Custom Manufacturing: Processes and Tips

A common man's perception is that components are manufactured with similar features in each batch, copy-pasting the design. In contrast, manufacturing processes are way beyond copy-pasting.

Customization is a new innovation that allows every application to have a specific component designed and manufactured exclusively. If you are looking to learn about what is custom manufacturing, read the guide below.

What is Custom Manufacturing?

Custom manufacturing offers to create components with uniqueness in a limited number of pieces. The process of custom manufacturing is conducted by working closely with the clients so that the product developed meets their requirements.

It is meant to transform your ideas into reality. However, it requires precision and expertise. The components are designed and created within a given time span so that they can be delivered to the clients.

Types of Custom Manufacturing Process

There are two main types of custom manufacturing processes with their subtypes and methods– read below to learn about them.

Additive Manufacturing

The additive manufacturing process is a method to produce complex custom components, building layer after layer. Custom manufacturers consider using additive manufacturing methods to make customized parts. The process is based on using a CAD model, which helps to create any type of design as needed.

The additive manufacturing process requires a master pattern over which a mold is designed for manufacturing products. These molds are expensive and meant for a unique part only. There are many types of additive manufacturing methods, and some of these technologies are as follows:

• Electron beam melting
• Binder jetting
• Selective laser melting
• Direct laser sintering
• Polyjet
• Fused deposition modeling
• Stereolithography
• Fused filament fabrication
• Multijet fusion
• Selective laser sintering

Subtractive Manufacturing

Subtractive manufacturing methods help to cut material from a workpiece and create the required shape. These processes are highly versatile and offer ample benefits like flexibility and compatibility with material. Components with complex shapes can be manufactured using these processes.

Subtractive manufacturing also ensures that components are composed of excellent surface finish so that the need for post-processing reduces. Some of the commonly adopted techniques of subtractive manufacturing are as follows:

• Water Jet Cutting
• CNC machining
• Electric Discharge Machining
• Plasma Cutting

Differences Between Custom Manufacturing vs. Mass Production

When manufacturing components, choosing between mass production and custom manufacturing has always been a very confusing decision. The two of these methods have their own limitations as well as benefits.

Custom manufacturing allows manufacturing products that are produced on a small scale, according to the requirements of customers, and take less time to produce.

Meanwhile, mass production is done for large volumes of similar products. Customized manufacturing is inclined to reduce waste and ensures an immediate turnover.

Custom manufacturing relies on the orders of individual customers, and it works very closely with the client. Custom manufacturing is different from mass production because it uses specialized equipment and tools. These tools ensure that large quantities of components can be manufactured within less time.

Why Choose Custom Manufacturing for Production Solutions?

There are various benefits that may compel you to choose custom manufacturing services for producing components, and some of these are as follows:

Quality Control

Custom manufacturing gives businesses control over product quality. At every stage of production, supervision can be done. Custom manufacturing uses specific machinery and materials and checks the quality of the products to ensure accuracy and precision.

Faster Lead Time

Custom manufacturing helps to streamline the process of production and eliminates the need for excessive procedures. It reduces lead time and allows products to be brought quickly to the market.

Cost Efficiency

Custom manufacturing requires high investment, but in the long run, it ensures cost savings. The process leads to reduced wastage and the end of holding excessive inventory, which also incurs costs.

Scalability

Custom manufacturing is mostly for products that are newly launched or businesses that have just started. It helps in testing the products before producing them in a large volume. Customers can order the products that are required and then gradually increase the quantity as the demand grows.

Streamlined Solutions

Businesses can charge a premium for their unique designs from customers as these products meet their demands and preferences. Manufacturers can enjoy high flexibility in terms of dimensions, shapes, materials, and features.

These custom components ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the customers, and hence, they are willing to pay the premium price.

Excellent Customer Relationships

Custom manufacturing boosts customer relationships due to consistent communication to gather information regarding the product. Since the process of custom manufacturing is interactive, businesses can easily understand the customer requirements and ensure meeting those requirements.

High Flexibility and Adaptability

Customized manufacturing boosts organizations to transform the needs of customers into a final product. It allows manufacturers to develop flexibility and adaptability in their manufacturing processes and create access to raw materials and product designs while adding required features.

Typical Industry Applications of Custom Manufacturing

Custom manufacturing applications are observed in various industries, and these are as follows:

Aerospace

The aerospace sector uses custom manufacturing to manufacture components for aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft.

Propulsion systems, turbine blades, and other structural components are made using custom manufacturing processes.

Automotive

The automobile sector uses custom parts to produce components of cars and their systems. Some of these parts are transmissions, interiors, electronic parts, and chassis.

Military

In the military sector, custom parts are meant to create vehicles, equipment, communication, systems, and weapons through custom manufacturing. It helps to produce the parts that meet the military demands.

Medical

The medical field is highly dependent on custom manufacturing, which helps to produce specialized medical instruments and tools. It can help create patient-specific prosthetics and implants.

Electronics

The electronics industry uses custom manufacturing to produce customized sensors, circuit boards, and other devices that are designed according to customer preferences.

Useful Tips for Choosing the Right Custom Manufacturer for Your Project

When choosing the custom manufacturer for your projects, there are certain considerations that you must keep in mind. Below, you will learn some important tips for choosing a custom manufacturer.

Consider Their Brand Reputation

It is important to ensure that the custom manufacturer possesses a well-reputed brand name.

Conduct research and read reviews from its customers so that you can analyze if they provide high quality and customer services. It helps you choose the right manufacturer and protects you from complications during the manufacturing process.

Examine the Type of Product They Manufacture

Selection of the right custom product manufacturer also requires analyzing the type of products they produce. You can analyze the range of products you can expect from them.

It is recommended that you choose a manufacturer equipped with advanced machinery and manufacturing processes followed by versatile materials.

Inspect Craftsmanship and Quality of Raw Materials

Inspect the quality of custom parts beforehand. It is important to ensure that the product designs offer consistency and meet the specifications. The quality of the material and finishing of the process are crucial for a custom component.

Lead Time

When sourcing custom-made components, make sure to decide on a delivery time with the manufacturer.

Specify your timelines as well so that the manufacturer can manufacture the parts within the stated time, ensuring that the quality of the product is not sacrificed.

Pricing

When you're looking to achieve components manufactured by a custom manufacturer, make sure to assess the price. Between the cost incurred and the price paid by your customer is your own profit.

So, it is important to ensure that your expected profit is achieved and the manufacturers do not have any high minimum order quantity limits.

DEK: Your Trust Custom Manufacturing Partner

We at DEK offer custom manufacturing services for your components. You can discuss your customer request with us, and we will design these parts for you at a low price and high quality.

We keep a close connection with the client to work according to their specified requirements. So, for your next projects, get your components customized by us.

Conclusion

Custom manufacturing is a very common approach these days that adds uniqueness to applications. However, understanding the overall considerations involved with the process of custom manufacturing is crucial.

As you have already gone through the detailed guide above, you must have learned how to manage the overall process.