I only want to make one prototype, but I can't find anyone to consult with.
In a consultation regarding product development,
We received a request to machine just a few metal parts for prototype purposes.
Apparently, most of the factories they contacted refused, citing the small quantity.
The situation was such that they wouldn't even listen to us if there was no prospect of mass production.
Factories designed for mass production tend to be reluctant to accept small-batch processing orders.
I couldn't find a company to handle the processing for prototyping or small-batch production only.
We were unable to proceed to the next step.
Even if the design itself is finalized, if we can't get several prototypes made,
We cannot verify the shape or dimensions.
The development schedule was moving forward without us being able to produce a prototype.
Setup and tool preparation occur regardless of the quantity.
Metalworking involves setting up the material in the machine,
There is a step in preparing the tools to be used for processing.
This process is almost the same whether you're making one item or 100 items.
The time and cost spent on preparation become more per unit as the quantity increases.
When the quantity is small, the processing cost per unit tends to be higher.
The more a factory has equipment and systems designed for mass production,
The system is designed to be profitable through large-volume production.
Small-lot orders don't fit this system and are more likely to be rejected.
We will review the processing details, precision, quantity, and delivery date together.
When considering suppliers for small-batch orders, we make our decision based on a combination of several factors.
- Required dimensional accuracy and surface finish
- Which processing method is most suitable, such as cutting, sheet metal work, or casting?
- Is it a prototype, or is it a small-scale production run of only a few dozen units?
- How much leeway is there before the deadline?
Even within the same metalworking field, the areas of expertise, such as the volume range and processing methods, vary from factory to factory.
My approach is to first organize the requirements, and then look for engineers who seem like a good fit.
We connect engineers who meet the requirements for each project.
Instead of having large processing facilities in-house,
We considered ways to connect with engineers at local factories that met the specific requirements for each project.
It's important to understand the strengths of each technician, such as those skilled in cutting or sheet metal work.
We will combine them according to the details of your request.
By including engineers who can provide consultation even for just a few prototypes,
We have designed our system to accommodate small-lot orders.
The idea of maintaining connections from the prototyping stage is not limited to metalworking.
Not only clients who commission mass production,
The idea of having connections with engineers who can handle small-scale projects from the prototyping stage is
This also applies to other processes such as resin molding and surface treatment.
Having someone to consult with during the early stages of product development is important.
The design can be finalized while checking the actual product.
This makes it easier to move forward even before deciding whether or not to proceed with mass production.
We handle everything from design consultations to selecting manufacturing partners.
MACHICOCO is a company based in Higashi-Osaka, and does not own large facilities.
We are developing our products in collaboration with engineers at local factories.
Regarding metal processing, we handle design consultations, selection of prototype suppliers, and more.
We also handle the selection of processing partners for small-batch production.
Even when we move to the stage of considering mass production, we will work with you to consider switching to a factory that is suitable for that scale.
We're a company that doesn't just stop at development and manufacturing; we're involved all the way through to sales.
First, please send us the actual item and its dimensions.
When you contact us for advice, please send us the following information to help us get started.
- Hand-drawn diagrams and sketches
- Reference photos
- Approximate dimensions
- How to use and where to use
- Desired quantity
- Prototypes and actual products
Drawings are not required.
Even before the processing method is decided, we can consider manufacturing methods while looking at drawings and actual samples.
