Product Design Case Study: Innovative Furniture Manufacturing Tooling
Tooling, the final phase of product development 
Once design freeze has been achieved via the production of final CAD models, rapid prototypes and production prototypes, then production tooling along with any 2D drawings are required. Moving to mass manufacture is the most risky part pf the project since it's the most expensive. Any problems with the design neccesitating changes in tooling etc. will be expensive. Naturally, we try to get everything 'right frist time' but sometimes there are unforceen circumstances that just can't be helped such as the tool not performing as expected. All tooling may be designed but not neceassirly manufactured until the customer has had firm sales or commitments against the production prototypes. So depending on micro or macro economic situations, the project may be 'placed on the shelf' until the correct time for manufacturing presents itself.