Scaling - Manufacturing

Rapid Prototyping (RP) Versus Mass Production

3 articles

What is the difference between rapid prototyping and mass production?

Can I use additive manufacturing to mass produce custom plastic parts?

Can I use additive manufacturing to mass produce custom metal parts?

Common manufacturing processes

2 articles

What are some common processes for mass-producing plastic parts?

What are some common processes for mass-producing metal parts?

Design for Manufacturing / Assembly (DFM/A)

4 articles

What is Design for Manufacturing / Design for Assembly?

How can I learn more about Design for Manufacturing?

What work do I need to do prior to speaking with a manufacturer?

What is different about manufacturing in Biotech?

Sourcing Components

6 articles

What is the difference between COTS parts and custom parts?

How do I source commodity / COTS parts?

How do I source critical COTS parts?

How do I source custom metal parts?

How do I source custom plastic parts?

How do I source custom electronics components like PCBs and cables?

Final assembly

4 articles

How do I get my product assembled and shipped?

What are the pitfalls with building my own manufacturing facility?

What are the pitfalls of hiring interns to do final assembly?

What are the pitfalls of doing final assembly myself?

Lead times

3 articles

How long does it take to get a machined part made?

How long does it take to get a die cast metal part made?

How long does it take to get an injection molded part made?

Offshoring, Reshoring, Rightshoring

4 articles

What is a typical Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for low volume manufacturing in China?

Should I manufacture my product domestically or abroad?

What is different about manufacturing in China in 2020?

What are the biggest mistakes people make in manufacturing offshore?