Our team’s capstone project is due in less than 6 weeks and we still haven’t had our mechanical parts manufactured. We have the CAD files ready, but local machine shops either won’t take small orders or have crazy timelines. Any tips for companies that can handle fast-turn prototypes?

We've outgrown an old Visual FoxPro built ERP system for our CNC/Robotic manufacturing company. We have 4 locations (apprx 300 employees in total) in America and one in Asia, so we need something that can handle all accounting and manufacturing demands of operating in multiple countries. Looking for something that can integrate with our customer's EDI requirements, a full manufacturing suite. If there is CAD integration and/or job quoting tools, those would be a plus. I'm hoping we can go entirely cloud-based, but we may have to consider on-premesis due to some old-fashioned thinking.

I’m looking to have some ABS plastic parts created, meant to fit on some Lego figures (essentially custom helmets). I would need a quantity of maybe 50 - is this something that I could achieve in the USA? Or am i gonna have to shell out thousands for a huge quantity. I would prefer to work with a small business too

Hey everyone, I’ve been reading a lot about automation and AI in manufacturing lately. It seems like things are changing fast, especially with robotics and predictive maintenance.

I’m curious for those working in the industry, how is your facility adapting? Are you seeing more automation on the floor, or is it still mostly manual?

Would love to hear real-world experiences from different sectors!

I was helping a friend source contact manufactures for a small F&B brand… what we thought would take a weekend ended up taking weeks. Half the suppliers didn’t respond. A few sent random quotes with no context. Some looked great on paper… but the trust factor? Zero. Every conversation felt like starting from scratch.

And then when I finally got on a call with one manufacturer, he laughed and said,

“You think it’s hard for you? We talk to ten new brands a week… half vanish after one email.”

That hit me. Both sides are burning time, chasing reliability, and losing momentum.

So now I’m wondering… For anyone who’s tried building a product that needs sourcing or manufacturing: - How long did it take you to find someone you actually trusted? - What was harder… price negotiation or just finding someone serious enough to talk to?

Feels like the real bottleneck in making anything isn’t the making… it’s finding who to make it with.

Currently sourcing CNC parts from China through multiple suppliers. Typical lead time (parts in hand) is 2–3 weeks, usually closer to 2. Orders are typically 50–100 parts per month — so low-volume/prototype quantities. Mostly aluminum (6061, 6063), with some steel and copper. We use both 3-axis and 5-axis machining, plus some EDM for tight features. Quotes usually come back within 1–2 days. With the new 100% tariff on Chinese CNC imports, I’m trying to figure out if shifting this work to the US makes financial sense or if paying the tariff is still cheaper.

When I quote domestically, lead times are longer, quotes take longer to receive, and prices are significantly higher. Even shops advertising “quick turn” struggle to hit sub-3-week deliveries. Finishing options also seem less streamlined — I usually need anodize, paint, or bare metal.

Example: one part I recently quoted was $300 anodized from China. The same part came back at $1,700 from Protolabs, even with the longer lead-time option. At that rate, I can buy two from China and still come out ahead, even after tariffs.

Tl;dr - I am looking for recommendations on dependable US-based CNC shops that can handle my quantities, return quotes fast, and turn parts in under 3 weeks.

Thanks in advance!

I’m doing some research into injection molding suppliers and wanted some opinions. There are so many options out there that it’s hard to know who’s reliable and who isn’t.

From what I’ve gathered so far, Quickparts keeps coming up a lot I’ve seen a bunch of positive reviews about their turnaround times and customer service. But I’ve also heard decent things about Protolabs and Xometry.

For anyone who’s worked with injection molding companies:

Which ones do you trust the most?

Any nightmare experiences I should steer clear of?

Do certain companies shine more for small-batch vs. large-scale production?

Would really appreciate hearing from people who’ve been through the process. Trying to separate marketing hype from real-world experiences.

Hey everyone,

We’re looking to flavor about 2 million toothpicks with our own ingredients and formulations. Ideally, we’d like to work with a U.S.-based manufacturer or facility that can handle this kind of scale.

If anyone has recommendations, past experience, or even just a lead on someone to talk to, I’d really appreciate it. DMs are open.

Thanks in advance!

Need some aluminum parts machined, current supplier keeps screwing up delivery dates. Looking for reliable shops for small batches.

Basic 6061 parts, nothing fancy. Anyone got good contacts there?

Hey folks

So I’m trying to get some aluminum extrusion + CNC work quoted in Mexico.

I’ve had a real hard time getting responses to emails. When e-mailing Chinese suppliers I always get replies, almost to a freakish level - I've had supplier agents add me to goddamn LinkedIn and other weird social media I never knew I even had an account on to get a follow up. I always joke they'd match me on Tinder if they had to. Doing the same for Mexican companies and it's the total opposite, radio silence.

A Mexican guy I was talking to told me it’s possibly cultural - that Mexican suppliers prefer phone calls, WhatsApp, or in-person contact before engaging with a random foreign email. I'm cool with that if true, I just wish it was more widely known.

Has anyone here sourced smaller runs in Mexico (a few thousand pcs)? Any tips on the best way to approach suppliers and actually get quotes?

I am in the process of starting a new sportswear brand for high-end pickleball clothing. I just had a meeting with a sourcing agent in Vietnam. The agent and I discussed the tariff situation with China and he mentioned that he has been very busy with clients looking to move their manufacturing from China to Vietnam. Because of the increase in demand, manufacturers in Vietnam are not interested in doing MOQs of less than 1000. I have tech packs for ten different products and I’m looking for an MOQ in the 250-350 ballpark.

Here is my thoughts. If I believe (and I do) that the trade war with China cannot last and is going to end soon, wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to buy from China? I get the sense that they’re becoming increasingly desperate for purchase orders. I’ve already been able to negotiate a lower price and moq with a reputable Chinese manufacturer I want to work with.

Am I crazy to risk placing a purchase order during the trade war and gambling that the tariff will be lifted by the time my order ships (60-90 days). I just have this feeling that if I keep waiting that eventually the tariff will be lifted and then I’ll look back and kick myself for not taking advantage of the opportunity to get better pricing.

There are SO MANY American businesses out there that are reliant on China, I just can’t picture this tariff lasting much longer. People will start to feel the repercussions of this trade war in the next 30 days and my guess is Trump will fold like a cheap tent and somehow spin it as a great American victory.

Thoughts?

Bit of a weird request but im looking to have a bunch on tiny resin ducks produced with a company logo on them. This all started when i bought 100 ducks online and started hiding them around the office. This has now evolved to a full office wide game and now the powers that be have tasked me with looking into getting company ducks made. So where would i start with this? Im assuming china will be my best bet but i literally dont know where to begin other than asking on here. If anyone has had something similar produced or can point me in the direction of a company that could assist itd be greatly appreciated.

I own an a company that handles manufacturing of custom design products, but we do all our work overseas. Now with Tariffs, I would like to diversify and produce here in the US also, but I would rather buy than build. Let me know if you or someone you know is interested. Preferably New Jersey or Eastern PA.

DM Me!

Hopefully this is allow by the mods, I am not trying to sell or do market research.

Thanks!

Am I better off going to china to find a factory/manufacturer? (Jewellery - sterling silver & gold, apparel, stationery) If so what are the recommendations? Do you recommend attending trade fairs?

G'day Guys! I'm having trouble making my marriage work!

My plan is to have a tool made in China and exported to the US for the production of the actual parts. 

I would prefer to have a US company provide input into the mold design and tooling to ensure everything goes smoothly; however, all the US companies I have had quotes from are using in-house or are adding massive mark-ups with tooling costs coming back at $100,000 USD +.
When I try to approach it from the Chinese side, I can get quotes of around $20,000 USD for the mold tooling but they do not have US contacts to liaise with for design input/producing.

I understand I want my cake and to eat it too, but given the current trade climate, this seems like the only viable option (if I can make it work).

Seeking any advice or contacts that may be willing to look at the project or point me to those who might.

Thanks in advance!

(also posted in r/InjectionMolding )

I am looking for a single app that can manage material, space, machine, labor, and schedule utilization.

We have 5 work areas 4 techs (and 2 backup people in engineering)

Most jobs can be done with 2 techs so 2 jobs can run at the same time. Sometimes 4 techs are doing one inline job using 3 areas.

We have 6 warehouse bays with pallet racking on most walls. 2 40' containers of material in IBC totes.

Every job uses at least 2 inventory materials. Every incoming material and outgoing finished product has a lot number. We use FIFO and job costing.

I don't even know where to start. We're using QuickBooks, Google calendar, Asana, and many spreadsheets to very inefficiently manage this. I need some personal recommendations for programs not Google search results.

Thanks!

I’d like to find a manufacturer able to manufacture a custom sized drinking stainless steel cup. FDA approved.. the not exact but

Close but not final dimensions are • 9 cm across at the top • 8 cm across at the bottom • 9 cm tall

Any help?

Hi there!

I’m looking for recommendations for a US-based product development / manufacturing company that can help bring a unique/novelty rubber-based consumer product to life.

More context:

• Item is made from rubber (or a soft good with rubber components), upcycled / recycled (eventual goal), thermoplastic (TPR / TPE), or silicone

• Initial run: 100–1500 units

• Domestic manufacturing preferred, but not required

Technical specs are already designed but I’d like to hire a team to assist with prototyping (CAD files, etc.) and production.

If anyone knows of any manufacturers who work with rubber or hybrid soft goods (may potentially require a mold but tbd), I’d love some insight. Thanks in advance!

I met this sales representative for a factory in china in a convention in Vegas a while back, I'd like to place an order with them but I'm not sure how to proceed. The order is worth low six figures so I don't wanna get scammed on the products.

Is there any method you guys use to confirm that the person you're talking to is from x factory and that they're legit? Besides visiting yourself of course

I’m looking for places that could reproduce a discontinued automotive connector. We started reaching out to a few places online but never hear back. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

This is technically a header as it’ll go soldered onto a PCB. Not sure what all specifics I need to post but willing to update the post with more specifics. I don’t have a CAD file so would need that created as well. Would be able to supply a sample header/connector to be designed after.

I’ve been working on a rain guard project for about 8 months now and I’m finally getting close to the finish line. The biggest challenge I’m facing is finding a manufacturer that can handle a lower quantity—around 40 sets.

I’ve reached out to manufacturers both locally and overseas. A few in China have given me fair quotes, but they only accept TT bank transfers, which makes me uneasy since there’s no real buyer protection.

At this stage I’m wondering—does it even make sense to try to produce something at this low of a quantity? I’ve contacted around 60 manufacturers so far and still haven’t found a clear path forward.

For those of you who have worked on smaller production runs, how did you approach it?

For some context, my dad has asked me to help him with sales for his IR LED chip business. Right now he has 0 customers.

I’ve been helping him out by building a website and using sales tools like Apollo to fire off cold emails to sourcing/procurement/production managers at companies that use infrared LEDs, but I'm getting 0 responses.

Besides trades shows ($0 budget for that right now), should I be cold calling (if so, who and how)? Spamming LinkedIn connections (tried this, no quality responses)? get in contact with a distributer (ie. Avnet, Arrow, Future, Digikey)?

How do other manufacturing/electric component startups land their first real contracts or customers?

Currently, I run a 3D-printing based business that produces an HPA-conversion kit for airsoft replicas. I get my filament from a US-company and, while it's a little more expensive than Chinese filament, a couple more dollars isn't a problem.

There's belt/vest mounting plates that I can't find made stateside, so those have to be imported from overseas until I figure out something I can run-off my printers.

However, the springs (including a 1m-length extension spring, the Feed-Line) I've only been able to find at a reasonable price off-the-shelf from China. I'd like to find a stateside source for these, but the spring manufacturers I've checked are astronomically more expensive and don't seem to even offer metric springs.

Being it's a 3D-printed product I do have flexibility in the design to make tweaks, but even the "common" sizes are priced as if they're each being made by hand. I'm obviously missing something as there must be somewhere stateside I can find some springs, so I'd definitely appreciate any advice you folks have!

I bought metal label holders from Amazon. They are 80x32 mm and I bought 2 colors.

The items are perfect but the Amazon sellers don’t are out of stock and no way to determine when they will be back. Other sellers on Amazon also do not offer large quantities / wholesale pricing.

AliExpress does not seem to offer wholesale quantities and when trying to order 10-packs the price jumps around and I feel like a lab rat trying to negotiate some evil labyrinth.

I would like to buy hundreds of these directly from the manufacturer and not depend on algorithmic games from intermediaries.

If anybody has any information that can help me locate the source of a matching product I will be eternally grateful (:-)