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Manufacturing Efficiency With CNC Technology

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a process where pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of machinery and tools. This precise technology produces complex parts with incredible accuracy, consistency, and quality.

Automating the mass production of intricate designs with CNC has significantly increased manufacturing efficiency in the modern age. Today, the technology is indispensable for industries ranging from automotive to aerospace.

How CNC Improves Manufacturing Efficiency

Precision and Accuracy

CNC machines are renowned for their exceptional precision. Unlike manual machining, where human error can lead to inconsistencies, CNC machining makes each component to exact specifications. This level of accuracy improves the quality of the final product and minimizes the need for costly rework.

Automation and Consistency

By minimizing human involvement, CNC technology also reduces the potential for mistakes. The technology delivers uniform products and ensures they each meet the same high standards. This reliability enhances product quality and streamlines production, making it easier to achieve consistency across large production runs.

Faster Production Times

CNC machines offer significant speed advantages over traditional manufacturing methods – they can operate continuously, at high speeds, and with minimal downtime. The rapid production capability of CNC is essential in meeting tight deadlines and increasing overall manufacturing efficiency.

Versatility and Flexibility

One of the standout features of CNC machining is its ability to produce complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to replicate with other methods. The machines have versatile reprogramming capabilities, so you can quickly shift between different projects without extensive retooling.

Reduced Labor Costs

CNC automation inherently reduces the need for highly skilled manual labor. Instead of relying on traditional machinists to produce parts, CNC operators and programmers oversee the process. This shift can lead to significant savings when it comes to payroll.

Enhanced Material Utilization

CNC machining is designed to optimize material usage, therefore reducing waste. By precisely controlling the cutting and shaping processes, CNC machines minimize excess and maximize the yield from raw materials.

Integration with CAD/CAM Software

Integrating CNC machines with CAD and CAM software bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. By seamlessly translating complex blueprints into physical components with CNC, you can increase manufacturing efficiency and production flexibility.

Scalability

Unlike processes that require different setups or tools as production volumes increase, CNC machines can meet varying production needs without losing precision or efficiency. This capability makes CNC machining ideal for everything from prototyping to full-scale production, regardless of output count.

Commitment to Manufacturing Efficiency

CNC machining is superior for manufacturing due to its consistent, high-quality results with minimal waste and downtime. At Ten X, we are committed to delivering the highest levels of efficiency and quality in every project we undertake. Our state-of-the-art CNC machines and skilled team of experts allow us to meet the most challenging manufacturing demands with precision and speed. Request a quote for your next project.

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Benefits of Using a CNC Machine for Medical Parts Manufacturing

Precision and reliability are non-negotiable in medical parts manufacturing. As a company that sells medical instruments, you understand the critical need to produce tools that meet exact standards.

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining ensures medical parts are manufactured with the highest quality and precision, eliminating the potential for errors even at large scales. By working with a CNC medical parts manufacturing partner, you can mitigate risks, streamline production, and ultimately deliver superior products that uphold the integrity of your company.

Let’s explore how CNC machining can help you stay ahead in the competitive medical field.

What is CNC?

CNC, or computer numerical control, is a sophisticated manufacturing process that utilizes computerized controls and machinery to automate complex aspects of production. Pre-programmed software and code direct the cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping of materials, resulting in highly accurate and consistent outputs.

CNC machines can handle a wide range of materials, from metals and plastics to composites. They can also produce intricate designs with tight tolerances that would be challenging or impossible to achieve manually. Its versatility makes it a popular choice across many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical.

Advantages of using CNC for Medical Parts Manufacturing

CNC technology has become invaluable in medical parts manufacturing, minimizing human intervention and maximizing precision. Here are some advantages:

Unparalleled Accuracy

CNC machining allows for the production of medical parts with extremely tight tolerances, often down to micrometers. This level of precision is crucial for medical components, where even minor deviations can impact the functionality and safety of devices.

Production Consistency

CNC machining can consistently produce identical parts, regardless of the production scale. This repeatability is vital in the medical field, where components must adhere to strict regulatory standards, and any variation can lead to compliance issues or product recalls. CNC machines can replicate the same process multiple times, ensuring that each batch of parts meets the same high standards as the first.

Material Compatibility

CNC machines are compatible with various materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. This versatility is essential in the medical industry, where different applications may require specific materials based on biocompatibility, strength, and durability requirements.

Safety & Compliance

The precision and consistency offered by CNC machines ensure that medical parts meet regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential liability issues. Additionally, CNC systems can maintain detailed records of production processes, aiding in traceability and quality assurance.

Cost-Effective High-Volume Production

CNC machining minimizes material waste, reduces labor costs due to automation, and lowers the likelihood of defects – all contributing to cost savings. Your company can produce higher-quality components at a lower price, which can be passed on as savings to healthcare providers and patients.

CNC machining offers a comprehensive solution for manufacturing medical parts. With high precision, consistency, and efficiency while accommodating complex designs and various materials, CNC can help you bring reliable and safe medical devices to the market.

Ten X CNC Medical Parts Manufacturing

Ten X is here to help you manufacture medical parts at the highest quality without mistakes. Request a quote when you’re ready to create safe and reliable products with CNC machining.

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Production Success: Design for Manufacturing and Assembly

The intricacies of production often make it difficult for companies to create a design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) that balances material selection, supply chain logistics, and product performance. As engineers and procurement professionals know, functionality, cost, and efficiency are critical aspects of bringing a product to market. This is where partnering with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be invaluable.

OEMs have the expertise and resources to refine your design, ensuring it is manufacturable at scale while maintaining quality and performance. By leveraging their experience and specialized knowledge, you can streamline the production process, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.

This article explains what design for manufacturing is, its benefits, and how an OEM can help your company achieve its goals.

What is Design for Manufacturing and Assembly?

DFMA involves optimizing a product concept to reduce the number of parts, simplify assembly steps, and use standard components whenever possible. The goal is to minimize production costs and complexity while maintaining or improving product quality and performance.

By incorporating DFMA principles, you can create more cost-effective, reliable, and efficiently assembled products, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Benefits of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly

Here are some ways DFMA can improve your product development process:

Reduced Costs

OEMs utilize DFMA best practices to simplify the design and minimize the need for complex manufacturing processes. This can benefit your company by reducing material costs, labor expenses, and equipment costs. Expert OEMs achieve this cost reduction without compromising the product’s functionality, leading to a more economically viable product.

Improved Quality

By streamlining the design and focusing on ease of manufacturing and assembly, DFMA reduces the chances of defects and errors during production. Fewer parts mean fewer potential points of failure, and simplified assembly processes can reduce the likelihood of incorrect assembly. Producing a higher-quality product that consistently meets expectations can ultimately enhance your reputation and customer satisfaction, leading to increased business success.

Faster Time to Market

DFMA allows for more efficient manufacturing processes by addressing potential issues early in the design phase. By optimizing the design for easy manufacturing and assembly, you can significantly reduce the time required for production, testing, and adjustments. This accelerated timeline can give your company a competitive edge by allowing it to bring new products to market faster than its competitors.

Enhanced Design Flexibility

By considering manufacturing and assembly constraints from the beginning, OEMs can identify potential issues and adjust your design accordingly. This proactive approach prevents costly redesigns later in the development cycle and enables more seamless integration of new technologies or features.

A More Collaborative Approach

DFMA encourages closer collaboration between your company’s design engineers and your manufacturing partner. By working together from the start, these teams can identify potential manufacturing challenges and find solutions early. This collaboration fosters a more integrated approach to product development, resulting in more manufacturable and assembly-friendly designs.

DFMA provides a comprehensive framework for creating more efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality products. By integrating these principles into the design process, you can achieve significant advantages in all stages of development, production, and retail.

Ten X Design for Manufacturing and Assembly

Are you looking to bring a new product to market or improve your current process with a new manufacturing partner? The design for manufacturing and assembly team at Ten X specializes in injection molded parts, CNC machining, and urethane casting. We are here to help you refine your product’s design and handle all aspects of manufacturing for you.

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Understanding the Prototype to Production Process

Learn how to take your technical products from prototype to market with greater efficiency.

Knowing how your potential manufacturing partner will take your existing design from prototype to production is crucial before making a commitment. The journey involves several key stages designed to ensure quality, efficiency, and alignment with your requirements.

Initially, you’ll engage in detailed discussions to outline what you expect from your manufacturing team. This is followed by the prototyping phase, where your manufacturer will create and test mock-up versions of your product. Once you approve the prototype, pilot production will refine manufacturing methods and address any issues. After you and your manufacturer are satisfied with the pilot and overall process, you can launch into full-scale production with continuous quality control and communication.

Let’s explore each aspect of prototype to production in more detail so you know exactly what to look for when choosing a manufacturing partner.

Consultation

The process begins with in-depth discussions about your specifications, requirements, and expectations for the item(s) your manufacturer will produce. When working with a manufacturer whose responsibilities begin at the prototyping phase, you will need to bring several references material to this initial meeting, including:

  • 2-D engineered drawings
  • Blueprint of product/part
  • Surface finish
  • Critical dimensions
  • 3-D digital renderings
  • CAD file

Your manufacturing team will use these references to plan their approach for prototyping and ensure their methods align with your goals.

Prototyping

Prototypes are essentially a “first draft.” During this stage, your manufacturing team will test production processes and the product’s performance and aesthetics to identify and resolve any flaws or issues. You can bring other company stakeholders into this stage to gather feedback and make requested or required adjustments before progressing to the next phase of manufacturing.

Pilot Production

Pilot production is critical for ensuring your customers receive items that exceed expectations. Here, your manufacturer will assemble a small batch of your product(s) to guarantee they have resolved all concerns from the prototyping phase. If necessary, they will further refine their methods before full-scale production. This is the ideal time to test production workflow, identify any inefficiencies, and ensure quality meets your standards.

During this phase, your manufacturing partner will also work with you to develop detailed plans for mass production, including finalizing supply chain logistics, scheduling production runs, and establishing quality assurance protocols.

Full-Scale Production

Once all of your company’s stakeholders and your manufacturing team are satisfied with the pilot’s results, it’s time to launch full-scale production. Your manufacturer will implement the detailed production plan and deploy your rigorous quality assurance protocols in conjunction with their own. With the help of packaging and logistics teams, you’ll get your expertly engineered products delivered to customers intact and on time.

Take Your Product from Prototype to Production with Ten X

At Ten X, we have a team of highly skilled engineers, designers, and machine operators. When you need to take a technical product in the medical, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, or electronics industry from prototype to production, you can reduce costs and time-to-market by choosing a partner who handles everything under one roof.

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Benefits of One Stop Shop Manufacturing

As an engineer or procurement professional, you likely spend plenty of time and money coordinating multiple vendors for different stages of production. What if there was a more efficient way – a one-stop-shop manufacturing partner with in-house capabilities to take your product from prototype to production?

The Ten X approach speeds up timelines, cuts costs, and ensures better quality control. By having all services for manufacturing medical, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, and plastic electronic housing under one roof, you can focus more resources on improving your business.

Why One-Stop Shop Manufacturing?

Here are a few ways your company can benefit from one-stop shop manufacturing:

Better Communication

With all services under one roof, you eliminate the back-and-forth and potential miscommunications that often occur when dealing with multiple vendors. You’ll work with a single team that deeply understands your products, leading to smoother operations with fewer errors.

Faster Timelines

You can reduce downtime between stages by housing prototyping, production, and finishing under one roof. Additionally, you don’t have to waste time dealing with external coordination whenever you need to adjust products – your one-stop team will implement changes immediately. With this approach, you will significantly accelerate the overall production timeline and bring your product to market faster.

Lower Costs

Using a one-stop shop manufacturer avoids extra costs and logistical complexities that come with juggling various suppliers. Additionally, bulk pricing and bundled services from a single provider can mean significant financial savings for your company and a more cost-effective production process.

Improved Quality Control

When the same team oversees every stage of manufacturing your products, you can rely on a thorough understanding of specifications and quality expectations from design to post-processing. Your critical devices will have more consistency across the board because they are all made in the same facility.

Simplified Project Management

Coordinating multiple suppliers involves extensive scheduling, monitoring, and communication, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. You can simplify all aspects of project management by using one facility that provides a single project timeline and unified progress reports.

Enhanced Innovation

A one-stop shop can provide integrated solutions and creative approaches that may not be possible with a fragmented production pipeline. When the entire manufacturing team works together from start to finish, there is a continuous exchange of ideas and feedback. Rest assured that your manufacturer is working behind the scenes to innovate and optimize production – your company will benefit from better products and more successful projects.

Ten X Is Your One-Stop Shop Manufacturing Partner

Save your company resources and give your customers more reliable products by switching to Ten X – your one-stop shop manufacturing partner for all medical, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, and plastic electronic housing needs.

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Working Direct with a Manufacturer vs. Service Bureau

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, businesses seeking services like Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Urethane Casting, and 3D Printing often face a common challenge – choosing between working directly with a manufacturer or opting for a service bureau. At TenX Manufacturing, we take pride in offering a unique advantage by providing all our services in-house. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of working directly with a manufacturer like TenX, as opposed to navigating the maze of outsourcing and hidden charges associated with service bureaus.

  1. End-to-End Control: One of the key advantages of choosing TenX Manufacturing is the assurance of end-to-end control over the entire manufacturing process. From concept to completion, we have a dedicated team of experts handling Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Urethane Casting, and 3D Printing under one roof. This not only ensures a seamless workflow but also guarantees that the final product meets the highest quality standards.
  2. Single Point of Contact: When you partner with TenX, you gain the convenience of having a single point of contact throughout your project. Unlike service bureaus that may involve multiple intermediaries, TenX streamlines communication, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or delays. This direct line to the manufacturer allows for clearer communication, faster issue resolution, and a more personalized customer experience.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing to service bureaus often comes with hidden fees and upcharges, leading to unexpected costs for the end customer. At TenX Manufacturing, we eliminate these uncertainties by providing transparent and competitive pricing. With all services in-house, we maintain control over costs and can offer a more cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
  4. Quick Turnaround Times: In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, time is of the essence. Working directly with TenX allows for quicker decision-making and a more efficient production process. Our streamlined workflow ensures faster turnaround times, enabling you to meet tight deadlines and respond promptly to market demands.
  5. Customization and Flexibility: TenX Manufacturing understands that every project is unique. By working directly with us, you have the flexibility to customize your manufacturing process according to your specific requirements. Whether it’s modifying designs, adjusting production volumes, or incorporating special features, our in-house capabilities provide the flexibility needed to bring your vision to life.

In a market flooded with options, TenX Manufacturing stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. By choosing to work directly with us, you not only benefit from end-to-end control, cost efficiency, and quick turnaround times but also gain a valuable partner committed to your success. Say goodbye to the uncertainties of outsourcing and embrace the TenX advantage for a manufacturing experience that prioritizes precision, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

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Injection Molding, Backed by ISO9001:2015 Certification

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, efficiency is the key to success. TenX Manufacturing takes pride in offering a unique and comprehensive solution in the realm of injection molding. Unlike many competitors who specialize in either injection mold tooling or molded parts, TenX stands out by providing both services under one roof. This integrated approach not only streamlines the production process but also offers significant benefits to customers. Furthermore, TenX Manufacturing is proud to be ISO9001:2015 certified, underscoring our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

  1. Time Savings Through Vertical Integration: One of the standout features of TenX Manufacturing is the seamless integration of injection mold tooling and molded part production within a single facility. This eliminates the need for customers to ship tools or molded part samples back and forth between separate suppliers. This reduction in logistical complexities translates into substantial time savings, expediting the entire production timeline.
  2. Collaborative Expertise for Optimal Results: TenX’s competitive edge lies in fostering collaboration between highly skilled toolmakers and process engineers who work closely together throughout the entire manufacturing process. From the initial stages of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) to tool design and build, the partnership between these two critical entities ensures a holistic and cohesive approach. This collaboration guarantees that the final molded parts meet the highest standards of quality and precision.
  3. Collective Knowledge Advantage: Having both toolmakers and process engineers under one roof provides TenX Manufacturing with a unique collective knowledge advantage. The synergy between these teams allows for real-time problem-solving, continuous improvement, and efficient decision-making. This not only enhances the overall quality of the injection molding process but also positions TenX as a reliable partner capable of adapting to evolving customer needs.
  4. Seamless Transition from Prototyping to Production: TenX’s integrated approach enables a smooth transition from prototyping to full-scale production. With the entire process taking place within the same facility, adjustments and improvements identified during the initial prototyping phase can be seamlessly incorporated into the production process, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing journey.
  5. ISO9001:2015 Certification – Ensuring Quality and Customer Satisfaction: TenX Manufacturing’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by our ISO9001:2015 certification. This internationally recognized quality management standard ensures that our processes are systematically monitored and continuously improved. By adhering to ISO9001:2015 standards, we guarantee a high level of quality control throughout the injection molding process, resulting in products that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
  6. Customer-Centric Approach: By offering a comprehensive solution, TenX Manufacturing demonstrates a customer-centric approach. The elimination of the need to coordinate between multiple suppliers not only simplifies the customer experience but also reduces the likelihood of miscommunications and delays, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

In a competitive market where time and precision are of the essence, TenX Manufacturing’s all-in-one solution for injection molding, backed by ISO9001:2015 certification, sets it apart as a reliable and efficient partner for businesses seeking a streamlined manufacturing process. With an integrated team of experts and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, TenX is poised to be the go-to choice for injection molding services.

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Introducing TenX Manufacturing

Dear Valued Customers and Website Visitors,

We hope this message finds you well. We are delighted to share some thrilling news with you that marks a significant milestone in our company’s journey. After much reflection and growth, we are proud to announce that we are rebranding our company from Schmit Prototypes to TenX Manufacturing!

Along with the rebranding of our company we will also become an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. This change is a result of our dedication to continuous improvement and our commitment to providing you with the best possible products and services. While we have cherished our time as Schmit Prototypes, we believe that TenX Manufacturing better reflects the evolution of our capabilities, vision, and commitment to excellence in the manufacturing industry.

What does TenX Manufacturing mean?

“TenX” represents our renewed determination to go above and beyond for you – our valued customers – in every aspect of our work. The “Ten” represents our wide range (10+) in-house capabilities, and signifies our tenfold efforts to deliver innovative, top-notch manufacturing solutions to meet your evolving needs. The “X” is also symbolic of the diversity of our offerings, being able to provide our customers with manufacturing solutions in both prototype & production volumes. With our customer-centric approach and cutting-edge technology, we aim to empower your business with manufacturing solutions that propel your success to new heights.

What to expect:

Rebrand: Though our name is changing, the core values and expertise that have made us your trusted partner remain unchanged. We will continue to provide the same exceptional level of quality, precision, and efficiency that you have come to expect from us. Our passionate team of experts remains committed to exceeding your expectations and bringing your projects to life with dedication and attention to detail.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification: ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This certification sets forth rigorous requirements for businesses to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer requirements and adhere to regulatory standards.

What does this mean for our business?

The journey towards ISO 9001:2015 certification has been a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, process efficiency, and continuous improvement. Throughout this process, we have meticulously examined and fine-tuned our internal processes to ensure the highest level of quality in every aspect of our operations.

How does this certification benefit you, our valued customers?

  • Enhanced Product Quality: ISO 9001:2015 certification serves as an assurance that our manufacturing processes meet international quality standards. You can be confident that the products you receive from TenX Manufacturing will consistently meet or exceed your expectations.
  • Improved Customer Service: With a robust quality management system in place, our customer service will be further refined, ensuring that we promptly address your inquiries, provide accurate information, and promptly handle any concerns you may have.
  • On-time Delivery: The certification process has allowed us to optimize our production schedules and streamline logistics, enabling us to deliver your orders promptly and efficiently.
  • Continual Improvement: Our commitment to continuous improvement means that we are constantly striving to enhance our processes, products, and services. As a result, your feedback and suggestions are invaluable in our pursuit of excellence.

When will we receive the certification?

The final stage of the certification process is underway, and we expect to receive the official ISO 9001:2015 certification by the end of 2023. Rest assured that we will continue to maintain the highest standards to retain this esteemed recognition and continuously improve for your benefit.

We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support as we embark on this rebranding journey. It is because of customers like you that we continue to grow and thrive in this industry. Thank you for being an essential part of our success story.

We look forward to serving you as TenX Manufacturing and continuing to be your preferred manufacturing partner.

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The Many Benefits of 3D Printing

3D printing has been around in concept for decades but it wasn’t until the 2010s when it really took off across industries. Aside from references in works of fiction, 3D printing as we know it dates to 1971, when inventor Johannes F. Gootwald patented the Liquid Metal Recorder, a device that’s considered the precursor to 3D printing. Since then, as technologies have evolved, 3D printing has gone from being a novel concept to a useful tool that helps design engineers and their organizations prototype and manufacture components for their applications.

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and gone are the days of 3D printing being associated with proof-of-concept products or poor-quality prototypes only. Today, key benefits of 3D printing include expedited product development, precision accuracy, the ability to print using a wide range of materials, how scalable it is, the ability to handle complex geometry without an inflated price tag, all resulting in how affordable 3D printing prototype costs have become. In fact, technologies have become so advanced indicating the manufacture of 3D-printed products can even reduce waste and provide a more sustainable world to live in.

A Closer Look at 3D Printing Benefits

The goal: expedited product development that boosts overall efficiency without inflating costs. With 3D printing, imagining the reduction of your organization’s labor costs while completing your application’s parts and components sooner with precision accuracy becomes reality. One of the signature benefits of 3D printing is it reduces the chance of production errors. Prototypes manufactured are extremely accurate, meaning you can shift gears to refine your final part or component for final production.

Choosing from a wide range of materials may seem overwhelming if you aren’t accustomed to it, but being open to new printing processes and materials will help you complete your application faster and cheaper, as 3D printing reduces your overall prototype cost. With help from our team, our experts can help you choose the most effective printing methods to meet your requirements.

Ultimately, with the precision and speed that comes from 3D printing you can worry less about production and think more about how your new components will integrate into your larger systems and final product. This allows you to think more strategically while incorporating your high-level business needs. Further, 3D printers can handle complex geometry which allows for the production of more intricate and detailed prototypes at a reduced cost per unit.

How Does 3D Printing Your Products Reduce Waste?

Nearly all 3D printers can be used to make products in rapid succession, but industrial 3D printers come with a host of advanced benefits, especially for companies interested in the prototyping and manufacturing of their products using sustainable methods. This is because unlike more traditional methods of production, which often results in a lot of leftover scraps, 3D printing builds items layer-by-layer, resulting in zero waste. Raw materials used for 3D printing also tend to be more sustainable than the steel or plastic commonly used for traditional manufacturing.

Explore the Benefits of Our 3D Printing Capabilities

We are a leading prototype manufacturing company with rapid production 3D printing capabilities. We can build models in the following sizes:

SLA Models: Up to 25.6″ x 29.5″ x 21.65″ (650mm x 750mm x 550mm)
FDM Models: Up to: 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (914mm x 610mm x 914mm)
SLS Models: Up to 15″ x 13″ x 18″ (550mm x 550mm x 460mm)
Polyjet Models: Up to 19.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (500mm x 400mm x 200mm)

Our experts can also produce larger models capable of being virtually any size, as they can be sectioned and assembled upon completion. Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or to get started.

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What Are the Main Types of Manufacturing Processes?

There is a wide range of manufacturing processes available, and it’s good to have a basic understanding of at least some of them to help determine which option is best for your application’s requirements. The primary manufacturing processes TenX Manufacturing offers are 3D printing, urethane casting, CNC machining and injection molding.

Get an overview of each manufacturing process with the simple guide below to see which option may be best for bringing your application to the finish line.

3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, took off in the 1980s and it has since burst in popularity as the technology improves while prices fall. The premise is that 3D-printable models can be produced using a computer-aided design (CAD) with a scanner. Part of the appeal in using this technology is it’s easy to identify mistakes before physically printing items, which is great for saving time and money. 3D printers are also capable of producing complex shapes and parts that would otherwise be difficult to create.

Our 3D printing service is called “rapid” for a reason. We can take data and convert it into a physical model in short periods of time. In addition to rapid turnaround, our 3D printers are adaptable and versatile, allowing us the ability to print using a wide range of materials. Put it all together and we can produce prototypes with tight tolerances that are extremely accurate on a modest budget.

Depending on your needs, we offer stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and polyjet 3D printing. Consult our project managers for help determining which method works best for your application.

Urethane Casting

If you want to produce rubber or plastic components without hard tooling costs, urethane casting is a great option. An alternative to injection molding, urethane casting creates a silicone mold using a master pattern, which comes from 3D printing. Urethane casting is ideal for one-off projects, and it’s also suitable for low-volume production runs, producing visual models, and product testing. Part of what makes this manufacturing process so effective is the molding materials are versatile, and can include various shapes and sizes.

CNC Machining

Computerized numerical control (CNC) machining requires software and language — known as G or M code — to guide an automated, computerized manufacturing process. Mechanical dimensions are provided to the machine using CAD software, which is then translated into directives for manufacturing. These motorized manufacturing tools are capable of working with plastic, metal, wood, and other materials, and they can create items that can come close to matching the final appearance of most products.

At TenX Manufacturing, we offer CNC milling, turning, and electrical discharge machining to produce highly accurate parts and engineering prototypes. Contact us to learn about our CNC machining capabilities.

Injection Molding

There’s some nuance when it comes to injection molding methods, which seems reasonable given injection molding is a manufacturing technique that’s now more than 150 years old. However, injection molding machines have this in common: they each consist of an injection unit, a mold, and a clamp.

Our manufacturing process for injection molding begins with plastic material being forced into a mold cavity where, under pressure, pelletized resins and colorants are fed into either a Nissei or Nestal machine. At that time, the resins and colorants are added into an injection barrel to be heated for melting. The material is then forced into a mold cavity for cooling and eventual removal from the cavity, leaving a completed prototype.

Full-Service Prototype Manufacturing

Have questions or concerns about manufacturing your prototype? Let’s connect. For over 40 years, our experts have provided comprehensive manufacturing services and superior customer service. A project manager will meet with you to determine the full scope of your project and identify the perfect service to meet your application’s requirements.

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