contract manufacturing Archives - Page 3 of 29

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.

Outsourcing Allows OEMs to Expand Into New Markets

October 23, 2020 By meiadmin

Companies looking to expand into new markets often face difficult decisions. While most of these organizations understand the benefits of expansion and the potential for increased revenue, many simply aren’t sure how to acquire the equipment, space, and people needed to grow their business. This is especially true for OEMs and other organizations looking to produce parts or products for the medical, defense, or aerospace industries. These industries have strict requirements, and organizations must prove that they have the equipment and skills needed to meet tight tolerances and produce extremely complex devices.

Unfortunately, many organizations avoid expansion or turn down jobs because they do not have the resources needed to complete the work. This can lead to significant loss for the company. In addition to potential loss of revenue, organizations that do not expand will likely fall behind their competition in coming years. This could prove to be especially damaging now, as the world attempts to rebuild the economy. Organizations everywhere will soon be looking for ways to increase earning potential and stability. Expansion into important and essential industries like medical and defense ensures OEMs remain successful even during times of economic downturn.

Outsourcing Reduces Cost and Time to Market

Organizations wishing to expand could benefit from outsourcing part or all of their production to a qualified contract manufacturer like Means Engineering. Outsourcing provides access to experienced individuals, quality equipment and machinery, and state-of-the-art technology at a fraction of the cost of in-house production. Contract manufacturers often have years of experience working with a wide range of industries.

Carlsbad Contract Manufacturing

When you work with Means Engineering, we work directly with your organization to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial relationship. Our team has experience creating complex devices for the medical and defense industries. As an ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer, we understand the unique requirements of these industries and work hard to ensure the quality and consistency of every part produced. Our 5-axis machine allows us to produce extremely complex parts and products.

At Means Engineering, we understand the challenges OEMs face when expanding into new markets. Our team can help you clear this hurdle and ensure the continued success of your company.

Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

5-Axis Machining – What It Is and Why You Need It

October 16, 2020 By meiadmin

5-axis machining allows for the creation of complex parts or components. While 2-3 axis machines move the work piece in two different directions while the cutting tool moves up and down, 5-axis machines can rotate on two additional rotation axes. This allows the cutting tool to reach the part from all directions. When compared to 2 and 3-axis machines, 5-axis machines offer greater versatility, making them a useful tool to just about every industry.

Unfortunately, the high cost of 5-axis machines makes them inaccessible to many manufacturers and machinists. OEMs and organizations wishing to take advantage of 5-axis machining could benefit from outsourcing to a qualified machinist. Outsourcing allows organizations to utilize equipment and skilled teams without having to acquire the people, equipment, or space needed to complete these tasks in-house.

Useful for a Broad Range of Applications

Because of its versatility, machinists use 5-axis machining for a wide range of applications. One of the most common applications is the machining of work pieces with complex contours. These contours are generally difficult, if not impossible, to achieve using a 2-3-axis machine or a turn mill machine.

Although 5-axis machining benefits almost every industry, its commonly utilized by the automotive, aerospace, defense, automation, and medical sectors. The efficiency and accuracy of these machines allows organizations to meet tight tolerances and specific standards for quality and consistency.

The vertical alignment and design of 5-axis machines eliminates the concentricity issues often experienced by horizontal machines. With gravity on its side, the vertical chunk can firmly clamp the work piece to the worktable. This increases application opportunities, improving versatility even more.

While 5-axis machines allow for the creation of complex parts and components, use of these machines is not necessary for all complex machining projects. However, using a 3-axis machine typically creates more steps for the operator. 5-axis machines create complex parts with minimal set-up.

5-Axis Machining Services

Organizations that require the creation of complex parts could benefit from contacting an experienced machinist. Means Engineering offers 5-axis machining for a wide range of industries and applications. Our services reduce time to market and increase profitability.

Please contact us for more information about our CNC machining services.

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.