engineering Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Means Engineering, Inc.

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

July 14, 2017 By meiadmin

Benefits of Contract Manufacturing

A contract manufacturer creates products and their components under the label or brand of the companies that hire them. Contract manufacturing is an excellent option for companies that wish to increase their product line but do not have the staff or resources necessary to do so. Contract manufacturing is used to create products for a wide range of industries. It has a number of benefits for companies of all shapes and sizes.

Contract Manufacturing Saves Time

Hiring a contract manufacturer can save a company a considerable amount of time and resources. Companies that use contract manufacturing services do not have to go through the lengthy process of hiring and training new employees to fulfill orders. They do not need to locate a new facility or obtain the equipment necessary for production. The contract manufacturer provides everything needed to produce high quality products. This provides more time for managers to focus on other important aspects of their business.

Contract Manufacturing Saves Money

Perhaps the biggest benefit of contract manufacturing is the cost savings. Companies that hire a contract manufacturer save money on equipment, facility fees and additional employees. In addition, contract manufacturers are typically able to produce parts at a fraction of the cost of in-house production. Contract manufacturing is ideal for the development and testing of new products. A contract manufacturer can also be useful in fulfilling orders when demand for a specific product is high.

High Quality Products

It takes a lot of training and experience to create high quality products. This type of expertise isn’t always feasible when producing products in-house. Sensitive parts, such as those used in electronic devices must be created in a cleanroom environment. This prevents contamination which can affect the reliability of the finished product. A contract manufacturer has the training, experience, equipment and quality control processes necessary to create high quality, reliable products time and time again.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, consider a company that has experience working with a number of different industries. They should have a Quality Management System registered to ISO 9001 and AS 9100.

What “Target Condition” Means in Regards to IPC Workmanship

May 26, 2017 By meiadmin

What “Target Condition” Means in Regards to IPC Workmanship

IPC standards are essential to a company’s improvement. These standards help establish a level of quality and help communicate quality acceptance criteria across the industry. Electronics assemblies are divided into three classes in the following four categories:

Target Condition
Acceptable Condition
Defect Condition
Process Indicator Condition

IPC standards ensure that manufacturers remain accountable and credible to both their suppliers and their customers. IPC standards also provide a common language between designers, assemblers and testers. This helps eliminate confusion, speed up verification and reduce assembly costs.

What is “Target Condition”?

“Target condition” is defined as “close to perfect” and is the most desirable condition. It should be noted that “target condition” is not always achievable and might not be necessary for the reliability of an assembly. However, every assembly should strive for this ideal.

IPC Classes

IPC Classes are used to standardize the acceptability levels of electronics. The IPC definition of Classes is based on product functionality and functional operation criterion. The environmental and reliability requirements of a product determine its appropriate Class selection.

IPC Class 2 and IPC Class 3 are both workmanship standards for building electronics assemblies. These standards define what is considered acceptable when it comes to all things related to electronics circuit board assembly including build criteria for solder joints, heel fillets and component placement tolerance.

Unless otherwise noted on the product documentation, the default build standard is generally Class 2. Class 3 is a much more stringent workmanship standard and is typically reserved for products that require more intense levels of reliability such as those used by the medical and aerospace industries. For a product to be defined as Class 3, it must meet total IPC criteria.

Achieving the Ideal Cost-Performance Ratio

Electronics design, engineering and manufacturing involves a constant balance to achieve the ideal cost-performance ratio while still allowing for differentiation through innovation. IPC standards allow electronics manufacturers to clearly understand and meet their customer’s expectations for both performance and quality.

When you work with Means Engineering, Inc., you can rest assured that our experienced team will meet the IPC standard that your product requires.

Key Features of Vertically Integrated Manufacturing

April 7, 2017 By meiadmin

Key Features of Vertically Integrated Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes have changed a lot over the past few years. As demand for increased quality control, efficiency and lower costs have grown, so has the need for vertically integrated manufacturing.

Controlling the Value Chain

Manufacturers are able to achieve vertical integration when they control or own the elements within a value chain.

A company’s value chain consists of all of the businesses and individuals that play a part in the manufacturing process. The value chain begins with the people that supply the raw materials and ends with the customer that buys the finished product. Vertical manufacturing refers to the vertical integration of a value chain.

The basic idea behind vertical integration is that companies are able to control the beginning as well as the end of the supply chain.

Benefits of Vertical Integration

Vertically integrated manufacturing provides significant benefits when it comes to product manufacturing, assembly and supply. Vertical integration can reduce lead times, control quality requirements and help to keep costs low.

The most obvious benefit of a well-executed vertically integrated strategy is the ability to increase profit margins and reduce prices for customers, without negatively affecting the quality of a product. There are also numerous customer service benefits to vertical integration. When a company handles the manufacturing, transporting, marketing and retail of its products, they have the unique opportunity to improve their customer’s experience.

Increasing Efficiency in the Manufacturing Process

Vertical integration allows manufacturers to extend their reach as well as their process. When done properly, vertical integration improves process flow and expands the manufacturer’s offerings and capabilities.

Vertical integration increases efficiency and allows for beginning to end quality and engineering support that is compliant with international regulatory requirements. This can significantly decrease the time and money spent on bringing products to market.

Vertically Integrated Manufacturer in Carlsbad, California

From the design and engineering of complex devices through high-volume manufacturing, service and repair, Mean Engineering Inc. offers unparalleled vertical integration capabilities. Even when buying from our customer’s Approved Vendor List, we exercise our vast integration knowledge base to ensure that suppliers are performing to expectations. This helps our customers reach their vision in the most effective and economical way possible.

Means Engineering Inc. offers high quality, comprehensive product development and manufacturing services. We work directly with our clients from concept to completion. For information about our vertically integrated manufacturing services, please contact us today.