March 28, 2024

Well, first, we begin with the definition of low volume manufacturing. How do you define it, its definition is quite subjective depending on the product you intend on producing and the industry. In simple terms, low volume prototype manufacturing is the fabrication of a product of machined part using any of the following tools: vacuum casting, 3D printing, and CNC machining.

Materials used

One of the essential things that you need to consider is the material to be used, for prototype manufacturers, you have a wide variety of manufacturing materials to select from for you low volume production.

There is also the aspect of surface smoothness that need to be considered; the part surface aesthetics is vital in determining the method of manufacturing you will use in your production.

Design geometry and complexities

If your machined product or parts have design geometries, it’s highly recommended you use low volume manufacturing as it allows designers and engineers to tailor-make your design, creating a remarkable product.

For designers who want greater say or input in the overall design process, low-volume manufacturing is the way to go. Challenges and defects of the design can be addressed, and corrections can be made, which will be cost-effective as well as save time.

Bridges the gap

The benefits of low-volume manufacturing are the fact that its suitable small production units, batches, and prototypes using the same components and materials. Low-volume production presents an opportunity for performance testing, verification, and validation for all your products. At Nice rapid, this presents us with a chance to correct design flaws as well as save cost, which will, in turn, reduce your overall production cost as a client.

Quantity

To put everything in a clear perspective for those, especially in the automotive sector. Using a rapid tooling technique, you’ll be able to produce approximately anywhere between 50,000 to 100,000 parts.

For a start-up company that wants to bring their design and ideas to light prototype manufacturing, the best option as it enables you to produce 50-100 parts. In low-volume prototype manufacturing, the design options and product aesthetics have the same importance as the cost of the tooling process and the budget set-up. The main aim of the technique is to have a viable product/part that is cost-effective.

Some of the benefits of prototype low volume manufacturing include:

  • Bridging the gap between prototyping and large-scale prototyping
  • It enables you to reach the market faster
  • Gives you a certain degree of design flexibility when it comes to accommodating changes
  • It’s economical.

In the manufacturing field, there is a grey area between large-scale production and prototypes manufacturing. There is a lot of risks and cost associated when you jump right into full-scale production.

Now, this is where low-volume prototype manufacturing comes in; it comes up with the best solution before the rolling out of mass-production. When you are not yet ready to move from prototype to large scale production, low-volume manufacturing should be your go-to option.