8 hidden factors that decide manufacturing lead time — raw material, machine scheduling, process count, finishing, QC, tooling, shipping, holidays. Plus shortening strategies.
MOQ thresholds, post-machining cost, surface finish, strength, tooling payback and 4 real customer cases — when die casting beats CNC machining for aluminum housings.
Real cost data for enclosures from 1 to 1,000 pieces. When does sheet metal beat CNC? Decision tree by complexity, weight, finish and quantity for engineers and procurement.
SLA, SLS and MJF produce drastically different parts. Compare principle, materials, accuracy, strength, surface finish and cost — with 5 part-type recommendations and a decision flowchart.
