Many small manufacturing plants lack the ability to tackle machining jobs. Meanwhile, many large companies have jettisoned these functions. In such situations, OEMs turn to contract machining. The OEM firm hires someone who performs this function and often others.
Machining Contract Shops
A machining contract shop provides various services. It handles the specific aspects of the product/component the OEM cannot process. The machine shop has the capabilities, the equipment, the experienced staff and technological knowledge the OEMs do not possess. Machining is their area of expertise. However, they may also expand their role into other aspects, including design and assembly. Today’s machine shops must be ready to adopt various functions with the format of outsourcing/contract manufacturing.
Contract machining secures work through design. In deliberating seeking work, the shop must be critical of each piece of work it submits to the OEM. It is imperative to have the exact specifications and to understand the degree of involvement by all parties. Machine shops must know the degree of detail and precision each customer demands. For example, when it comes to appearance, sharp edges, and burrs, the machinist must know what burrs are acceptable to leave on a finished piece of work and which are not.
To ensure this, it is important to keep up technologically. CNC machining is necessary as is access to and training on the latest CAM and CAD. CNC machines must reflect the growing need for precision, accuracy, and speed of production. Companies must also be able to rely on the machinist to render their drawings for components into 3D models/prototypes.
Contract Machining
Working with a contract manufacturer offers advantages. Whether the OEM is small or large, it can contract out some of their work making production economically viable. Contract machining can take the workpiece, moving it from design to completion. Unlike the OEMs, contract manufacturers have the expertise, the equipment, and the space to provide such services swiftly and cost-effectively.
