contract manufacturer Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

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.

Avoiding Contract Manufacturing Issues

January 22, 2021 By meiadmin

Contract manufacturing provides numerous benefits. Utilizing the help of an experienced contract manufacturer allows businesses to produce high quality products faster and at a lower price than producing them in-house. Contract manufacturing also helps large organizations fulfill periods of high demand.

While contract manufacturing provides many benefits, it’s not without risk. Certain issues can arise during the manufacturing process. It’s important that OEMs understand these issues and learn how to effectively minimize their impact or avoid them altogether.

Supply Chain Issues

Many organizations experience supply chain issues when working with a contract manufacturer. While OEMs have complete control over the types of parts used when producing products in-house, they give up this control when they enlist the help of a CM.

Business owners can eliminate supply chain issues by working with a reputable and experienced contract manufacturer. It’s important that leaders discuss their needs and requirements during the initial call with the CM. This can help avoid problems in the future.

Quality Controls

Another issue, outsourcing reduces the amount of control OEMs have over quality. Working with an inexperienced CM can have dire consequences to the finished product. It’s crucial that OEMs locate an experienced CM with solid quality control practices in place. It’s also advised that leaders work with a CM with experience producing products for their industry. This is especially true for industries with strict regulations and requirements like aerospace and defense.

Intellectual Property Risks

Enlisting the help of a contract manufacturer gives them access to the business’s intellectual property. It’s important that OEMs and inventors patent their idea before speaking with a contract manufacturer. Once the appropriate patents are in place, the inventor should explain the conditions and details of how the CM can use the patented information. It’s also important to have the contract manufacturer sign a licensing agreement prior to starting any work on the project.

Communication

Many OEMs experience issues with communication. This is especially true when outsourcing production to another country. It’s crucial that OEMs have a clear and open line of communication throughout the entire project.

During the interview process, OEMs should ensure the CM fully understands the project. Providing detailed schematics, blueprints, and other supporting documents can help the CM better understand what is needed.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to inventors, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large organizations. Please contact us for information about our services.

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.

Manufacturing Trends for 2021

January 8, 2021 By meiadmin

2020 brought massive change for businesses in almost every industry. For manufacturers, the global pandemic had serious consequences for those that relied on parts and components produced overseas. As many businesses around the world halted operations, manufacturers in the U.S. found it difficult to continue their normal operations. Several OEMs utilized the help of U.S. based contract manufacturers to fulfill orders and keep up with demand.

Deemed an essential business by the United States government, manufacturers in the U.S. have done everything they can to stay afloat throughout these uncertain times. Many manufacturers even increased production to fulfill large orders for essential electronics and other medically necessary devices.

Localized Production

As mentioned above, many manufacturers have already made the switch to U.S. based production. Many more will probably follow suit in the coming months as business owners become increasingly worried about trade wars and tariffs threatening global supply chains.

There are many benefits of moving production closer to the customer. Benefits include quicker time to market, lower working capital, and increased resiliency. Although it will take more time for larger manufacturers to move production to the U.S., it’s expected we’ll see major strides to do so throughout the year.

Factory Floors Becoming Digital

As manufacturers look for ways to prevent downtime, it’s likely they’ll adopt more automation technology. Robots, sensors, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing will all play a part in the digitization of the factory floor.

Manufacturers Will Meet Rising Consumer Demand

With so many people home, ecommerce sales are at an all time high. As consumer demand rises, manufacturers are expected to utilize contract manufacturing and advanced technology to keep up with demand.

Increased Investment in the Workforce

Despite increased use of automation, manufacturers will invest more in their workforce in 2021. Robots and other technology create higher paying jobs. Over the next few years, manufacturers will likely offer more training and education to factory workers in an effort to empower them to take on more responsibilities on the factory floor.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services in Carlsbad, CA. Our comprehensive services include design services, production, and testing of a wide range of products and devices. Please contact us for information about our 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.