Teaming up with an outside source for manufacturing can be a great move for your business. It lets you increase production and take on new work in areas that may have seemed too challenging in the past, but before you entrust your parts to a new maker, here are a few pointers to help you find a machine shop that will be the right fit for your business.
Understanding Your Needs
Most machine shops will have a wide range of capabilities. The more knowledgeable you can be about your particular product and its manufacturing requirements, the better you’ll be able to communicate those needs to your manufacturer.
What Machining Capabilities Do You Need?
It never hurts to have a general understanding of various manufacturing processes. Your part may require specific machines with more robust capabilities, or it may be a more straight forward operation but needs to be produced in higher quantities. Every shop will have different specialties, so
What Materials Will Work?
Some machine shops only work with one type of metal, plastic, etc., while others are open to a wider range of materials. Most manufacturers have a few types that they machine frequently. Knowing what type is required for your job (and whether or not you are open to alternatives) can help narrow down your search.
When Do You Need It By?
Lead times can vary quite a bit in the manufacturing environment. There are shops that specialize in quick turn around production, while others won’t budge on their standard lead time. It’s always a good idea to inquire about workload and machine availability prior to soliciting a quote, to ensure that the shop will be able to work with your desired timeline.
How To Evaluate A Machine Shop
In reality, there are hundreds of machine shops out there capable of producing a quality product, but that doesn’t mean that they are all the same. Not only do you want a manufacturer that you can trust to make a good part, but one that is easy to deal with and values your business. Here are a few more items to help narrow down your search
Customer Service and Support
One of the biggest separators in manufacturing is customer service. Many shops can make a great product, but just aren’t that pleasant to deal with. You should feel heard and valued throughout the process, so if you have a negative phone call or email exchange, don’t hesitate to move on. There are too many shops out there to put up with one that doesn’t treat you with courtesy and respect
Partnerships
Many parts will require multiple processes from CNC machining to welding, fabrication and surface treatment. Though not every shop will have all of those capabilities in-house, some will have a network of partners in the industry and be able to source those operations for you. It can save a lot of time/money/energy if you can rely on one shop to act as the middle man, essentially offering turn-key production from start to finish.
Reviews and Referrals
Many businesses will have testimonials on their website. You can often find customer reviews on a shop’s Google page. It can always be helpful to read what others have to say about a company before you decide to work with them.
When In Doubt, Ask Questions
Nobody is expecting you to be an expert, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Any shop worth working with will take the time to answer inquiries and participate in a dialogue to better understand your product, your business and your individual needs. Manufacturing can be a complicated process, but it is our job to coach you through the process so that you can feel confident that they are working with a team of professionals who understand your unique demands, and have the knowledge and skills to exceed your expectations.