Your projects will involve dealing with manufacturers- whether the process is laser cutting metal, CNC machining, printing or anything else not manufactured within the compounds of your schools facilities. It makes sense to know how to efficiently deal with such processes.
You know the feeling when your mum says she wants to copy a CD and you have to tell her that your not actually going to set the CD on fire because that's not what 'Burning a CD' means. They don't know any better when it comes to technology, so why should you know any better when it comes to using manufacturers for projects?
Well, one day it will be part of your job to know, that's why.
The first step is to actually know what process you will need. Although some processes will work, they still might not be the right ones to use. If you want a flat shape made from 4mm aluminium, you could have it CNC machined... However this process would be way more expensive and inefficient compared to having it laser cut instead.
Talk to your lecturers and do research. What your project requires you to make will determine what process to use, so you'll want to have some basic designs locked in.
Finding someone to manufacture your designs is the next step, and probably the most important. Once you know the process to use and have your designs finalised, you will want to send an enquiry/ request a quote. Prices and job times will change dramatically depending on who you use, so you will want a wide variety of quotes. Even on line manufacturers like Ponoko can be a good option...
Make an email template (see below) and send it out to as many places as you can.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If a manufacturer is worth dealing with, then they will be happy to help you out. Attach any files- usually a DXF for vector based cutting processes. The recipients of this email will also see that you have sent a quote to their competition businesses, maybe this will mean they give you a competitive price? Hopefully yes.
Just to prove to you that it is worth getting multiple quotes- For the above job one company offered $165.00 with a maximum six day turnaround, while another said it will cost $300.00 with a ten day turnaround... so its worth the research.
Choose the company that best suits your circumstances, maybe you need it done asap and are willing to pay extra for a quick turnaround. But you should read this article on project management to make sure that never happens.
But wait! Its not over yet!
If you want things to get done, you're going to have to make sure they get done. I find myself having to ring all of my manufacturers just to get them to reply to my email quote. So once you send out your email quote call or contact to confirm, once they agree to manufacture your parts call or contact to see how it is going. Call a couple of days before they say it will be finished to make sure they actually have remembered that they need to manufacture your parts. Don't be rude, but be assertive. Don't make their or your job any harder than it needs to be.
Follow these steps and dealing with manufacturers will be easier and less daunting. Not only will you have a kick ass model/ project to show for it, but you will demonstrate competency and willingness to go above and beyond- something teachers will always give you good marks for!
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Top image courtesy of http://industrybusinesslog.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/laser_cutting.jpeg
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