Question 1

How can bridge production benefit my production process?

Accepted Answer

Bridge production acts as a fast and cost-effective bridge between prototyping and mass production. It's ideal in scenarios where tooling delays hinder your production line or when you only require a low volume of parts. Approved Sheet Metal's bridge production services help save costs, reduce lead times, and facilitate quicker market entry.

Question 2

What are the standard use cases for bridge production in sheet metal fabrication?

Accepted Answer

Bridge production is an excellent solution in two key scenarios: First, when facing prolonged tooling delays (6+ weeks) but still wanting to progress with production. Second, when launching a new product or part without undergoing critical testing, avoiding the upfront investment of $30,000 in tooling. Approved Sheet Metal can quickly hand fabricate low volumes, enabling you to move forward without the need for extensive tooling.

Question 3

How does bridge production help in overcoming common tooling problems?

Accepted Answer

Bridge production resolves tooling-related frustrations by offering an alternative for low-volume manufacturing. Instead of waiting for tooling, Approved Sheet Metal can hand fabricate parts quickly, saving time and costs. This solution is particularly beneficial for product relaunches or new releases where extensive inventory isn't necessary.

Question 4

How does Approved Sheet Metal identify opportunities for bridge production?

Accepted Answer

We use an advanced algorithm that converts 3D CAD models into runtimes. This algorithm helps differentiate between prototypes and production. If a line item takes 8 hours or less, it's considered a prototype. Anything over 20 hours is categorized as production. This method ensures accurate identification of opportunities for bridge production.

Question 5

Can bridge production eliminate the need for extensive inventory in certain situations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bridge production is designed to reduce the need for extensive inventory, making it a practical solution for scenarios such as product relaunches or new releases of existing parts. Whether waiting for tooling or dealing with low production volumes, bridge production allows you to get a head start without the need for significant inventory investments.

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