california Archives - Means Engineering, Inc.

Benefits of CNC Machining

January 29, 2021 By cscheafer

Computer-numerical control (CNC) machining is used for a wide range of projects. This trusted form of metal fabrication provides numerous benefits to businesses across a wide range of industries. From corporate executives to school children, we’ve all encountered devices created with the help of CNC machining. In fact, the creation of most modern-day devices involves this important type of machining.

Business owners could gain a lot from learning about CNC machining and how it could benefit their business.

What is CNC Machining?

CNC machining uses computer-numerical control to operate machine parts like lathes, routers, grinders, shapers, mills, and more. Unlike other forms of machining, CNC machining does not require a human operator. Because the CNC machine operates under the control of a computer, CNC machining can produce precise and complex parts in very little time.

CNC Machining Benefits

CNC machining allows manufacturers to produce parts faster, reducing time to market and increasing the number of parts they can produce. Another benefit, CNC machining allows for the creation of consistent parts. This eliminates variances which are common with manual production.

Unlike human labor, CNC machines can work continuously This allows manufacturers to meet demanding deadlines. Once programmed, CNC machines only need to stop for occasional service. Although some additional maintenance may be required, most machines only need their cutting elements replaced during service.

CNC Machining Applications

Manufacturers use CNC machines to produce parts for multiple industries. CNC machining works with a broad range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon, titanium, brass, plastic, wood, gold, silver, and several synthetic materials. CNC machining makes fast work of many essential metal fabrication tasks including:

Drilling
Engraving
Cutting
Grooving
Boring
Contouring
Lathing
Milling
Shearing
Punching
Shaping
Stamping
Facing
Grinding
Threading
Texturing
Welding
Tapping
Knurling

Multi-Axis Machining

Using multi-axis CNC machines, manufacturers can produce extremely complex parts and components from a solid piece of material. These machines provide additional benefits for organizations looking for precise and detailed components. Multi-axis machines are commonly used to create parts for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to individuals, small businesses, start-ups, government agencies, and large corporations. Our 5-axis CNC machine allows us to create complex parts for a variety of applications. Please contact us for more information about our CNC machining capabilities.

Qualities to Look for When Selecting an Electronics Contract Manufacturer

July 24, 2020 By cscheafer

Outsourcing makes it possible for businesses to bring products to market faster and for less money than possible with in-house production. When OEMs partner with a quality electronics manufacturer they gain access to the tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce a wide range of products. This provides numerous benefits and can give the OEM a competitive advantage. However, it’s important that companies considering outsourcing take their time to learn as much as they can and locate an experienced ECM.

Design Services

A lot of time and effort goes into the creation of quality electronics. Although many OEMs develop their own design plans, it can be difficult to spot potential problems. Hiring a contract manufacturer during the design phase can help locate areas that could benefit from improvement. Often times, an ECM will point out ways to improve quality and/or reduce the costs involved with production. This can have significant benefits and help reduce the chance of costly recalls and repairs.

Even OEMs that design their electronics themselves may consider using an ECM to assist with the design of non-core electronics, enclosures, plastics, and other components.

Manufacturing Tooling Design

It’s important to make sure the ECM chosen can assist with every aspect of the new product launch. This may include manufacturing tooling, metal fabrication, and plastic injection molding.

Testing Capabilities

Different industries have different requirements when it comes to electronic devices. OEMs should choose an ECM with a variety of testing capabilities. ECMs should be able to test device functionality and reliability even in harsh conditions. This is especially important for companies creating devices for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.

New Product Introduction

Organizations should look for an electronics contract manufacturer with the experience, capabilities, and business processes in place to introduce and ramp-up production as needed.

Production Issue Resolution

When creating a new product, it’s not uncommon for production issues to arise. It’s crucial that the CM has the ability and experience to address the OEMs specific problems or concerns.

Means Engineering offers electronics contract manufacturing services for organizations across a wide range of industries. We work directly with each of our clients from concept to completion. Please contact us for information about our contract manufacturing services.

Strong Partnerships Provide Numerous Benefits for OEMs

July 3, 2020 By cscheafer

When it comes to the successful design and production of electronic devices, strong partnerships can make all the difference in the world. Partnering with a qualified and experienced electronics contract manufacturer ensures quality assembly, on-time delivery, and continuous success in a wide range of markets.

Increased Quality and Consistency

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of working with an experienced contract manufacturer, it provides access to industry experts. These professionals often have years of experience producing multiple products and components. Through trial and error, they are well positioned to provide valuable insight that OEMs can use to make informed decisions.

When utilized during the design phase, contract manufacturers serve as a second set of eyes for design plans. In addition to helping locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement, CMs can improve product quality and reduce the cost of production often by making simple adjustments.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Consumers have extremely high expectations when it comes to the quality and functionality of electronic devices. OEMs often find it difficult to meet or exceed these expectations as technology changes at such a fast rate. Partnering with the right CM can put OEMs ahead of their competition. CMs help reduce time to market and ensure optimal quality and functionality of products produced. CMs have access to all tools, people, equipment, and technology needed to produce even complex devices and components.

Reduced Costs

Outsourcing costs far less than acquiring the people, space, and equipment necessary to produce new products in-house. By enlisting the help of a quality CM early in the process, OEMs can reduce the chance of costly mistakes and rebuilds. CMs can generally tell if there will be a problem long before they begin production. This isn’t always possible when producing products in-house.

U.S. Based Contract Manufacturer

Means Engineering provides contract manufacturing services to OEMs and other organizations wishing to increase quality, reduce time to market, and remain compliant with industry-specific requirements. We work directly with each of our clients throughout the entire process to ensure all devices and components meet necessary guidelines for quality, functionality, and delivery.

Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

Industry Certifications – Why They’re Important

June 26, 2020 By cscheafer

You have many things to consider when choosing an electronics contract manufacturer. Although you’ll probably spend some time negotiating price and other important aspects of your contract, electronic manufacturing certifications should remain non-negotiable. These important industry certifications ensure the CM you work with meets rigorous quality expectations as required by the industries they serve. Without proper certification, the CM simply cannot guarantee quality or that the product produced meets industry-specific regulatory compliance standards.

General Certification – ISO 9001

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certificate shows that the contract manufacturer has implemented and maintained a quality management system. This certification is internationally accepted and proves that the CM consistently meets customer requirements and continues to strive to improve product quality.

Medical Device Industry Certification – ISO 13485

ISO 13485 is required for a CM to design and/or produce devices for the medical industry. This important certification ensures the CM has effectively implemented and maintained its quality management system. It also ensures the CM implements certain controls and protocols to ensure product safety.

I order to achieve ISO 13485 certifications, contract manufacturers must meet specific requirements for testing, inspection, and product traceability.

Aerospace Industry Certification – AS9100

Aviation Space (AS) 9100 certification encompasses all requirements for ISO 9000 as well as additional aerospace industry-specific quality and safety standards. In order to receive AS9100 certification, a CM must display an emphasis on risk management, adopt proven production processes, and pass an AS9100 audit.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a CM, it never hurts to ask to see their certification documents. CMs that have taken the time to obtain industry-specific certification are generally happy to provide this information on request. If the CM tells you otherwise, or fails to provide the appropriate documentation, it’s probably best to take your business elsewhere.

Means Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to organizations across a wide range of industries. We are proud to hold several industry-specific certifications including ISO 9001, ISO1 3485, and AS9100. Please contact us for more information about our contract manufacturing services.

Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Trends

May 22, 2020 By cscheafer

Companies around the globe turn to electronics contract manufacturers to help them produce new products. Utilizing the help of an ECM not only saves money by reducing overhead, it can also improve the quality of products produced. This has multiple benefits including increased customer satisfaction.

OEMs may hire an ECM to help them complete different tasks throughout the manufacturing process. Depending on the needs of the organization, OEMs may partner with an ECM at any stage of production. Rising demand for electronics parts and components have made EMS providers a valuable asset to organizations of all shapes and sizes.

Although ECMs are not a new concept, companies around the globe are finding increasing value in utilizing their help. The following are the top EMS trends.

Product Design Outsourcing

In today’s competitive market, OEMs must look for unique ways to improve product quality. They must also focus on keeping costs and production times reasonable. It’s not uncommon for OEMs to enlist the help of an experienced ECM during the design phase of the project.

Typically, the OEM will pass along existing design plans to obtain a second opinion from the ECM. This can prove extremely valuable, as it provides a fresh set of eyes on the project at hand. Through thorough evaluation and vast knowledge and experience, the ECM can typically locate areas of the design that could benefit from improvement. The results of this evaluation may reduce costs, improve production times, and increase the quality of the finished product.

Manufacturing Integration

An increasing number of OEMs are looking for cross-industry horizontally integrated service providers. Although needs can vary from one industry to the next, this type of partnership could mean the difference between success and failure for the OEM.

While some OEMs might outsource the entire manufacturing process, others will only outsource parts of production. Increasing demand from OEMs has led to many ECMs offering a one-stop solution which includes design, engineering, and manufacturing of electronic devices and components under one roof.

Southern California Contract Manufacturing

Mean Engineering offers contract manufacturing services to OEMs and organizations wishing to increase their product selection and their bottom line. Our electronic manufacturing services include design, production, and testing of a wide range of products. We work directly with each of our clients throughout every step of the process to ensure optimal communication and a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with our clients.

Please contact us for more information about our services.