Service 01 — Product development & industrial design
product development in switzerland – from sketch to series production.
Peppertree develops physical products for SMEs and startups: product innovation, industrial design, design for manufacturing, 3D CAD and prototyping from a single source. The goal: products that delight customers and are cost-effective to make – with up to 30 % lower production costs.
The challenge
stuck in one of these phases?
The innovation dead end
Your range needs an update, but day-to-day business leaves no room for marketable ideas that truly stand out.
Design versus function
Technically flawless, but dated: ergonomics and feel no longer meet your customers’ expectations.
The production cost trap
Injection moulding, CNC or sheet metal weren’t considered from the start – and costs explode in series production.
Interface chaos
Separate partners for design, engineering and prototyping mean coordination errors and a slow time to market.
Flying blind before production
Without tangible prototypes, you invest in expensive tooling before function and design have really been tested.
Services
services in detail
Strategy
Product innovation
We analyse market potential, validate your idea with tools such as the Value Proposition Canvas and make sure your product works both technically and commercially.
- Market and competitor analysis
- Concept development & idea validation
- Functional specifications
- Technical feasibility studies
Design
Industrial design
Form follows function – successful products combine both. We design products that are intuitive to use, feel good in the hand and strengthen your brand.
- User-centred design
- Ergonomics & haptics
- Choice of materials and finishes
- Design that strengthens your brand identity
Cost
Design for Manufacturing (DfM)
We know the requirements of injection moulding, CNC milling, sheet metal work and additive manufacturing – and design your product for production from day one.
- Up to 30 % lower production costs
- Shorter time to market
- Fewer changes during production
- Smooth handover to manufacturing partners
Speed
Prototyping & testing
Our SLA printer (NEXA3D XiP) produces prototypes in injection-moulding quality, and our FDM printer (Raise3D Pro3) multi-colour functional samples – often within hours.
- SLA prototypes for presentations
- Functional prototypes for user tests
- Iterative optimisation based on feedback
- Technical documentation for production
Benefits
one partner. from the idea to production data.
Everything from a single source
No designer here, engineer there and prototyping service somewhere else: complete product development from one studio.
Our own series products
We know the entrepreneur’s side: Relish Guitars, RecycleWall and Anillo are our own products – all the way into production.
DfM as standard
Production is considered from the very first sketch. That saves time, money and nerves in series production.
Fast prototypes
Our own SLA and FDM printers in our Lucerne studio: first parts within hours, not weeks.
Swiss quality
Developed in Lucerne for the requirements of the Swiss and European markets.
Strong network
We work with experienced engineers, manufacturing partners and patent attorneys.
Process
four phases to series production
Typical project duration from idea to series production: 6 to 12 months. Regular reviews keep the project on track.
Concept phase
Analyse requirements, market and technical feasibility, define specifications and develop first concept sketches.
Design & engineering
Sketches become precise CAD models – with every detail and with the manufacturing processes in mind.
Prototyping & testing
High-quality prototypes for tests, presentations and investor meetings. Feedback flows straight into optimisation.
Industrialisation
Production-ready CAD data and technical drawings. On request, support with choosing manufacturers and sampling.
Network & partners
and who builds it? our partner network.
Product development & mechatronics
Structural analysis & FE simulation
Sheet metal & injection moulding design
Special machines & end-of-line testing
Patent attorneys
A startup with an idea and a pitch coming up? Before full development starts, Quick Design for startups makes your product visible in 2 to 4 weeks – designed to be manufacturable and ready for investors.
Getting started
half a day. a clear plan.
The potential workshop puts your idea or existing product to the test – before you invest tens of thousands of francs in tooling.
FAQ
frequently asked questions
What is design for manufacturing (DfM)?
Design for manufacturing (DfM) means designing a product from the very first sketch so that it can be produced cost-effectively and with consistent quality using the chosen manufacturing process – such as injection moulding, CNC milling, sheet metal work or 3D printing. At Peppertree, DfM reduces production costs by up to 30 %.
How does product development work at Peppertree?
Product development runs in four phases: concept phase (2–6 weeks), design & engineering (4–8 weeks), prototyping & testing (4–12 weeks) and industrialisation (4–12 weeks). The result is production-ready CAD data and technical drawings for your manufacturer.
Which prototypes can Peppertree make in-house?
Peppertree prints prototypes in its own studio in Lucerne: SLA prototypes in injection-moulding quality with the NEXA3D XiP and multi-colour FDM functional prototypes with the Raise3D Pro3. First parts are often available within hours.
How much does the potential workshop cost?
The potential workshop costs CHF 1,500 and takes half a day. You receive a status quo and feasibility analysis, a design and innovation check, a DfM cost assessment and first concrete concept ideas.
Does Peppertree work with engineers and manufacturers?
Yes. Peppertree works with a network of engineers, manufacturing partners and patent attorneys and, on request, supports you in selecting manufacturers and with sampling.