The use of commercial off-the-shelf parts in low-volume production limits aesthetics and creativity

Designing complex products for low-volume manufacturingoften requires compromises. By understanding the limitations of each process, engineers can customize designs and use low-volume manufacturing to produce great parts. In addition, designers can increase the number of parts by making the left and right sides the same or using the same parts in multiple places. The principles of manufacturing design extend to all processes. So what do they use of commercial off-the-shelf parts in low volume manufacturing limit aesthetics and creativity need to be done? Let's take a look together next.

The following is a list of contents:

Let customers understand the challenges and compromises of low volume manufacturing as early as possible

Suppliers may be one of the more frustrating challenges in low volume manufacturing

Please try to use standard sizes or parts from multiple sources

Although low volume manufacturing has its challenges, it also has advantages

Let customers understand the challenges and compromises of low volume manufacturing as early as possible

Let customers understand the challenges and compromises of low-volume manufacturing as early as possible so that everyone knows what will happen. Understand the manufacturing volume and choose the appropriate manufacturing process as early as possible to optimize the design to obtain the best form and function. This is usually better than trying to push the limits of low-volume manufacturing technology to achieve unsuitable goals.

Suppliers may be one of the more frustrating challenges in low volume manufacturing

Suppliers can be one of the more frustrating challenges in low-volume manufacturing. In mass production, more products equal more money. Suppliers tend to be slower to respond to small-volume orders unless they specifically set it up for that size. The key is to find a supplier that specializes in low-volume manufacturing. They will be set up to run multiple small jobs at the same time and have easy-to-configure manufacturing and assembly areas. However, it is important to confirm their capabilities and process control.

Please try to use standard sizes or parts from multiple sources

When ordering ready-made parts for low volume manufacturing, please try to use standard sizes or parts from multiple sources. If a part is discontinued, another part can be replaced without extensive product redesign. When this kind of backup is not possible, low-volume manufacturers must rely on a single source of parts. In this case, make a contingency plan to prevent the parts from becoming obsolete.

Although low volume manufacturing has its challenges, it also has advantages

Although low volume manufacturing has its challenges, it also has advantages. By using suitable low volume manufacturing, prototypes and production cells can have similar components and materials. This enables early performance testing and preliminary verification and verification exercises, thereby reducing unexpected situations that may appear in the construction of an article.

Recognizing the challenges involved in low-volume manufacturing design early in the design process can make it easier. Understanding the limitations of the low-volume manufacturing process can shorten design time and help manage customer expectations. You may need to compromise, but with good design practices and some ingenuity, you can bring successful and beautiful products to the market with low volume manufacturing within a reasonable budget.

TEAM MFG is a rapid manufacturing company focusing on ODM and OEM, started in 2015. We provide a series of rapid manufacturing services such as rapid prototyping services, CNC machining services, injection molding services, and die-casting services to help designers and customers with low-volume manufacturing needs. In the past 10 years, we have helped more than 1,000 customers successfully bring their products to the market. As our professional service and 99%, accurate delivery makes us the most favored in the customer list. If you are interested in low volume manufacturing, please contact us and we will provide you with related services. Our website is https://www.team-mfg.com/. You are very welcome and we hope to cooperate with you.