More than 50% of our customers are now located in the Far East, particularly across China and Malaysia and they themselves are producing products which originated outside their country for Global markets. Many of these products are destined for the computer and communication industries. The balance of our customer base spreads across the UK and Europe and covers a wide range of industry sectors. In addition to computing and communication industries we have long supply links with healthcare and medical customers as well as a wide range of industrial product manufacturers. In terms of customer size we have been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs get started and into production to the other extreme where we have over 15 years history of work with fortune 500 companies.
Design, development, modelling and prototyping are carried out in the UK. The starting point is either customers’ drawings or designs developed by our own CAD team from customer ideas or sketches. Once complete our engineers will evaluate the most appropriate technology to take the design to the next stage either SLS or SLA modelling or producing prototypes by way of material cutting including, laser, wire cut and chemi etch. Throughout this process we work closely with customer engineers to ensure we get the prototypes approved on time.
With approved prototypes tool design and manufacture will begin in China and once tooling is completed test shots will be submitted for approval. Test shots will be run and full first article measurements will be taken and submitted to the customer for approval along with a detailed FAI report. Only when the FAI samples and reports have been signed off by the customer will production begin. Prior to commencing production we will have agreed quality requirements, such as CTF measurements and any six sigma information requested. Quality is in our DNA and always our number one priority.
With input from the customer packaging methods and designs with be evaluated in parallel with the tool making cycle ready for High Volume Manufacture as soon as FAI approval has been given. Packaging can be simply for protection in transit right up to multi coloured point of sale presentation packs to meet the needs of our customers .In all cases we investigate planned methods of shipping and delivery to the market place and any customer requirements for component pick up by robots or tape and reel delivery. Finally any required drop tests or vibration testing and any relevant national restrictions in the intended markets will be evaluated.
