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Manufacturing process
Our Processes for Your Low Volume Manufacturing
FACTUREE offers state-of-the-art technologies on demand for your low volume manufacturing: CNC machining, additive manufacturing, casting, and sheet metal fabrication. This allows us to guarantee the optimal process for every component. Depending on your requirements for material, geometry, and quantity, you can select the right process for your small-batch production.
CNC Small-Lot Production
FACTUREE uses CNC for small-batch production when components requiring high precision and mechanical strength are needed. Using CNC milling and CNC turning, FACTUREE manufactures small batches directly from metal or plastic. The material properties remain the same in subsequent mass production. For manufacturing, FACTUREE relies on certified partners with experience in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. This makes small-batch CNC production ideal for functional parts. That’s because, for these parts, fit and strength must be tested even in small quantities. This is particularly ideal for small batches, as it allows fit and strength to be tested under real-world conditions.
Small-Batch 3D Printing
FACTUREE uses modern additive manufacturing processes such as SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM for small-batch 3D printing. These processes are ideal for rapid prototyping, allowing complex geometries and shapes to be produced quickly and cost-effectively.
Plastic parts are manufactured directly from CAD data without tooling costs or long lead times. Additive manufacturing is particularly well-suited for small-batch 3D printing, especially when there is a high degree of design freedom and recurring orders for identical components. FACTUREE works with the customer to select the optimal process based on the material and quantity.
Casting Processes for Small-Volume Production
Components can be produced cost-effectively even in medium quantities while maintaining consistent quality. This makes it possible to produce high-quality plastic parts made from engineering plastics even before a production mold becomes cost-effective for mass production.
For small-batch castings, FACTUREE provides comprehensive advice on tooling concepts, material selection, and post-processing. This ensures a seamless transition to mass production later on, without the need to change tools.
Small-batch metal production
FACTUREE offers small-batch metal fabrication for housings, mounts, and thin-walled assemblies. Using technologies such as laser cutting, bending, and welding, sheet metal parts are produced directly from CAD data without the need for complex molds.
Small-batch metal production is carried out through a specialized network of partners in close coordination regarding materials, sheet thickness, and surface finishes. With flexible scaling options all the way up to large-scale production!
Materials
Materials for Your Low Volume Manufacturing
For low volume manufacturing, FACTUREE offers over 300 different materials. Customers specify the material they want, and FACTUREE finds the right manufacturer from its network.
Steels & Stainless Steels
42CrMo4, 1.4301 (V2A), 1.4404 (V4A), and many more
Aluminum & Other Light Metals
7075, 2024, 6061, & many more
High-Performance Alloys
Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium, and many more
Plastics & Polymers
POM, PA, PEEK, and many more
Surface treatments
Small-batch production with the desired surface finish
FACTUREE offers a complete range of small-batch production services, including surface treatment, all from a single source. Whether it’s hardening, anodizing, or coating, we deliver components ready for installation. This saves time and money and ensures optimal mechanical properties for your small-batch production.
Frequently requested surface treatments
Heat treatments
- Hardening
- Quenching and Tempering
- Case hardening
- Gas nitriding
- Plasma nitriding
- etc.
Electroplating
- Anodizing
- Hard anodizing
- Black finishing
- Passivating
- Phosphate conversion coating
- Nickel plating
- Galvanizing (zinc plating)
- etc.
Mechanical surface treatments
- (Laser) engraving
- Polishing
- Grinding
- Sandblasting
- Glass bead blasting
- etc.
Reasons for FACTUREE
Why Customers Choose FACTUREE for Their Low Volume Manufacturing
- Over 2,000 certified partners: Access to a broad network of over 2,000 certified manufacturing partners for any batch size.
- Primary Point of Contact: From the first small-batch production run through to mass production, FACTUREE manages the project without changing suppliers.
- Tested quality: Ensuring the highest standards for low volume manufacturing in accordance with ISO 9001.
- Everything from a single source: Select manufacturing processes, materials, and finishes centrally.
Certificates & Documentation
How We Ensure Quality and Compliance
Certifications
- ISO 9001 Quality Management
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management
- ISO 27001 Information Security
- Certified and Audited Manufacturers
Documentation
- Test Reports
- Material Certificates
- Certificates of Conformity
- Test Reports
Security Delivery
- Protective packaging
- Shipment Tracking
- Reliable and on-time delivery
- EU-wide logistics
Figures
Facts instead of promises
10.000+
Successful projects in the year
9–12
Business days until delivery
5+
ISO Certifications
30.000+
Customers rely on FACTUREE
Feedback & Support
Your contact for small-batch production
A dedicated contact person will guide the project from the initial small-batch production through to mass production, including feedback and repeat orders.
Scalability
From Prototype to Mass Production with a Single Partner
FACTUREE guides you efficiently through the entire prototyping phase all the way to production readiness without changing suppliers. Thanks to centralized, ISO 27001-certified data management, drawings, contact persons, and verified quality remain consistent. Redundant qualification cycles are eliminated.
Prototype
A single item or a few units. Starting at 9 business days, with feedback from the team before the costs are finalized. More about prototype construction.
Small-batch production
Dozens to hundreds of parts. Same design, same point of contact, data-driven scaling. More about small-batch production.
Large series
Full production capacity. No change in suppliers, no need for re-qualification, consistent quality. More about large-scale production.
User report
CeiliX: From Small-Scale Production to Mass Production
CeiliX Technology GmbH develops innovative overhead crane systems such as the „SkyRunner.“ After producing the first prototypes, CeiliX used FACTUREE to have high-precision CNC components manufactured in small batches before the pre-production run began. Thanks to a network of over 2,000 partners, CeiliX was able to flexibly implement design changes and reduce the strain on its own resources.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Volume Manufacturing at FACTUREE
Modern small-batch manufacturing requires flexibility. Here you'll find answers on how to efficiently manufacture a product within our network.
What is the minimum batch size for FACTUREE's low volume manufacturing?
FACTUREE manufactures high-quality small-batch products starting at a minimum order quantity of 10 through its network of more than 2,000 certified partners. Customers upload CAD data and receive a quote for the production of custom products. This can be scaled directly up to mass production.
What processes are suitable for low volume metall manufacturing?
FACTUREE primarily uses CNC machining for low volume metall manufacturing, supplemented by sheet metal fabrication. Certified partners manufacture small batches of aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium with the same tolerances as in the subsequent production run.
How does low volume manufacturing work in 3D printing?
FACTUREE uses SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM additive manufacturing to print small batches directly from CAD data. This is ideal for rapid prototyping and for complex shapes, allowing components to be produced quickly and cost-effectively.
Does FACTUREE also offer small-batch injection molding?
FACTUREE produces small-batch injection-molded parts using small and medium-sized molds. This allows customers to obtain durable plastic parts with properties similar to those of mass-produced parts, even in small batches.
How does small-batch production differ from mass production at FACTUREE?
FACTUREE categorizes small-batch production as ranging from a batch size of 10 to the mid-three-digit range. Mass production is scaled to full volume. Digital processes enable rapid adaptation across both levels without changing suppliers. Learn more here about high-volume manufacturing at FACTUREE.
Does FACTUREE also offer contract manufacturing for individual parts and small production runs?
FACTUREE offers contract manufacturing for individual parts and small production runs through its network of partners. We handle manufacturing, finishing, and delivery—all under one roof.
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