Most machining shops, from small family businesses to larger companies, offer prototyping services as well as volume production solutions. For some machining services, prototyping through to production is at the heart of their business, while others only occasionally work with an OEM or a customer from design through to production.
Not all prototype machining services are the same, and there can be significant issues to consider in making a choice. Taking the time to evaluate not just what the company indicates it can do but to gain a better understanding of their past prototyping projects, their equipment and their expertise in machining is always important.
Understanding of the Project
The best prototype machining services take the time to understand the project. They also are knowledgeable about the industry requirements for tolerances and precision parts, and they know the types of alloys and metals that are ideally suited to the needs of a given application.
They also have a good understanding of how to move from prototyping to production. This is essential long-term, as the prototype development is completed to provide the most cost-effective production options when it is time to ramp up for the market.
Technology and Equipment
While many of the techniques used in machining have not changed significantly for centuries, the equipment the technology continues to evolve and change. The prototype machining services that offer the latest in state-of-the-art equipment, machines, and software options are able to provide their customers with faster prototyping services without any compromise in quality and precision work.
This is another area where working with an advanced company has its benefits moving from prototyping to small or large volume order production. With cutting edge equipment and experienced operators and machinists on-site, order production is never a problem, and there is an easy transition from a prototyping service to a contract manufacturer.
