³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of projects does the Concept Center work on?

  We work on a wide variety of engineering, product development, and manufacturing projects. These range from helping entrepreneurs develop new products to assisting established businesses with design challenges, process improvements, and research and development. Our projects span industries including aerospace, medical devices, outdoor recreation, consumer products, and advanced manufacturing. We enjoy projects that require creative problem-solving and provide meaningful, hands-on experience for our student interns.

• Can you help me turn an idea into a prototype?

  Absolutely! You don't need to have a fully developed design to get started. Some of our projects begin with nothing more than a sketch or an idea. We can help you evaluate the concept, develop engineering designs, select materials, and fabricate a working prototype. Our goal is to help you move from an idea to something you can actually see, touch, and test.

• Can you help improve an existing product or manufacturing process?

  Yes. Not every project starts with a new invention. We frequently work with businesses to improve existing products, reduce manufacturing costs, address quality concerns, and improve production processes. We apply engineering principles and creative problem-solving to identify practical improvements that make products or processes more efficient, reliable, or economical.

• How does the Concept Center work with businesses?

  Yes. We approach each project as a collaboration. We begin by discussing your needs, understanding the problem, and identifying what you hope to accomplish. From there, we develop a project scope, budget, and timeline. Our student interns work on projects with oversight from experienced faculty and staff. This arrangement gives businesses access to engineering resources while providing our students with valuable industry experience.

• What engineering and manufacturing services does the Concept Center offer?

  Our services include product design and development, CAD modeling, engineering analysis, prototyping, manufacturing, materials evaluation, testing, and process improvement. We also assist with design for manufacturability, reverse engineering, and applied research. Because every project is different, we can often combine several capabilities to develop a solution that fits your needs.

• Can you create a physical prototype?

  Yes! Prototyping is one of our primary activities. We can produce everything from simple proof-of-concept models to functional prototypes that can be evaluated and refined. Depending on the application, we may use 3D printing, machining, welding, composite fabrication, or a combination of manufacturing processes. We believe that building and testing prototypes is one of the best ways to move a design forward.

• Can you create a physical prototype?

  Yes! Prototyping is one of our primary activities. We can produce everything from simple proof-of-concept models to functional prototypes that can be evaluated and refined. Depending on the application, we may use 3D printing, machining, welding, composite fabrication, or a combination of manufacturing processes. We believe that building and testing prototypes is one of the best ways to move a design forward.

• Can you manufacture parts or components?

  Yes. We can fabricate individual parts, replacement components, custom fixtures, and small quantities of specialized products. Our focus is primarily on prototyping, product development, and low-volume manufacturing rather than large-scale production. We can also help evaluate manufacturing methods and prepare designs for future production.

• Can you help with CAD/design and engineering analysis?

  Yes. We use SolidWorks and other engineering tools to develop 3D models, engineering drawings, assemblies, and design documentation. We can also perform engineering calculations and analysis to evaluate design performance, material selection, structural requirements, and manufacturability. Whether you need an existing design modified or a completely new design developed, we can help.

• Can you test a product or prototype?

  Yes. Testing is an important part of the product development process. Our capabilities include mechanical testing such as tensile, compression, bending, and impact testing, along with dimensional evaluation and application-specific testing. We can help develop a test plan, collect data, and evaluate whether a product or prototype meets its design objectives. Specialized testing capabilities depend on the project requirements and available facilities.

• How much does it cost to work with the Concept Center?

  Every project is different, so we develop a budget based on the scope of work, materials, equipment, and time required. Our goal is to provide cost-effective engineering services while creating meaningful educational opportunities for our students. We discuss project costs with you before work begins so that you understand the anticipated investment.

• How long does a typical project take?

  Project timelines vary considerably depending on complexity, resources, and the amount of design and testing required. Some projects can be completed relatively quickly, while others require several months of development and refinement. We establish an anticipated timeline during project planning and communicate progress throughout the project. Because students are an important part of our team, academic schedules may also influence project timelines.

• What information do I need to provide when submitting a project?

  Start by telling us what you're trying to accomplish. A description of the problem, your goals, and any existing drawings, sketches, photographs, or prototypes is helpful. If you have specific requirements, budget constraints, or a desired completion date, please include those as well. You don't need to have all the answers before contacting us. Part of our job is helping you determine what comes next.

• Do I need to have engineering experience to work with the Concept Center?

  Not at all. Many of the people we work with have great ideas but little or no engineering background. You don't need to know CAD, understand manufacturing processes, or have technical drawings prepared. We can help translate your idea into engineering requirements and determine how to move it forward.

• Will my idea or project information remain confidential?

  We understand that protecting proprietary information and intellectual property is important. We can discuss confidentiality requirements before beginning a project and work through appropriate university agreements. As a public university, Weber State is subject to applicable public records laws, so confidentiality protections must be addressed within those requirements.

• Who owns the intellectual property developed during a project?

  Intellectual property is an important consideration, particularly for new products and inventions. Ownership and rights depend on the nature of the project, applicable university policies, and the agreements established before work begins. We encourage clients to discuss intellectual property concerns early so expectations and responsibilities can be clearly defined.

•  Can I work directly with the students assigned to my project?

  Client communication is an important part of the educational experience we provide. Depending on the project, clients may participate in design reviews, project meetings, prototype evaluations, and technical discussions with the student team. We encourage collaboration and feedback throughout the development process.

• What happens if my prototype doesn't work the first time?

  That's a normal part of engineering. Prototyping is an iterative process, and an initial design doesn't always perform exactly as expected. We use testing and evaluation to identify opportunities for improvement and make informed design changes. When appropriate, we can incorporate additional development and testing into the project scope. Sometimes the most valuable result of an initial prototype is learning what needs to change.

• Can the Concept Center help prepare a product for commercial manufacturing?

  Yes. We can help evaluate materials, manufacturing processes, assembly methods, costs, and design features that influence how a product will be produced. This process, often called design for manufacturability, can help identify potential problems before a product enters production. Although we are not a large-scale contract manufacturer, we can help bridge the gap between a working prototype and a production-ready design.

• Do you work on small projects, or only large research and development projects?

  We work on projects of many different sizes. A project might involve fabricating a single component, developing a custom fixture, evaluating a material, or designing an entirely new product. We evaluate each opportunity based on technical requirements, available resources, and educational value. If you're unsure whether your project is a good fit, we encourage you to contact us.

• Can the Concept Center collaborate on research grants or government-funded projects?

  Yes. We have experience supporting applied research and development, including projects associated with SBIR and STTR programs and government and industry partners. We can contribute engineering design, prototype fabrication, testing, and manufacturing expertise. Participation depends on project requirements, available resources, and the appropriate university agreements.

• What will I receive when my project is finished?

  Project deliverables depend on the agreed scope of work. These may include CAD models, engineering drawings, physical prototypes, fabricated components, testing data, technical reports, or design recommendations. We identify the expected deliverables during project planning so that everyone has a clear understanding of the desired outcome.