southern california contract manufacturer Archives - Page 3 of 15

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.

Ensuring Business Continuity During Uncertain Times

September 18, 2020 By meiadmin

Many OEMs struggle to achieve redundancy in their supply chain while keeping costs low. Unfortunately, redundancy can cost organizations a lot of time, money, and resources. Focusing on redundancy distracts teams from other important tasks, often delaying important development milestones.

Dealing with the Unexpected

Unexpected events can cause major problems for business continuity. This became apparent in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented OEMs and other businesses in the manufacturing industry from accessing the components needed to produce products and continue business as normal. In addition to pandemics, other events like fires, floods, and natural disasters can impact an organization’s ability to fulfill orders. The only way to mitigate the risks of these kinds of events is to develop a business continuity plan and partner with a contract manufacturer (CM) that offers redundant sourcing and manufacturing capabilities.

Unfortunately, many contract manufacturers have reduced or halted production during the global health emergency. This has caused major supply chain issues, impacting OEMs and numerous businesses around the world. For organizations supplying devices to the medical or defense industry, supply chain issues could mean the difference between life and death.

Outsourcing Helps Protect OEMs from Supply Chain Problems

When the unexpected occurs, organizations need a partner they can trust to help them continue business as normal. The right contract manufacturer helps organizations continue producing high quality products while making necessary repairs or moving their facility to a new location. When utilized on a regular basis, a contract manufacturer can offer assistance year round to help fulfill periods of high demand and help organizations as they grow and expand into new markets.

Outsourcing makes it possible for teams to focus on other important aspects of their business. This increases the chance of growth and success and gives businesses a competitive edge even during natural disasters and other events that impact the ability for most businesses to succeed.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturing Services

From design to production and testing, Mean Engineering, Inc. offers a wide range of contract manufacturing services. Our team has years of experience working with a variety of industries.

In order to ensure continuous production and uninterrupted support for the companies that depend on us, Means Engineering has implemented a COVID-19 response plan. Aimed at preventing the spread of disease and keeping our staff safe, our response plan has become an important part of everything we do.

Please contact us to learn how Means Engineering can fit in your business continuity plan.

Manufacturing During COVID-19 – Keeping Staff Safe

September 11, 2020 By meiadmin

The COVID-19 public health emergency has forced businesses around the globe to reconsider the ways they handle daily tasks and operations. For businesses in the manufacturing industry, leaders have had to implement important safety measures while preparing for increased uncertainty and long-lasting changes to the work environment.

Unlike a lot of other industries, manufacturing requires heavy equipment, machinery, adequate space, and often a controlled environment. This makes working from home extremely difficult.

In order to continue operations and ensure the organizations we support can continue to thrive in a struggling economy, Means Engineering has developed a COVID-19 response plan to ensure the safety and continued well-being of our employees.

At Mean Engineering, the health and safety of our staff has always been our top priority. We have been able to stay open during the public health emergency by implementing proper safety procedures. We also developed a COVID-19 task force. The main focus of this task force is to ensure the continuous safety and well-being of our employees.

In addition to implementing CDC recommended cleaning and sanitation practices, our COVID-19 task force monitors employee health, and implements additional safety measures as recommended by leading authorities.

Preventing the Spread of Disease Takes a Team Effort

At Means Engineering, our people don’t just help organizations create new products, they bring years of industry expertise and insight to the table. They offer viable solutions to a wide range of design and production development issues. Our people truly are what sets Means Engineering apart.

Our COVID-19 plan and task force were developed following Means Engineering’s core values. These values play an important role in every decision we make.

Passion – At the center of everything we do
Integrity– We hold ourselves to high standards and honor the commitments we make. We strive to embody integrity in all our processes, decisions, and interactions
Innovation– Innovation is in our DNA as a company. We are constantly developing and supporting new methods and ideas to build products
Quality– We are dedicated to quality and always strive to produce products that meet or exceed quality standards.
Ethics– We believe in doing what’s right for the customer, right for our employees, and right for the world

Every month, Means Engineering hosts company-sponsored events. These events allow us to unwind and connect as a team. We believe this is where innovation begins. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had to put these events on hold. However, we continue to show our appreciation to our staff through food trucks, cookies, and by providing them with plenty of Means Engineering merchandise.

Although life looks a little different now, we plan to continue to grow and adjust as a team. We believe this will strengthen our ability to exceed our customers’ expectations for both quality and service.

Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services and the steps we’re taking to keep our staff safe.

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.