What usually comes after prototyping on Arduino?

Question

Arduino

Dear, the following question arose - they write a lot and very interestingly on Habré about Arduino and about its various uses. It is clear that this is a technology for rapid manufacture and verification. But the question arises - how realistic is it to make a compact device from a prototype based on arduino with all sorts of additional shields at some Chinese factory?

What I'm talking about, as an example, based on Arduino, you can assemble a device that will include a keyboard, and the device itself is connected to a computer. And by pressing a large button, for example, the keyboard layout will change. And I would like such a device to look like an ordinary flash drive with two usb at the edges. Are there any articles or resources on how to transform a prototype into an industrial device?

Answer 1

I would not be tied specifically to arduino. A common option is when, say, you develop a device on your computer. Then you assemble the components in CAD (for example, Altium). And, finally, you order it all in China in any quantity. Your device can be on FPGA or MK. The board can be in several layers - it does not matter. Payment is also based on the area of ​​the board of the device, as well as how many layers the board has + parts.
In general, you give a sample with your calculations, and there they already make it practically without their participation.

Answer 2

If after prototyping on Arduino there is a desire to make a final device (for example, for yourself), then use Arduino Pro / Arduino Pro Mini . If we talk about production in Chinese factories, then this is already an industrial option, and Arduino will be clearly overkill here. On such a large scale, you will need what KriegeR described.

Answer 3

Probably yes, if you want to order from the Chinese at the factory, that is, there are more “industrial” methods than Arduino. On the other hand, when it comes to making a few simple compact devices “for yourself - for friends”, that is, Arduino Nano , and you can simply assemble a circuit on an ATtiny on a breadboard.