Manufacturing & suppliers
Compare the four routes, understand the tradeoffs, and find the services mentioned in the video.
The quick take
Online services are great options for straightforward parts and quick automated DFM checks.
Qualified Chinese suppliers are the route we use most. In our experience, the right partners bring manufacturing knowledge, modern processes and support from prototypes through production.
Keep the eventual production process in mind, even when the first build is a quick prototype.
The services and examples mentioned in the video.
SendCutSend · OSH Cut · Xometry · Protolabs · Protolabs Network
Check the advice before it becomes a design decision.
Zala Machine is one example of a shop that takes one-off and small-batch work.
Alibaba is one place to find suppliers in China, India and elsewhere.
So, you need parts made. There are four main routes: online manufacturing services, hobbyists and retired makers, commercial prototype shops, and overseas manufacturers.
Let's start with online services. SendCutSend and OSH Cut offer sheet metal cutting and bending. Xometry, Protolabs, and Protolabs Network cover broader processes, including machining, 3D printing, and injection molding.
The appeal is straightforward quoting and ordering. Engineering support is available, but a manufacturability check doesn't establish that the part will work in your complete product.
Then there are hobbyists and retired makers. A lot of founders already know someone who's retired and has experience making things. You'll often get free advice and personal attention.
The biggest risk is the advice you start relying on. At AVA Labs, we strongly caution against relying on hobbyists and retired makers to guide product development. We've frequently seen founders run into serious problems after taking their advice and involving them in the development process. That advice has sent designs in the wrong direction, creating substantial rework.
Commercial prototype shops, such as Zala Machine in New Jersey, also take small orders. They offer direct discussion with the shop making your parts, but programming and setup costs are spread across a small quantity.
Finally, overseas manufacturers. Alibaba is one place to find suppliers in China, India, and elsewhere. The tradeoffs include communication, time zones, and shipping, particularly for heavy parts.
Here's our recommendation at AVA Labs. For simple, straightforward parts and quick automated DFM checks, online manufacturing services are great options.
For a detailed, hands-on design review with a manufacturer, our preferred option is working directly with qualified Chinese suppliers. It's the route we use most. In our experience, the right partners bring extensive manufacturing knowledge, modern processes, fast production turnaround, and support from prototype quantities through mass production.
Next, we'll walk through that process, from the first conversation to samples and production.