carlsbad contract manufacturer Archives - Page 3 of 30

Choosing the Right Contract Manufacturer for Your Needs

November 6, 2020 By meiadmin

While several options exist, companies often wonder where to start when looking for a contract manufacturer. Making the choice to outsource is an extremely important decision. It’s crucial that organizations take the time necessary to interview several companies.

Businesses can evaluate potential partners using the following criteria.

Attitude

Above all else, it’s important to select a contract manufacturer that will go the extra mile to make sure your product launch is a success. Look for a CM that offers flexibility. Make sure the contract manufacturer is able and willing to change direction when the project requires it.

NPI Process

It’s extremely important that the contract manufacturer you choose has the experience, infrastructure, and NPI processes in place to ensure a smooth transition from prototype to volume manufacturing. During your interview, ask about their New Product Introduction (NPI) process.

Technical Expertise

When selecting a CM, it’s important to ensure they have the technical experience and skills needed to complete your project. It’s not unreasonable to ask to view examples of past projects the CM has completed with similar technical requirements.

Size

A lot of companies mistakenly believe that bigger equals better. This isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to contract manufacturing. Partnering with a large CM when you’re a small to medium-sized business could lead to problems down the line. Small to mid-size companies often feel they don’t get the attention they deserve from larger contract manufacturers. Alternatively, partnering with a very small CM could lead to problems if your needs are bigger than their facility and/or people can handle.

Location

Working with a CM that’s located in your general area makes communication and validation much easier. Meetings and project updates can take place face to face as opposed to over the phone. This increases visibility and confidence as you move into production.

Quality

Quick production time means nothing if the finished product doesn’t meet the quality standards of your organization and your customers. It’s important to look for a contract manufacturer with skilled staff and QMS certifications including ISO 9001 and AS9100.

Organizations looking to outsource part or all of their production should look for a contract manufacturer that meets all of the criteria mentioned above. Although your organization may have other requirements as well, these six areas can have a major impact on the overall success of your project.

Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Contract Manufacturing for the Military

October 30, 2020 By meiadmin

Across the nation, contractors are seeing increasing demand for electronic devices in almost every industry. Used for numerous applications in the defense industry, the rapid expansion of high-tech military equipment and components has created high demand for electronics manufacturing.

With increasing demand, the country’s prime defense contractors often find they cannot handle the large volume of orders. These contractors turn to electronic contract manufacturers for help.

Outsourcing Allows Prime Contractors to Fulfill Large Orders

Contract manufacturers, like Means Engineering, provide a variety of turnkey manufacturing services. Outsourcing enables organizations to fulfill periods of high demand and provides access to experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Utilizing the assistance of a qualified contract manufacturer saves a considerable amount of time and money over in-house production.

Military Electronics Manufacturing

Contract manufacturing of military electronics looks a lot different than contract manufacturing for other industries. Instead of producing complete products, contractors enlist the help of contract manufacturers for the production of unique components. Other services commonly outsourced include design, prototyping, assembly, fabrication, tooling, qualification testing, and procurement.

Manufacturers responsible for the creation of devices for the military must meet strict requirements for both quality and consistency. Military electronics are used for a variety of mission critical operations. When outsourcing, it’s crucial to locate an electronics manufacturer with the proper equipment, people, skills, and technology to ensure products meet exact specifications. It’s also important to ensure the contract manufacturer carries ISO 9001 certification. This certification proves the manufacturer has taken the time and effort to develop and maintain a quality management system.

Although contract manufacturers may use a number of different tools to produce components for the defense industry, contract manufacturers that utilize a 5-axis machine achieve better results. Unlike 2-3 axis machines, 5-axis machines rotate on 5 axes, enabling the creation of complex parts and components. 5-axis machining allows for tight tolerances. For orders of 10 to 10,000 pieces, these machines ensure the consistency of every piece produced.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides a wide range of contract manufacturing services for the defense industry. In addition to production of complex parts and components, our experienced team has years of experience providing design, CNC machining, and testing of military electronics. Please contact us to learn more about our contract manufacturing services for the defense industry.

Industries That Benefit from CNC Machining

October 9, 2020 By meiadmin

Several industries rely on CNC machining for the creation of machined components. CNC machines produce complex parts quickly and with a high level of accuracy. Using computerized design processes, manufacturers can inspect parts and products in 3D prior to production. This helps locate issues, saving a considerable amount of time and money. CNC machine tools and accurate computer positioning ensure parts produced meet standards for both quality and consistency.

While 3-axis machines work in X, Y, Z planes, 5-axis CNC machines add rotary action to two of the axes. This improves accuracy and increases opportunities for the creation of extremely complex parts. 5-axis machines create sophisticated components in less time and with fewer steps than possible with 2-3-axis machines.

Although almost any industry can benefit from CNC machining, the following industries commonly utilize this important service.

Aerospace

Accuracy and consistency are extremely important when creating parts and components for the aerospace industry. Products used in the aerospace industry must meet strict standards. Tight tolerances are required to ensure compliance with safety regulations. CNC machining allows manufacturers to create complex parts and components that meet aerospace industry requirements.

Defense

Much like the aerospace industry, components used in the defense industry must meet strict requirements for quality, accuracy, and consistency. The defense industry does not allow any room for error. Tolerances must be met and CNC machine tools monitored regularly for any signs of wear and tear.

Electronics

As technology evolves, devices get smaller and more complex. Electronics manufacturers often use CNC machines to create parts for the electronics industry. Although many electronics components can be made with a 2-3-axis CNC machine, 5-axis machines enable the accurate creation of small and complex parts with very little set-up. This allows manufacturers to produce parts faster and with more accuracy and reduced chance of error.

Medical

CNC equipment can provide the reports needed for the FDA approval process. Another benefit, CNC machining allows for quick prototyping. This makes it possible to bring new products to market faster. Depending on the needs of the organization, CNC machines can produce small runs or high-volume production.

Outsourced CNC Machining

Businesses looking to produce parts or components may benefit from outsourcing CNC machining from a qualified provider. Outsourcing provides access to precision machining and skilled professionals without having to purchase equipment in-house and train existing staff on proper processes.

Means Engineering offers CNC machining for a wide range of industries. Please contact us for more information about our services.

5-Axis Machining Increases Opportunities for Market Expansion

October 2, 2020 By meiadmin

Commonly used to produce complex parts for the aerospace, medical, automotive, and toolmaking sectors, 5-axis machines complete tasks quickly and accurately with only one set-up. Because of the unique capabilities, 5-axis machining makes it possible for companies to expand their offerings and venture into new markets. By taking advantage of 5-axis machining, companies increase their revenue opportunities and gain a better foothold in their market.

What is a 5-Axis Machine?

3-axis machines move a part in two directions while the cutting tool moves up and down. A 5-axis machine rotates on two different rotary axes, allowing the cutting tool to approach the part from multiple angles. This increases accuracy and allows machinists to produce complex parts with minimal effort.

5-axis machining is generally used for two applications: to create complex three dimensional shapes and for the conventional machining of tilted surfaces. The type of application determines the complexity of the machining program required.

Fortunately, recent advancements have simplified 5-axis programs. Typically, a machinist only needs to learn one application to complete each task. However, it’s important that only skilled machinists work with these machines. Depending on the application, a lack of experience and understanding could create serious problems with the finished product.

5-Axis Machine vs. 2-3-Axis Machine

Although many machinists work with 2-3 axis machines, upgrading to a 5-axis machine provides numerous benefits. 2-3 axis machines require multiple set-ups. With each new set-up, the chance of error increases. 5-axis machines allow machinists to complete projects with a single set-up. In addition to reducing the chance of error, 5-axis machining increases accuracy and ensures the consistency of every part produced.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see 5-axis capabilities under-utilized. Machinists need extensive knowledge and experience and the right software to create a cutting program that utilizes the CNC machine to its full potential.

Means Engineering Helps Organizations Increase Their Opportunities

Means Engineering recently acquired a 5-axis CNC machine. This will allow us to produce a wide range of complex products for our partners in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. Our experienced team has received extensive training and understands how to properly utilize our new machine. Please contact us for more information about our 5-axis machining capabilities.

Benefits of 5-Axis CNC Machining

September 25, 2020 By meiadmin

Using computer numerical control (CNC) machining, manufacturers can complete three-dimensional cutting tasks with minimal effort. This important manufacturing process saves time, improves accuracy, increases worker safety, and boosts production volume. Depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the project, manufacturers may use CNC machines with multiple axes. It’s not uncommon to see 3 or 4 axis machines. While these machines provide a high level of precision for complex projects, better options exist. 5-axis machining enables machining of very complex parts, making it the ideal choice for aerospace, medical, and defense applications.

About 5-Axis Machining

5-Axis CNC machines move linearly along the XYZ axes while rotating along two of them. Using multiple configurations, 5-axis machines produce parts with intricate designs quickly with no additional set-up. This allows manufacturers to increase production while eliminating the chance of error caused by multiple set-ups.

5-Axis Machining Benefits

5-axis machines use higher cutting speeds, significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to complete machining projects. Because these machines use shorter cutting tools, less load gets put on the cutter. This increases cutter lifespan and reduces the chance of breakage. The shorter tool causes less vibration, increasing the quality of surface finishing and eliminating the need for hand finishing for most projects.

Using a 5-axis machine, manufacturers can complete prototypes and small runs in less time at a fraction of the cost. What used to take months to complete can be finished in weeks, allowing new products to reach customers sooner and at a much lower price point than previously possible.

When using a 3-axis machine, manufacturers must use a different set-up for each hole. This takes a considerable amount of time and increases the chance of error with each new set-up. Using a 5-axis machine, manufacturers can simply orient the head along the correct axis automatically, reducing the time and effort spent drilling holes.

Produce Complex Parts and Products Quickly

Means Engineering recently acquired a 5-axis machine. Used to create extremely complex parts and products for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries, this machine will enable our team to develop prototypes and products faster and with greater accuracy. Our 5-axis machine enables machining of complex surfaces, shapes, and angles in a single set-up. This minimizes handling, reduces production time, and ensures consistent quality, even for large or repeated orders.

Please contact us for information about our machining services.