Rapid prototyping involves processes designed to assist manufacturing brands with creating a physical representation of products. CNC machining is a popular rapid prototyping process, allowing for the effective machining of metals, alloys, and plastics.
CNC machines are expensive, and hiring a team to operate the machine adds to company overheads. Outsourcing CNC machining tasks to partners has many advantages for prototyping projects. This post unpacks the benefits of outsourcing CNC machining tasks for prototyping projects.
No Investment in Capital Equipment
The first advantage is obvious – cost savings on capital equipment. A basic 3-axis CNC machine can cost over $100,000, with 5-axis machines costing three to five times that amount. A company looking to create product prototypes will need to invest in equipment and operators to manage the machine.
CNC machines come in 3-, 4-, and 5-axis models. The project requirements determine the type of CNC machine required. A 3-axis machine might suit a small prototyping project with minimal details. A 5-axis CNC machine is required for advanced design parameters. So, ordering a 3, 4, and 5-axis machine for different projects will cost the company a fortune.
Outsourcing your CNC work to a partner avoids the necessity of buying the equipment or hiring personnel. Companies can use these savings in other areas of the prototyping process. There’s no need to onboard new staff and commit to salary payments to these individuals. When you outsource the project, you get a trained technician with the ability to operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines.
Access to Specialized Skills
CNC operators are specialized personnel trained in operating these machines. Hiring staff to use the machine is expensive; these individuals are specialists and require a competitive market salary of anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000 annually.
CNC machinists also require regular training on new technologies, and companies must invest in these training programs to keep their machinist skillsets up to date with modern technological advancements.
Outsourcing the CNC prototyping project eliminates the need and cost of hiring a machinist.
Professional Results
CNC machines operate with CAD and CAM software that instructs the machine. Learning these programs requires a significant investment of time and money. These programs retail for hundreds of thousands of dollars and require skilled operators.
By outsourcing your CNC prototyping tasks, you benefit from top-skilled machinists working on your project. You have the freedom to select a manufacturing partner that delivers the required result. If the vendor doesn’t yield results, you can move on to another until you find a partner that provides the required outcome.
Easy Scaling
When prototyping turns to mass production, outsourcing CNC tasks allows unlimited scaling for the project. You don’t have to buy additional machines; your manufacturing partner takes care of the scaling requirements for the project.
No Need to Stockpile Materials
Materials are a huge concern for prototyping projects. CNC machines can cut a range of metals, alloys, and plastics. However, these materials are only available in bulk. Ordering a length of steel is expensive, especially if your project only calls for using a small piece of it.
CNC machining partners have a stockpile of materials on hand, and they’ll charge for the piece used, not the entire length of the material. Machining partners will have a stock of materials, including magnesium, aluminum, stainless steel, and a range of plastics.
Expedited Production
Time is money when it comes to prototyping projects. The faster you complete the prototyping phase and move into manufacturing, the quicker the time to market and turnaround of cash flow for your project and business.
Guaranteed Results & Quality
You benefit from skilled machinists when outsourcing CNC machining to a professional production partner. If the CNC machining partner makes mistakes and wastes a piece of material, they absorb these costs, not you.
When outsourcing the project, your production partner takes the risk, not you. They provide guaranteed results to your specifications, or they must redo the task. If you aren’t satisfied with the results, you have the option of changing your prototyping partner.
No Waste
CNC machining operates off CAD/CAM files. If the machinist sets up the machine correctly, there should be no wastage of materials or mistakes in the manufacturing process. If they make a mistake, that’s on them, not you.
CNC machining partners offer professional prototyping services and don’t waste materials. Outsourcing ensures prototype components are manufactured with optimal efficiency, resulting in a sustainable prototyping process.
Established Processes & Fast Project Completion
CNC machining partners already have processes in place to handle prototyping projects. They walk you through what you can expect timeframes for the project and meet your deadline. If you need a fast prototyping process, your partner should have the ability to expedite your request.
You benefit from the partner’s experience, and they can point out ways to improve the prototype according to their knowledge of CNC processes and materials. CNC machines are suitable for high-volume production and prototyping projects. Outsourcing ensures faster turnaround, allowing you to reach mass production faster.
Wrapping Up – Choosing the Right CNC Prototyping Partner
Why go to the hassle of purchasing equipment and training staff or hiring professionals when you can outsource your prototyping projects? Outsourcing makes financial sense unless your company has the capital to invest in CNC machines and operators and the need for the machine.
While the cost-savings of outsourcing prototyping projects are a game-changer, leveraging the experience of the manufacturing partner is priceless. From cost savings on equipment, training, and materials to ensure high-quality production and accurate machining, outsourcing your prototyping projects is the way to go to get a fast turnaround and the shortest time to market.
In a competitive and dynamic market, it’s essential for companies to stay ahead of the competition. Outsourcing your CNC projects to reliable partners adds value to the prototyping process, ensuring you get the best possible results while reducing the budget requirements for the project.
Above all, it’s essential to choose the right CNC production partner. They should offer access to 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines, experienced machinists, and advisory on ways to streamline the prototype for better efficiency and mass-production capability.