How To Effectively Carry Out Low-Volume Contract Manufacturing and Production

Digital technologies and additive manufacturing have greatly enhanced Low Volume Manufacturing. With the push of a button, CAD models can be printed from desktops to 3D printers while CNC machines have better productivity due to the powerful software installed. With consumers demanding instant gratification now more than ever, businesses large and small will inevitably have to run low-volume production. The key to effective low volume Manufacturing will include a good team attuned to the latest technologies, design expertise, flexibility and a solid offering chain. Let's consider all of these factors in more detail.

Planning product design

The first step in any implementation is the planning stage. This is no different for Low Volume Manufacturing. As production is usually an ongoing process, right from the start to the finish, it is always imperative to figure out all the features of the product.

Finalizing design specifications

Design specifications cover all relevant details about the design and production of your Part. After planning the product design, decide on specifics such as the desired material for production, finish color, dimensions, size, weight and strength of the final part.

Connecting to Resources and Expertise

After all the internal decisions have been finalized, now it's time to look outside. At this stage, your company is not simply looking for a supplier that can carry out production, but for a supplier that can carry out the work in the most economical manner, using the most efficient methods so that there is no compromise on quality.

Your chosen supplier should have a decent amount of experience in the field, be knowledgeable about what technology is to be used, understand the functional and mechanical properties of the selected materials, and most importantly, be able to provide a high-quality prototype that works just as intended.

Employing appropriate technology

Simply by using the right technology, you will not be only able to produce an impeccable product, but it will also help save you time, money and effort. Every technique has its pros and cons when it comes to low-volume manufacturing. 3D printing will serve for rapid prototyping and is excellent for design evaluation before producing higher volumes.

CNC Machining is also often considered to be excellent quality parts at very appreciable rates.

Cementing the supply chain

No matter well you have designed your prototype or how much effort you have put into your production parts, the matter of fact is if your supply chain is weak, you are going to face challenges in your production run. Try to ensure that the material you have selected in mass volume, easy and cheap.

You also want to take into consideration the location of the factory where you plan on running your low-volume production unit. If the area is not accessible, you may have trouble getting raw materials from the other side.

Challenges in supply chain and logistics can ultimately cripple production.

Post-production Services

After running production on your part with appropriate technology, it is important to perform all relevant Post Production or Finishing Services. These could include coating, painting, plating, anodizing and other finishing operations.

Post Production Services can be performed to improve appearance, aesthetics, functionality, strength, abrasion resistance and more.