When Huntingdon-based company Paragraf looked to develop their Multi Sensor Test Unit (MiST), they needed a manufacturing partner who could provide the expertise to get the product from design to production.
Paragraf’s patented 2D graphene deposition technique allows their graphene Hall sensors (GHS) to deliver high-quality, ultra-high-resolution magnetic field measurements across a wide spectrum of operating conditions and environments. To provide their customers with a greater ability to enjoy the full benefit of the industry-leading technology, they developed the MiST data acquisition unit. The MiST provides a self-contained, turn-key solution for the easy configuration and operation of multiple GHS for a wide range of applications. The MiST offers results in the best achievable data acquisition chain for magnetic field measurement using Paragraf GHS.
When discussing how to get the MiST from design to production Senior Electronics Engineer Alex Lambert said: “Prism has a strong track record of being able to source the necessary materials and assemble them according to their clients’ designs and specifications. As a small company, unaccustomed to producing devices of this type and requiring a bespoke solution, we were reliant on Prism’s expertise in order to see our plans for the device realised.”
When looking for a CEM to take on this project, Paragraf was initially looking for someone who could quickly produce the MiST in small volumes so that they could initiate testing and make any changes to the design as it moved to larger-scale production. As a young semiconductor device company, Paragraf did not have existing relationships with manufacturers capable of constructing the MiST. As such, they looked for a company that specialised in sourcing materials and had experience building similar prototype devices. Prism met both these requirements with the added benefit of being local to the Paragraf head office.
Whilst a local company was not essential to Paragraf’s needs, Prism’s location meant they could be more involved in the process. Alex adds: “As our designs changed, we were able to communicate these changes to Prism quickly and work with them to adjust the production schedule accordingly. Prism’s flexibility and responsiveness to changes through the design process meant they always met our delivery needs and we were never moved to the back of the queue. The most important criteria to us was having a company who could deliver on time whilst remaining flexible through the process and Prism met this criteria in full.”
As with any development project, open communication is key to ensure expectations are met and delivery targets achieved. Paragraf was aware of Prism as some of their employees had a positive experience of working with them previously so they contacted them to discuss their needs. Prism assigned a dedicated Account Manager, Mary Wells, to oversee the project and ensure there was a constant point of contact for any queries with the project. Mary said: “As with any new customer, our first priority is to learn about the company and the products they develop. It is a pleasure to work with the team at Paragraf and to be involved with the development of the MiST product. The systems, resources and ‘can do’ attitude within Prism are perfectly aligned to accommodate and support these types of projects, from conception through to production.“
Summarising the experience of working with Prism, Alex said: “Prism’s performance was excellent. They consistently fulfilled requests within our time constraints and remained flexible throughout the project. Prism was very well-suited to the demands of our project and we feel confident that their expertise, relationships and professionalism would be a benefit to other companies looking for a manufacturer for their own products.”
