To get something manufactured (small or large scale, doesn't matter), at the very least you'll need to have detailed drawings and specifications. I suggest you

To get something manufactured (small or large scale, doesn't matter), at the very least you'll need to have detailed drawings and specifications. I suggest you have someone who knows what a manufacturing drawing should look like do it, or at least help and provide insight. Depending on how willing the shop is to work with you, they may suggest or plan the manufacturing processes, but many job shops will ask you what process they should use. Material selection is also important-'plastic' or 'metal' or even 'wood' is not descriptive enough. Should it be HDPE (which resin from which company?), 1060 aluminum, pine, etc.? If you want a few professionally made prototypes, you may be able to find a small job shop (i.e. machinist, metal fabricator, etc) locally that will bill you by the hour and make a few. Set up fees and hourly rates can be high, but the work should show it. You may be able to find someone to help you with selecting the material, processes, etc. If you want to jump straight to possible mass production, you'll have to make sure you know exactly what you want and have drawings that show it. From there, you'll request quotes from various manufacturers and select one to do the work. I've done manufacturing drawings, and actually studied manufacturing in college. Feel free to contact me (email in profile) if you want more insight, CAD help, etc.