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5 min read

5 Compelling Reasons Why OEMs Should Utilize On-Demand Sheet Metal Fabrication

Written by
Bridger Mecham
Published on
July 17, 2024

In today's fast-paced manufacturing landscape, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are constantly seeking efficient and cost-effective solutions to meet their production needs. One innovative way that is gaining traction is on-demand sheet metal fabrication. This innovative approach offers numerous advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, offering unmatched agility and flexibility, cost-effectiveness, speed in prototyping and production, with incredible quality and precision. The speed of production, the strength of the material after bending, and the lower cost in comparison to CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing make sheet metal fabrication an appealing choice for OEMs across various industries. 

Agility and Flexibility in Engineering Design:

On-demand sheet metal fabrication empowers OEMs with unparalleled agility and flexibility to adapt to changing market demands, design iterations, and production volume fluctuations. Manufacturers can seamlessly adjust their production schedules, accommodate design changes, and scale production up or down as needed. This level of agility enables OEMs to shorten time-to-market, meet customer demands more efficiently, and stay ahead of the competition.

On-demand sheet metal fabrication offers a quick and easy way to determine manufacturability and cost based on your specific material and quantity requirements. Upload your design, get an instant quote, and see if the vendor can meet your exact cutting and bending specifications.

Cost Effectiveness in Manufacturing

Cost optimization is a paramount concern for OEMs, but traditional manufacturing methods often involve large upfront costs, including tooling and setup expenses. In contrast, on-demand fabrication provides a cost-effective solution, as it eliminates the need for extensive tooling and setup, significantly reducing initial investment. Additionally, it allows OEMs to avoid overproduction and excessive inventory, minimizing storage costs and the risk of obsolete parts. By leveraging this service, OEMs can achieve cost savings while maintaining high-quality production.

Rapid Prototyping - Design Freedom and Customization:

On-demand sheet metal fabrication offers OEMs unparalleled design freedom and customization capabilities. It enables manufacturers to transform their design concepts into reality without constraints imposed by traditional manufacturing methods. OEMs can experiment with complex geometries, intricate patterns, and tricky details that would be challenging or costly to produce using conventional techniques. Creating highly customized and innovative sheet metal components offers a competitive edge in the market.

Bring your ideas and designs to life, fast. Rapidly iterate and receive instant DFM (design for manufacturability) checks to know if your part can be built once, while also understanding the change in cost as you select varied quantities and material types. This not only helps you prototype faster and innovate quicker, but gives you an understanding of economies of scale and how financially feasible the part is as produced.

Speed and Efficiency:

On-demand fabrication enables OEMs to significantly reduce production lead times compared to traditional manufacturing approaches. Advanced digital technologies and automated processes eliminate time-consuming manual steps and streamlines the entire production cycle. The rapid turnaround times help OEMs meet tight deadlines, fulfill urgent orders, and deliver products to customers in a timely manner.

Quality and Precision:

Maintaining excellent product quality and precision is of utmost importance for OEMs. On-demand sheet metal fabrication ensures consistent and high-quality production outcomes. The integration of advanced technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer numerical control (CNC) machining, and laser cutting, allows for precise and accurate fabrication of sheet metal components. The automated processes employed in on-demand fabrication minimize the risk of human error, resulting in improved product quality, dimensional accuracy, and repeatability.

The agility, cost-effectiveness, design freedom, speed, and quality provided by on-demand services make them an ideal choice for OEMs looking to stay competitive in the dynamic industrial landscape. By embracing on-demand fabrication, OEMs can streamline their operations, accelerate time-to-market, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality, customized products to meet customer demands effectively. As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, on-demand sheet metal fabrication presents a compelling solution for OEMs to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.

Bridger Mecham

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