Looking overseas for getting your manufacturing and tooling done can be a great way to reduce costs and boost your profits. That said, it can be pretty intimidating.
Lots of people end up having to travel to China to be able to clearly communicate what they need and to ensure that the quality is what it needs to be.
Don’t want to do that?
I’ve rounded up a few vetted companies that do a great job of quality, delivering on-time, and for a very reasonable price. Actually, I often get fully machined parts for the same price I’d pay for the raw materials in North America!
If you’d like to get a quote for your parts, fill out the form below and I’ll contact you shortly.
If forms really aren’t your thing, just shoot me an email: [email protected]
What Kinds of Work Can I Get Done?
These shops have a very wide range of capabilities. Here are some of the things that they do really well:
- CNC Machining
- Moldmaking
- Injection Molding
- Diecasting
- Forming
- Welding/Fabrication
- Assembly
- Prototyping
- Tooling
- Mass Production
What Can Go Wrong?
This is usually the biggest concern with getting things made overseas. Things can go sideways regardless of whether it’s being made in the US or China.
That’s why I’ve worked out policies to protect you as the buyer.
For example, if something is screwed up and it’s the manufacturer’s fault, they’ll either replace (preferred) or reimburse. You won’t be left high and dry with a big pile of scrap metal.
Since I work with these guys on an ongoing basis, you won’t get radio silence if they mess up your order and don’t want to fix it. Any issues will be resolved in a timely manner.
Keep in mind that occasionally it’s not right the first time. This can happen anywhere, even at your local machine shops. They’ll keep working at it until you’re happy.
There’s also challenges when it comes to language. Some things are lost in translation.
This is where I step in.
I can help with communication with the manufacturer, making sure that requirements are laid out in universal Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing terms, and that the fit, form and function is clearly understood. As long as you can explain it to me, that is.
I can make sure that the inspection requirements and fit tests are completed before the parts are shipped. This will help to alleviate some of the most common problems that you’ll run into when getting manufacturing done overseas.
Why Get it Done Overseas?
Everything is made in China. They’re hardworking and resourceful. They get materials and equipment at a fraction of the cost because their margins aren’t as big as what we’re used to in North America.
Realistically, not all products are worth what it would take to make them in an expensive country. You could have something made at a local machine shop for $5k when you could get it made overseas for $500.
Will your quality suffer? This will depend on how well we can lay out the requirements. I’ll leverage my own hands-on experience in manufacturing to help you get what you need.
Keep in mind that not every job is practical for an overseas manufacturer. While they’ll get the work done quickly, shipping can take a while if the parts are heavy and are shipped by sea. If shipping is impractical, then your local machine shop might be your best bet.
That said, air shipping can be very quick and not too expensive if your parts are small and light.
The best way to know if this is a good solution for you is to just request a quote and find out for yourself.