A Guide to Blanking in Contract Manufacturing
Many startups and small product manufacturing businesses do not have the capital needed to construct and operate a production facility. In these situations, they often turn to contract manufacturers to make their products so they do not need to invest in their own factory. Below, we provide an overview of contract manufacturing, discussing what it is, what types are available, what to look for in a good partner, and what role blanking can play in the process.
What Is Contract Manufacturing?
Contract manufacturing is a business relationship in which one company (the contracting company) outsources some or all of its manufacturing operations to another company (the contracted company). The contracted company produces parts and products to the specifications given to it by the contracting company.
There are many advantages to forming a partnership with a contract manufacturer. For example, the contracting company does not need to worry about making their products, so they can focus their resources and efforts on other parts of the business, such as sales and marketing. Additionally, contract manufacturers may offer other services that can further streamline the product development process for the customer, such as design assistance, assembly, and distribution.
What Are the Different Forms of Contract Manufacturing?
Contract manufacturing can be classified into several categories depending on what the contracted company provides to the contracting company. Four of the most common are:
- Producing complete goods. This type of manufacturing relationship is also referred to as private label manufacturing. In this situation, the contracted company produces complete products for the contracting company. In addition to making all of the parts and components that go into the product, they assemble them together.
- Producing parts or components. In this situation, the contracted company produces parts or components for the contracting company. The contracting company then uses these pieces in their own assembly operations to create finished products.
- Supplying a service or labor. In this situation, the contracted company provides services to the contracting company, such as design, manufacturing, and distribution. The contracting company uses these services as part of their product development process. The contracted company may also supply a labor force if the contracting company does not have the manpower to carry out production.
- Providing manufacturing equipment or facilities. In this situation, the contracted company allows the contracting company to use their equipment or facility to make the desired products.
7 Qualities to Look for in a Contract Manufacturer
Given the key role a contract manufacturer has in the production of a product, companies must choose who they partner with carefully. Otherwise, they risk subpar products, unmet production orders, and more.
The seven top qualities to look for in a good contract manufacturing partner are:
- ISO Certification
- Good Reputation in Market
- Good Financial Situation
- Clean Facility
- Good Management at the Facility
- Flexible to Market
- Can Meet Product Demand
How Does Precision Blanking Fit in With Contract Manufacturing?
Contract manufacturing can encompass a wide range of manufacturing processes, including precision blanking. Precision blanking is a fabrication process that uses a punch and die to remove a piece—i.e., a blank—from a sheet or strip of material. Both the punch and die are in the shape of the desired component, ensuring the piece removed has the proper form.
Ohio Valley Manufacturing: Your Blanking Expert
Looking for a contract manufacturer with blanking capabilities? Ohio Valley Manufacturing is here to help you!
At Ohio Valley Manufacturing, we are an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer offering blanking, stamping, and other precision metalworking services. We can produce circular blanks up to 72 inches in diameter and configured blanks up to 72 inches wide by 100 inches long from carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Equipped with extensive industry experience and quality presses, we’ve developed a reputation as one of the top Tier 2 suppliers in the United States.
To learn more about our precision blanking or other contract manufacturing capabilities and how they can benefit you and your company, contact us today.