This is something we see more and more, a company can design a new piece of equipment, make the drawings and 3d models but don’t have the resources to build it. we have built up units from a 3d model and a pile of parts. Giving feedback along the way and working through problems with the customer.
A popular way to acheive this would be the following steps.
customer order/supply parts to be delivered at our workshop,
we assemble the main components without paint so modifications and additions can be made.
Strip down and prepare everything for paint (masking and plugging)
Send components to a trusted 3rd party supplier for paint
Prepare equipment for installation (demask,unplug and tapping)
Assemble all components, including cables, hoses and electrical components (inside/outside of cabinets)
We understand this equipment is often innovative, cutting edge or prototype so are happy to sign a NDA as we do with some customers.