Volume delivery capability for small precision parts recognized by customers

In the first half of this year, an automation equipment customer placed a small-batch, multi-variety order: batch quantities ranging from 20 to 300 pieces, covering 7 materials and 12 structures, with lead times required within 4 weeks.

What we did

First, parts with similar processes were combined in scheduling to reduce changeovers; second, inspection was moved earlier into the process, entering volume production immediately after first-article confirmation rather than waiting for the whole batch; third, universal tooling was prepared for high-frequency structural parts, saving the time of rebuilding fixtures for each batch.

Results

The average delivery cycle for this order was about 20% shorter than comparable past orders, with all parts delivered on time and a 99.6% dimensional pass rate. The customer then sent written praise and entrusted us with prototyping for the next two new product series.

The difficulty of small-batch, multi-variety work lies not in single-part machining but in scheduling and turnaround. We will keep refining the process in this area.