Optimize Your Machining Timeline for Rapid Prototype Machining Services
Are slow lead times your number one manufacturing concern right now?
Trust us, you’re not alone!
The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted global supply chains into a state of total disarray, wreaking havoc across the entire manufacturing industry. Raw materials are extremely difficult to source. Ongoing labor shortages continue to create bottlenecks throughout the manufacturing process, delaying lead times for customers seeking rapid prototype machining services.
At Armstrong Machining, we hear our customers’ concerns loud and clear and are feeling many of the same frustrations that you are. While we can’t control the state of global supply chains, we want you to know that we’re doing everything in our power to help mitigate issues relating to lead times.
Follow these tips for optimizing your machining timeline to get your prototype when you need it.
7 Ways to Optimize Your Machining Timeline
1. Forecast ahead as much as possible
Planning projects ahead of time will open you up to more opportunities than you might have had otherwise, helping you get your prototype machined quickly.
For instance, you may be able to shop around for domestic partners who can turn around projects much faster than delayed overseas suppliers in the midst of lockdowns.
2. Consider different materials
Exotic materials in particular are extremely difficult to source right now, so consider selecting a standard material for prototype machining services.
If you choose a comparable material, you’ll still be able to test your prototype for form, fit, and function. Then once you’ve proven your concept you can transition to the end-use material for production.
3. Provide hardware alternatives
Even hardware is difficult to source right now. Before adding hardware to your bill of materials, confirm that it’s actually in stock or consider listing a few alternative options for your machine shop to use in the event that certain hardware isn’t readily available.
4. Build in a couple weeks of cushion
Machine shops turn around prototypes so quickly that it’s easy to forget just how many steps are involved between the customer signing a purchase order and receiving the finished product.
Shops have to order materials, set up the machines, get all the fixturing in place, send out parts for finishing, and more. A few years ago we could order stock and have it delivered in 3 days. Now, it’s not uncommon to wait 10 days for it to arrive. Finishing services like plating are also taking longer than usual right now.
Our best advice is to pull the trigger on your purchase orders as quickly as possible to give yourself a few weeks of cushion and account for any delays.
5. Simplify your design
Simplifying a prototype design is one of the easiest ways to save time—and money, too, while you’re at it. Complex parts require more extensive setup and machining time, extending project timelines unnecessarily.
Identifying opportunities to loosen tolerances or limit non-critical features in your design can help you get your prototype back much faster.
6. Eliminate discrepancies in your files
Models and prints serve distinct purposes during machining, so if you update the information in one of these files, it’s important to update the other one as well.
At Armstrong Machining, our team machines parts according to the model and then inspects them according to the print, which means that we may not notice any file discrepancies until we’ve already begun machining. At that point, we need to stop what we’re doing and get in touch with the engineer, which adds extra time to a project.
The best way to avoid this hassle is to check files for any discrepancies before sending them to your machine shop.
7. Be available
Machine shops and their customers need each other’s support now more than ever. As always, we promise to put communication first and keep you in the loop every step of the way. And if you can be available to talk when we need you, we’ll be able to complete your project as quickly as possible.
Keeping lead times short is one of your top priorities—and we completely understand that. Let’s work together to optimize your machining timeline during this turbulent time. Request a quote for prototype machining services today!