Electronic Devices Archives - Page 3 of 15

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.

The Importance of Clean Rooms in Medical Device Creation

August 21, 2020 By meiadmin

When producing medical devices, medical device manufacturers must maintain a clean environment. This is important, as any bacteria or microorganisms can create a safety concern for patients. It’s also crucial that medical device manufacturers ensure that air pollutants don’t gather on small components, impacting their ability to function as desired. In order to keep medical devices free from contaminants, medical device manufacturers must assemble these products in a controlled environment. Using a cleanroom for medical device assembly ensures bacteria and pollutants do not impact the functionality or safety of medical devices.

Ensuring Compliance with Federal Regulations Regarding Medical Device Creation

Companies responsible for the creation of devices for the medical industry must meet strict regulations regarding the design, production, and labeling of medical devices. Regardless of the type of device and its classification with the FDA, medical device manufacturers must ensure adequate cleanliness throughout the entire manufacturing process.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets the standard for quality for the medical device industry. Companies that receive ISO 13485 certification have proven they have the tools and capabilities to ensure optimal cleanliness and contamination controls when producing medical devices.

What is a Cleanroom?

A cleanroom is a special room, typically inside a manufacturing facility with special filtration used to remove contaminants like dust, airborne microbes, and aerosol particles. Manufacturers often use cleanrooms to produce electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. In addition to cleanliness and contamination control, cleanrooms also control temperature, air flow, and humidity all of which can impact the quality of finished products.

Do You Need a Cleanroom?

Organizations often wonder whether they need their own cleanroom. For organizations creating medical devices, a cleanroom is important to ensure the quality and safety of finished products. However, finding the space and funding for a cleanroom could create a challenge. Many small and mid-size companies often struggle to justify the cost of implementing cleanroom operations into their facility. It takes a lot of people and training to ensure the safe and proper production of these important devices.

Companies can benefit from outsourcing medical device production to an ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer like Means Engineering. Our team has years of experience and understands how to design and produce a wide range of medical devices. We offer state of the art cleanroom assembly to ensure optimal cleanliness and quality.

Right Sized Contract Manufacturing Services

When you work with Means Engineering, we work directly with you to develop a customized solution. Unlike larger contract manufacturing firms, we offer a personalized approach. No matter how big or small your project, our team stays in communication throughout the entire process.

Please contact us for more information about our medical device contract manufacturing services.

Qualities to Look for When Selecting an Electronics Contract Manufacturer

July 24, 2020 By meiadmin

Outsourcing makes it possible for businesses to bring products to market faster and for less money than possible with in-house production. When OEMs partner with a quality electronics manufacturer they gain access to the tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce a wide range of products. This provides numerous benefits and can give the OEM a competitive advantage. However, it’s important that companies considering outsourcing take their time to learn as much as they can and locate an experienced ECM.

Design Services

A lot of time and effort goes into the creation of quality electronics. Although many OEMs develop their own design plans, it can be difficult to spot potential problems. Hiring a contract manufacturer during the design phase can help locate areas that could benefit from improvement. Often times, an ECM will point out ways to improve quality and/or reduce the costs involved with production. This can have significant benefits and help reduce the chance of costly recalls and repairs.

Even OEMs that design their electronics themselves may consider using an ECM to assist with the design of non-core electronics, enclosures, plastics, and other components.

Manufacturing Tooling Design

It’s important to make sure the ECM chosen can assist with every aspect of the new product launch. This may include manufacturing tooling, metal fabrication, and plastic injection molding.

Testing Capabilities

Different industries have different requirements when it comes to electronic devices. OEMs should choose an ECM with a variety of testing capabilities. ECMs should be able to test device functionality and reliability even in harsh conditions. This is especially important for companies creating devices for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

New Product Introduction

Organizations should look for an electronics contract manufacturer with the experience, capabilities, and business processes in place to introduce and ramp-up production as needed.

Production Issue Resolution

When creating a new product, it’s not uncommon for production issues to arise. It’s crucial that the CM has the ability and experience to address the OEMs specific problems or concerns.

Means Engineering offers electronics contract manufacturing services for organizations across a wide range of industries. We work directly with each of our clients from concept to completion. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Staying Competitive in Today’s Market

July 17, 2020 By meiadmin

Recent events have led business owners scrambling for ways to recover lost revenue and business. For many OEMs, staff reductions and reduced income has significantly decreased production capacity. Unfortunately, organizations wishing to remain competitive and recover lost revenue need to ensure consistent market presence.

OEMs looking to bring new products to market require experienced staff, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and the space needed to store raw materials and finished products. They also need the right connections to ensure they can acquire the materials and components they need, when they need them. This is especially challenging in today’s market as many of the producers of raw materials are also attempting to increase production.

Outsourcing Provides Numerous Benefits

Partnering with a qualified contract manufacturer allows OEMs to access the tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce high quality products without the overhead of handling production in-house. CMs often have years of experience working with a wide range of industries. This not only ensures the quality and consistency of products produced, it also allows for future growth and expansion into new markets.

In addition to reducing costs and time to market, contract manufacturers typically have close relationships with raw material and component suppliers. This helps ensure continuous accessibility, even during uncertain times.

Outsourcing During the Design Phase Helps Catch Issues Sooner

Organizations looking create new products could benefit from outsourcing during the design process. An experienced contract manufacturer serves as a second set of eyes for design plans. In addition to spotting areas that might cause a problem, they may also suggest changes that reduce cost, simplify the manufacturing process, and increase quality.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of partnering with a CM is that it frees up time, allowing OEMs to focus on other important aspects of their business. This might be just what is needed to improve the chance of success during these uncertain times.

Southern California Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to organizations across a wide range of industries. Our turnkey solutions provide peace of mind and enable OEMs to gain a competitive edge.

Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

What is Contract Manufacturing?

July 10, 2020 By meiadmin

Entrepreneurs and companies often turn to outside partners to design and produce their products. Farming out production provides numerous benefits. In addition to costing less than producing products in-house, using an outside firm provides access to people with years of experience building a wide range of products. Although the process of outsourcing might be called by several different names, most know it as contract manufacturing.

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

Using a contract manufacturer allows small companies to produce high quality products without having to invest in the people, equipment, machinery, technology, and space needed to handle production in-house. The contract manufacturer completes production based on the specifications and requirements of the company under the label or brand of the company that hires them.

Contract manufacturing enables entrepreneurs and start-ups to build their brand and provide high quality products, without spending a large amount of money up front. Large corporations often use contract manufacturers to help fulfill periods of high demand. Companies can utilize contract manufacturers for all parts of production from design to testing. This saves time, money, and ensures the quality and consistency of every product produced.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of contract manufacturing, outsourcing allows companies to focus on other important areas of their business. Companies that utilize the help of an experienced contract manufacturer tend to spend more money and time focusing on marketing and growing their business. This could mean the difference between success and failure in today’s competitive marketplace.

Contract Manufacturing Services

Contract manufacturers offer a variety of services each designed to add value to the production process. When utilized during the design phase, contract manufacturers serve as a second set of eyes for design plans. This can help locate areas of that could benefit from improvement.

Most commonly, companies utilize contract manufacturers to help with the actual production process of parts, components, or entire products. Contract manufacturers have access to the best tools, equipment, and technology and have the people needed to complete even the most complex projects.

Companies may also utilize the help of a contract manufacturer to ensure finished products perform as intended. Using state of the art tools and equipment, contract manufacturers can perform all necessary testing.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to companies across a wide range of industries. Please contact us for information about our services.