Custom manufacturing allows businesses to outsource their products without having to worry about the quality or timeliness of production. This process gives businesses freedom from production and allows manufacturers to concentrate on quality.
This article will explore what custom manufacturing is and why it’s such an important aspect of the engineering world. We’ll also take a look at some different examples to get you thinking about how this could be applied to your own work.
Custom Manufacturing Definition
Several decades ago, if a company wanted to manufacture its product it had only two options.
The first option was for the business enterprise to build its product onsite, which is usually an expensive and time consuming process. The second option was to outsource the manufacturing of a business’s products to a third party company or organization.
However, outsourcing products can be risky. Businesses must have a close relationship with their manufacturer so that production problems can be quickly resolved.
Luckily, many manufacturers have found a solid balance between building in-house and outsourcing products to third parties by utilizing the option of custom manufacturing.
Custom Manufacturing is when you explore the benefits of manufacturing custom parts as opposed to off-the-shelf products. With this type of manufacturing, you are not limited with standard sizes and can significantly reduce lead times by choosing some of the processes that were originally developed for rapid prototypes to create final production molds.
What is the Difference Between Custom Manufacturing and Mass Production?
Mass production (or just “production”) is a production method that uses large quantities of raw materials to produce large quantities of goods as fast as possible. In contrast, custom manufacturing or manufacturability engineering is a more streamlined and efficient process aimed at supplying smaller quantities in shorter timeframes.
In addition to the quantity of material, custom manufacturing is also characterized by the variety and specificity of these products. On a larger scale, mass production requires more time, manpower, space and materials than custom manufacturing.
Another difference between the two is that mass production has a production line. Manufacturing facilities are set up in such a way as to be able to produce large quantities of goods with minimal person-to-person contact. This translates into an assembly line so people can build products without having to wait around for parts, materials and other people to complete the process.
While custom manufacturing uses production areas in a similar way, it uses less machines or equipment and has fewer people working in the production area. This is because it is all about helping customers build customized products based exactly on what they need for their specific needs.
Types of Custom Manufacturing
Custom manufacturing is typically broken down into two categories: prototype and production.
Prototype
The first type is known as “prototype” or mock-up manufacturing.
This service involves making a model or sample of something (a machine part, for example) that needs to be tested, analyzed or modified so that it can be utilized in a project. Sometimes manufacturers use prototypes as a type of marketing tool to show prospective customers what they’re capable of making.
Custom manufacturers may also create mock-ups for parts that are very large or have odd shapes, like airplane wings. The final product requires a lot of resources and time to fabricate, so it’s better to test it out with a prototype before proceeding with the actual design.
Custom manufacturing can produce rapid prototypes in a variety of forms. For instance, they can create a 3D model, which is the most common way to make rapid prototypes. 3D models in this case are possible because of the availability of 3D printers and scanners.
Production
The second category of custom manufacturing is known as “production” or “serial production” manufacturing. This is the process by which a company produces large quantities of a product, usually for commercial purposes.
For example, automobile companies sometimes use serial production to build cars in such high numbers that they can sell them at affordable prices and still make a profit. They also need customized products in small quantities for old model year vehicles.
Production Process of Custom Manufacturing
Custom manufacturing can be processed in one or two ways: Subtractive and/or Additive manufacturing.
Subtractive Manufacturing
Customization is an important part of the process. The subtractive manufacturing process requires less labor and time than other methods because it removes material from a workpiece, rather than adding material as with additive manufacturing or forging. Therefore, it is very cost-effective for companies and beneficial for their bottom line.
Other benefits of subtractive manufacturing are its ability to provide clean surfaces without the need for polishing or grinding and its ability to make parts with holes that will have smoother edges than those made by other processes.
It is very cost-efficient for companies to go with this form of manufacturing. Subtractive manufacturing enables companies to produce parts that are difficult to manufacture using other methods and it offers better surfaces than those produced by other processes. One major advantage is the ability to make holes in the parts that will have smoother edges than those of parts manufactured by other methods.
Here are the various techniques in subtractive manufacturing and their application in different industries:
- CNC machining (milling, turning, boring, drilling, reaming)
- Plasma cutting
- Water jet cutting
- Electric discharge machining (EDM)
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is used in custom manufacturing to enhance upon the benefits of mass production. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which begins with a solid block and takes away material to create less complex objects from that block, additive manufacturing starts with nothing and gradually creates more complex objects, adding material as it goes.
Plus Additive Manufacturing uses CAD Model drawings or files from 3d printing software programs to guide the production process. It’s really an example of reverse engineering when you think about it.
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The main benefit of additive manufacturing is the ability to create customized products. This is done by making a CAD model in 3D modeling software, which guides the production process. The benefits also include fine-tuning and making changes to a design that would be too difficult or expensive with other methods.
If you were to take a plastic part and make it from scratch, you would need to start with some sort of mold to create the shape. Those molds are expensive and can only be used once. Additive manufacturing allows for a near unlimited number of unique parts to be made while still using the same machine.
Here are the various techniques in additive manufacturing and their application in different industries:
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
- Selective laser sintering (SLS)
- Polyjet
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
- Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)
- Photo-curing polymer systems
- Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF)
- Electron beam melting (EBM)
- Binder Jetting
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CTO
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Why Companies Use Custom Manufacturing Solutions For Production
Many organizations are using custom manufacturing solutions to meet the production needs of their commercial projects. Here are some reasons why:
1. Custom made products
Custom manufacturing allows for greater customization of the product. This means that your product is going to be built according to the exact specifications of the client. Plus, the quality can also be improved through custom manufacturing.
2. Improved productivity
Custom manufacturing provides significant improvements in productivity over using prefabricated parts and components due to its ability to create accurate and quality parts and components without any wastage or errors incurred during production.
3. Greater accuracy
Custom manufacturing solutions are more accurate than most other production methods because there is no waste and it can produce customized parts and components that will not have any discrepancies in size or shape when compared with other products.
4. Lower unit costs
It can be more cost-effective than mass production, depending on the company’s needs. Often, the cost of production can be 50 to 75 percent lower than units produced through mass production.
5. Lower lead time
The design process is faster and easier with custom manufacturing because there are fewer steps involved in making a custom product. There is also no need to wait for any pre-made parts or components. Hence, companies can get access to improved production and a shorter lead time.
6. Better Quality Control
With custom manufacturing, you can create and monitor the production process on a regular basis. This makes it extremely easy for you to identify and rectify defects immediately. This is particularly useful if you are producing a high-end product that must meet specific quality criteria.
7. Better product design
There are no limitations when it comes to materials or technologies used in custom manufacturing when compared with other forms of manufacturing. This allows for a wider range of new and improved products to be created, which can help in the creation of the next best thing in the market.
8. More sales
Allowing end users to customize their own products will make them feel more invested in purchasing your product and improve their loyalty to your company.
9. A competitive edge
Custom manufacturing allows you to gain a competitive edge over other companies that are mass producing products. This is because custom manufacturing allows you to outperform them due to the higher quality of the product, shorter lead time and lower unit costs.
How do I find a Manufacturer for my Project?
It can be difficult to find a manufacturer to custom manufacture parts. The main challenge is that the industry lacks quality manufacturers due to the rapidly expanding need for such services. This is only going to become more difficult with time because the lack of attention and investment in the profession will cause it to deteriorate in quality.
Manufacturing professionals must have a strong background in both mechanical and CAD drafting as well as good interpersonal skills. They should also be able to estimate accurately the amount of labor required for each task and know how long it will take.
Supplier relationship management is another challenge. Therefore, you should look for a manufacturer that has been in business for some time and is willing to work with your company on a long-term basis. You should also look for someone who is honest and able to provide you with the highest quality parts at the most competitive price.
Many manufacturers lack the skills or experience to create customized products, which is why businesses are turning to Jiga’s marketplace for quality suppliers that can custom manufacture these high-quality parts.
The number of suppliers on the marketplace is growing everyday due to the demand for such services. Suppliers must meet strict guidelines in order to be accepted onto the site, and they are inspected before posting for any examples of poor quality workmanship.
This means that you will find only reliable, affordable producers of high-quality custom components and parts on the site. All of our suppliers also have excellent customer service ratings so you
Jerry S.
Mechanical Engineer
"The holy grail of good speed, quality, and price for custom parts"
Jiga is the best way to get the parts you need, when you need them.
These are some of the services that Jiga provides:
– Instant manufacturing quotes for custom parts that match your needs;
– Worldwide manufacturing options, including from high-tech companies in China;
– One stop shop access to CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, packaging and logistics;
– Premium customer service for any questions about manufacturers or product requirements;
– Integrated payments for ordering faster and easier
Conclusion
Custom manufacturing is a great way to produce custom parts for your product or business. The benefits of this process include greater customization, improved productivity, better quality control and design that can lead to more sales and competitive edge in the market.
It might be hard to find the right manufacturer but Jiga’s marketplace has vetted suppliers that are able to provide these high-quality products at affordable prices with shorter delivery times than you would get if you tried it yourself. Trying out our service is easy–click below to book a demo!
