When our owner, Peter Schönning, started Polyhistor International, he expected to spend his days solving engineering and precision machining problems. He was ready to offer design-for-manufacturing guidance, strategize the best machining methods, and apply his background in mechanical engineering to new challenges.
What he did not expect was that his role would one day have him observing robotic surgery from just a few feet away.
But that’s the nature of product development services. When our partners bring Polyhistor problems in areas they aren’t experts in, the only path to success is to dive in headfirst and learn everything possible. Learn more about the principles that have allowed Polyhistor to assist so many product development projects.
When “Research” Goes Above and Beyond
In our product development services, we are often tasked with solving niche challenges in specialized areas, and as a result, we may start from unfamiliar territory. But we know that, by the end, we’re aiming to become experts in that highly specific problem.
That’s what led Peter to observe surgery. A partner had approached Polyhistor with a concept for a new surgical clip designed to cut off the flow of blood in blood vessels. To help create an effective design, Peter and his team needed to understand the entire surgical environment where it would be used. For any product, it’s essential to understand its full context, because even the smallest detail can be the difference between success and a problematic oversight that leads to redesigns.
Observing robotic surgeries wasn’t even his first step. Peter had already consulted with experienced surgeons and tested designs on pig intestines stored in the shop’s freezer. During surgery, he saw how a patient was positioned, learned that the abdomen is inflated with gas to create room for that procedure, and witnessed the visualization and feedback mechanisms in robotic surgery. All of these experiences allowed him to account for every possible factor in his collaboration.
Applying the Same Principles and Lessons Across Industries
Every project we take on can be strikingly different, and we’ve helped with everything from this surgical clip to a rolling device to gather chestnuts from under trees. But the foundation for success remains the same every time: our engineering background and our close collaboration.
For the surgical clip, for instance, while we entered the project without deep knowledge of surgery, we were experts in the mechanical principles that would be critical to the project, such as how plastics deform. We can carry important lessons from every project into entirely new industries, allowing us to devise successful solutions for unfamiliar challenges.
Choosing the Right Projects and Partnerships
At Polyhistor, we’re always willing to jump in and immerse ourselves in a new application or subject. There is no single type of project that we typically handle; we’re ready to work on projects of different sizes, complexities, budgets, and timelines. But there are a few characteristics that guide which projects are the best fit:
Established clients: Our product development structure is most effective when a company already has the foundation to take a product from concept through to a successful launch.
Clear buyers: We never want to mislead our partners, so we’re always honest. If you can’t identify potential buyers or distributors early on, then the product is unlikely to succeed.
Open communication: When solving such specific problems, success depends on asking questions and clarifying assumptions throughout the process.
Try Our Product Development Services
At Polyhistor, our willingness to step into the unknown sets us apart. In both CNC machining services and product development services, every new project brings a challenge, but we’re always ready to step up to the task and use our ingenuity to solve a problem. We aim to be a true partner to our customers, helping them find solutions and achieve success.
Request a quote today and see the level of detail we bring at our Jacksonville machine shop!