For companies looking to manufacture parts and products, outsourcing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) engineering services offers major advantages compared to keeping everything in-house.
Top benefits of partnering with an external CNC machine shop:
Cost Savings
Going with an outside CNC shop saves a ton on the overhead that comes with doing all the machining yourself in-house. We’re talking major bucks for buying, running, and fixing those spendy CNC machines. Not to mention having to pay and train staff to operate them properly. With outsourcing, you skip all those hassles and just pay for the parts you need, when you need them. It’s a variable expense that goes up and down based on your production volumes. Keeping it all in-house has you stuck with higher fixed costs even when demand is low. So outsourcing gives you a much more flexible, cost-effective way to get quality machined components.
Focus on Core Business
Handling all aspects of CNC machining and manufacturing in-house ends up distracting companies from their primary work and core competencies. Outsourcing these ancillary CNC engineering services functions to a specialized external partner allows a business to focus their time and resources on the key activities and strengths that differentiate them in the marketplace.
Speed and Agility
Reputable CNC machine shops that specialize in outsourced machining services can rapidly scale production up or down as needed to match changing demand. Sudden spikes in part quantities or tight lead time requirements are no problem for an established outsourced provider with extensive CNC capacity and flexible production capabilities. In contrast, trying to ramp up CNC machining internally on short notice to handle a surge in demand is difficult and cost prohibitive for a company without specialized machining focus.
Flexibility and Scalability
Outsourced CNC engineering partners inherently provide tremendous flexibility that allows them to adapt seamlessly to changing part designs, production volumes, and lead time expectations. There’s no worry about wasted overhead, underutilized equipment, or excess capacity from over-investing in fixed in-house CNC capabilities. The external provider aligns their resources precisely to customers’ immediate production needs.
Latest Technology
Top tier CNC machine shops continuously invest in upgrading to the newest CNC machine tools, advanced simulation software, automated quality control technologies, and skilled staff. Outsourcing machining services gives a company access to cutting-edge capabilities without the high fixed costs of purchasing capital equipment themselves.
Expertise and Specialization
Machining and CNC engineering is the sole focus and specialty of outsourced providers. Their full-time commitment to these services makes them true experts and specialists. This CNC focus results in higher quality parts produced faster and more efficiently compared to a company where machining is not a primary capability.
Lean Operation
Outsourced machine shops run a highly optimized, low-waste operation that maximizes productivity and quality control. Much harder to achieve in a non-core in-house department.
Conclusion
For most companies, partnering with an experienced CNC engineering firm provides better results and value compared to maintaining internal machining capabilities and staff. The flexibility, expertise and economies of scale create a win-win relationship.
