carlsbad contract manufacturing Archives

Benefits of CNC Machining

January 29, 2021 By meiadmin

Computer-numerical control (CNC) machining is used for a wide range of projects. This trusted form of metal fabrication provides numerous benefits to businesses across a wide range of industries. From corporate executives to school children, we’ve all encountered devices created with the help of CNC machining. In fact, the creation of most modern-day devices involves this important type of machining.

Business owners could gain a lot from learning about CNC machining and how it could benefit their business.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining uses computer-numerical control to operate machine parts like lathes, routers, grinders, shapers, mills, and more. Unlike other forms of machining, CNC machining does not require a human operator. Because the CNC machine operates under the control of a computer, CNC machining can produce precise and complex parts in very little time.

CNC Machining Benefits

CNC machining allows manufacturers to produce parts faster, reducing time to market and increasing the number of parts they can produce. Another benefit, CNC machining allows for the creation of consistent parts. This eliminates variances which are common with manual production.

Unlike human labor, CNC machines can work continuously This allows manufacturers to meet demanding deadlines. Once programmed, CNC machines only need to stop for occasional service. Although some additional maintenance may be required, most machines only need their cutting elements replaced during service.

CNC Machining Applications

Manufacturers use CNC machines to produce parts for multiple industries. CNC machining works with a broad range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, titanium, brass, plastic, wood, gold, silver, and several synthetic materials. CNC machining makes fast work of many essential metal fabrication tasks including:

Drilling
Engraving
Cutting
Grooving
Boring
Contouring
Lathing
Milling
Shearing
Punching
Shaping
Stamping
Facing
Grinding
Threading
Texturing
Welding
Tapping
Knurling

Multi-Axis Machining

Using multi-axis CNC machines, manufacturers can produce extremely complex parts and components from a solid piece of material. These machines provide additional benefits for organizations looking for precise and detailed components. Multi-axis machines are commonly used to create parts for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to individuals, small businesses, start-ups, government agencies, and large corporations. Our 5-axis CNC machine allows us to create complex parts for a variety of applications. Please contact us for more information about our CNC machining capabilities.

Making Contract Manufacturing Work for You

January 15, 2021 By meiadmin

Inventors come up with ideas at the strangest times. When this occurs, many worry they cannot develop their idea into a tangible product. While inventors may not have the tools needed to produce a fully functional prototype, they should attempt to work with someone that does.

Utilizing the help of a contract manufacturer puts inventors in direct contact with people that know how to design, produce, and test a wide range of products and devices. Even if the inventor isn’t sure how to get started or what needs to be done, speaking with an experienced contract manufacturer can help determine whether the idea stands a chance of making it off the drawing board.

Although many entrepreneurs and inventors believe contract manufacturers only work with large organizations, nothing could be further from the truth. Contract manufacturers often work with individuals to help turn their ideas into reality.

What is Contract Manufacturing?

Contract manufacturers help people or businesses design, produce, and test products. They commonly help with prototyping, machining, and other complex parts of production. Large companies often utilize contract manufacturers to create new products or fulfill periods of high demand. Small businesses and start-ups may hire a contract manufacturer to produce all of their products.

Contract manufacturing allows businesses to provide customers with high quality products without having to acquire all of the equipment, machinery, technology, space, and people needed to produce products in-house.

Choosing a Contract Manufacturer to Work With

Inventors should to take care when choosing a contract manufacturer to work with. It’s important to locate a CM with experience building the type of protype or product they’d like to create. Inventors should interview the contract manufacturer prior to signing any contracts. If possible, the inventor should visit the facility and ask about past projects. This can provide peace of mind and let the inventor know whether or not the CM can handle their project.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to individuals, small businesses, government agencies, and large organizations. Our team of professionals has years of experience working with a wide range of projects and industries. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Electronic Contract Manufacturing Trends

January 1, 2021 By meiadmin

It’s not uncommon for American companies and OEMs to enlist the help of electronic contract manufacturers. Depending on the needs of the company that hires them, ECMs assist with design, production, and testing of a wide range of products. Larger companies often hire electronic contract manufacturers to help fulfill periods of high demand. Small companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs may utilize an ECM for all parts of production or to launch a new product.

Demand for Electronics Contract Manufacturing Continues to Rise

Every year, it seems like more companies find unique ways to utilize the help of electronic contract manufacturers. According to a study recently conducted by Polaris Market, the electronic contract manufacturing services market is expected to reach $554.2 billion by the year 2026. This is thanks in part to rising competition in the electronics industry and intense pressure to reduce costs.

OEMs turn to electronic contract manufacturers to help locate ways to improve quality and reduce the costs of production. By working directly with an ECM, OEMs gain access to experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment and technology. This can give them an edge in their market.

Consumers Want Longer Product Lifespan

When it comes to electronic devices, consumers want products that last a long time. These devices often cost a significant amount of money and having to replace a product every year just doesn’t make much sense. ECMs continue to search for ways to extend product lifespan.

Features & Functionality

It seems like new electronics hit the shelves every few months. The features and functionality of these products remains one of the top factors that consumers consider before making a purchase. However, it’s not just about adding more features, OEMs must develop products with smart features that add value and make the life of the consumer easier. Experienced ECMs know how to create high quality devices with useful features.

Quality and Safety Improvements

New regulations and requirements for certain industries are shaping the way that ECMs create new products. Organizations responsible for the creation of devices for the medical, aerospace, and defense industries must use special equipment and technology to ensure compliance. As a result, electronic devices are getting safer and more robust than previously possible.

Means Engineering offers a variety of contract manufacturing services to organizations and OEMs across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for information about our services.

Understanding the Difference Between Private Label and Contract Manufacturing

December 26, 2020 By meiadmin

Despite the differences, many people believe that Private Label and Contract Manufacturing are the same. Both forms of manufacturing are prevalent in numerous industries. Each has its own benefits. When looking to outsource, organizations must decide which solution works better for their situation and business.

Private Label Manufacturing

A Private Label Manufacturer provides organizations with products marketed under the brand name or label of the company that partners with them. With this type of manufacturing, the manufacturer retains control over the product, including its specifications and quality.

Private Label Manufacturers often sell low-cost alternatives to popular products branded as the company that hires them. This makes it possible for big box stores to offer their own brand beside other well-known brands.

Contract Manufacturing

Contract Manufacturing involves outsourcing the manufacturing process to another company. Contract Manufacturers do not own the product and cannot change the specifications without prior approval from the company that hires them.

Benefits of Private Label

Private Label allows stores to offer their own brand at a lower price point than other, more popular brands. This can improve sales and increase consumer respect for store brands. With Private Label, organizations do not need to worry about developing design plans or tweaking formulas.

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

Utilizing the help of a Contract Manufacturer allows organizations to produce high quality products that meet their exact specifications and requirements. Using a Contract Manufacturer costs less than producing products in-house. It also puts organizations in reach of experienced professionals. CMs often provide advice and guidance, allowing OEMs to improve product quality and reduce time to market.

Final Thoughts

Both Private Label and Contract Manufacturing allow organizations to bring quality products to market. While Private Label does not allow the purchaser to modify or change the product, Contract Manufacturing enables companies to produce products to their own specifications. Having control over the production process allows organizations to adjust to meet the needs of consumers.

The type of manufacturing an organization chooses will depend on numerous factors. Organizations should fully evaluate their needs before making a decision.

Means Engineering offers a variety of contract manufacturing services to organizations and OEMs across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for information about our services.

Using a Contract Manufacturer to Turn Ideas Into Reality

December 18, 2020 By meiadmin

Entrepreneurs and inventors come up with new ideas all the time. Although many of these ideas could potentially improve quality of life for people around the world, most never make it off the drawing board.

Creating new products takes a lot of time and money. Inventors must obtain the right amount of space, people, equipment, and technology to produce products in-house. They also need to ensure compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. This often requires obtaining ISO certification. It is for these reasons and more that many inventors believe that they simply do not have the resources needed to turn their ideas into reality. Fortunately, entrepreneurs and inventors have another option.

Enlisting the help of a contract manufacturer not only gets ideas off the ground, it can help ensure the quality and consistency of products produced. This can make even start-ups look like they’ve been in business for decades.

Product Design

Before contacting a contract manufacturer, it’s important that inventors put together their design plans. Using CAD software is the easiest way to create drawings to share with others. It’s also important that inventors consider the types of materials they’d like to use to create their product.

The contract manufacturer you choose will review the design plans and make suggestions. It’s important to listen to these suggestions as they could improve the quality of the finished product or reduce the costs involved with its creation.

Locate an Experienced Contract Manufacturer

When searching for a contract manufacturer, inventors should look for a CM with experience working with the type of product they’d like to produce. If the product contains electrical or mechanical components, the inventor will want to find an experienced electrical contract manufacturer (ECM).

Expect the Unexpected

Even the simplest design can run into problems during production. It might be impossible to procure parts or there could be problems with the design. While these issues might seem like a major problem, the contract manufacturer has probably dealt with similar issues before. They’re well positioned to make suggestions to keep the project moving in the right direction.

Working Towards Mass Production

Once inventors have a fully functional prototype, they can start thinking about moving to production. The right contract manufacturer can provide advice and guidance as inventors take this important step.

Means Engineering provides a variety of contract manufacturing services. Please contact us for details.