Low-Volume Manufacturing The Ideal Solution for Prototyping and Small Batch Production

What Is Low-Volume Manufacturing?

Low-volume manufacturing offers a specialized service that delivers production-grade parts in quantities as low as a single piece up to several thousand. It's ideal for evolving a concept into a prototype and then acting as an intermediary step towards mass production.

Regarded as a specialized service, low-volume production is not typically embraced by manufacturers. Their operations and logistics are tailored for large-scale production to take advantage of economies of scale, which helps reduce the cost per unit. However, this usually requires significant minimum orders and a substantial investment in expensive tooling.

Tolerances

Our standard tolerances for CNC metal machining adhere to DIN-2768-1-fine, while for plastics, we follow DIN-2768-1-medium. The tolerances can significantly vary depending on the part geometry and the material used. Our project managers will collaborate closely with you throughout your project to ensure the utmost precision is achieved.

Materials for Custom CNC Machining Parts
A wide range of materials is available for CNC machines, offering versatility for rapid prototyping and custom production of intricate parts. We offer instant quotes for over 150 metals and plastics to meet your manufacturing requirements, allowing you to compare costs across various processed materials.
	ALuminum Aluminum is a highly ductile metal, making it easy to machining. The material has a good strength-to-weight ratio and is available in many types for a range of applications.	Aluminum
		Machinable Material Types	AL6061-T6,AL6063-T6,AL6082 AL7075-T6,AL5052-H32
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm
	Copper Copper displays excellent thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and plasticity. It is also highly ductile, corrosion resistant and can be easily welded.	Copper
		Wall Thickness	0. 75 mm
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm
	Brass Brass has desirable properties for a number of applications. It is low friction, has excellent electrical conductivity and has a golden (brass) appearance.	Brass
		Wall Thickness	0. 75 mm
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm
	Stainless Steel Stainless steel is the low carbon steel that offers many properties that are sought after for industrial applications. Stainless steel typically contains a minimum of 10% chromium by weight.	Stainless Steel
		Machinable Material Types	304 SS, 303 SS, 316 SS, SS 430F, 301 SS etc.
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm
	Titanium Titanium has a number of material properties that make it the ideal metal for demanding applications. These properties include excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals and extreme temperatures. The metal also has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.	Titanium
		Wall Thickness	0. 75 mm
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm
	Plastics Plastics are also a very popular option for CNC machining because of its wide choices, relatively lower price, and significantly faster machining time needed. We provide all common plastics for CNC machining services.	Plastics
		Machinable Material Types	Buff ABS, Black ABS, Clear ABS, 94V0 flame retarding ABS, ABS+PC, Black Polycarbonate, Transparent Polycarbonate, Acrylic, NYLON 6, NYLON 66, PA6+30%GF , HDPE, POM, PP, PP+20%GF, PE, TEFLON,PPS, PEEK, PPO, PPE, PEI
		Lead Time	3 days
		Tolerances	±0. 01mm
		Max part size	200 x 80 x 100 cm

How To Choose The Right Rapid Prototyping Technique

Material Costs: Material costs can also differ between low-volume and high-volume manufacturing. In high-volume production, manufacturers may have the advantage of bulk purchasing, negotiating better material prices, and taking advantage of long-term contracts with suppliers. These factors can help reduce material costs per unit compared to low-volume manufacturing.

Efficiency and Automation: High-volume manufacturing often involves greater automation and optimized production processes, leading to higher efficiency and reduced labor costs per unit. Low-volume manufacturing may require more manual labor, setup time, and customization, leading to higher labor costs per unit.

How To Process Low-Volume Manufacturing

The key to success in low volume manufacturing lies in the strategic production of small batches of products, which can range from a few items to tens of thousands. The primary goal is to minimize expenses related to tooling, labor, and materials without compromising production speed or product quality. This balance is achieved through process optimization and the selection of cost-effective resources. Low volume manufacturing is particularly suited for specialized or customized products, allowing for rapid market entry and design flexibility while reducing overhead costs.

Regarding raw materials, there is indeed a difference in low volume manufacturing. Metals like steel, aluminum, brass, and copper are commonly used due to their durability and resistance to wear, while plastics such as ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate are selected for their lightweight, flexibility, and affordability.

As for processing methods, technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), CNC machining, and rapid tooling are advantageous for low volume production, offering benefits like lower costs and faster turnaround times.

Finally, the quality of the finished product in low volume manufacturing is ensured through cost-effective production of high-quality parts, maintaining a high degree of customization to cater to specific client needs.

Our clients often express concern that low-volume manufacturing might compromise quality or precision in comparison to full-scale production. However, we assure you that our lower volume orders are processed with the same materials, equipment, and stringent quality control measures.

How is this achieved? We specialize in high-mix, low-volume production, with systems designed for scalability, from a single unit to millions. Our robust supply chain ensures a steady flow of raw materials, eliminating minimum order volume constraints. Additionally, our digital manufacturing platform integrates all equipment into a unified network, enabling swift and efficient resource allocation across work centers, ensuring even complex orders are processed rapidly.

What Separates Barana Rapid’s Inspection Processes from the Rest?

Careful measurement, inspection and testing are necessary to ensure the conformance of your parts. We perform multiple inspections at every step of the product development journey, from incoming material verification to final 3D scanning. You will receive complete digital files and Certificates of Compliance so you can meet your own regulatory and performance goals.

Inspections and Review for Every Stage of Production

To ensure quality from start to finish, Star Rapid provides the following inspection and review services:

Extensive incoming materials verification

Design for manufacturing reviews for all quotes provided

Contract reviews upon receipt of POs

First article and in-process inspections

Final inspections and testing with reports and certifications as required