Getting Started with Production Manufacturing

Production manufacturing is the creation of components and final products on a large scale intended for sale. The manufacturing phase of product development can be a challenge for first-time entrepreneurs because there are many different options when it comes to finding a production manufacturing partner (both foreign or domestic) along with material selection and the best manufacturing method.

• Easier Communication. When you and your manufacturing partner share the same language, you are less likely to experience communication barriers and breakdowns. When communication is a challenge, it can be costly for your startup.
• Visit the Facility. When your manufacturer is close, you are easily able to visit the factory and build a trusting relationship with your manufacturing partner.
• Faster Fulfillment. When you don’t have to factor in international shipping, your product will most likely be available much quicker, which means that you can get it to market faster.
• Production Flexibility. Domestic manufacturers are usually able to accommodate smaller production runs. While an international manufacturer might be able to offer a smaller production run, shipping can make it cost prohibitive.

• Reduced Costs. Manufacturing a product overseas is almost always significantly less expensive than manufacturing domestically.
• Increased Options. In the U.S. manufacturers tend to specialize in the products they can produce, whereas in China a manufacturer might be able to produce a wide range of products. There are also more factories in China which means you have options, helping to keep prices competitive.
• High-volume Capability. International manufacturers excel when it comes to producing high-volume orders in a single production run.

• Fiberglass : Selected for specific applications where products will be exposed to outdoor elements, larger than 4 cubic feet, and when low volume production is required.
• Metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, etc.): When requirements dictate that the product materials be metal, casting or CNC are required to produce the parts.
• Neoprene : Used for soft good products used in athletic and training equipment.
• Paper Pulp (recycled paper and cardboard): Used in packaging as well as an alternative for plastic to reduce negative footprint on the environment.
• Plastics (ABS, Nylon, Polycarbonate, HDPE/LDPE): Most commonly used plastics for consumer-based products.
• Plexiglass : Used as an alternative for glass and when applications require a lighter weight material.
• Rubber : Nitrile rubber for automotive and aerospace industries due to its versatility and strong resistance to chemicals, heat, and abrasion resistance.
• Silicone : Products made for food or medical industries.  Needs to be Food Grade or FDA medical grade.
• Thermoplastics (HIPS) : Selected for high volume consumer products where application is for single or multiple use.
• Urethane Resin : A good alternative for low volume production of parts when injection molding is not feasible.