technologies specialist.

SMS Technologies – Your Manufacturing Partner