For even the most advanced precision machining companies, scaling a project from prototype to full production can be a time-intensive process. At Ricaurte Precision, we’ve demonstrated that with the right approach, it’s possible to accelerate this transition without compromising on quality.
Recently, RPI successfully supported a customer in the space industry to scale from initial prototype to full production in just a few weeks, illustrating our commitment to helping customers meet their goals efficiently as they move through the stages of product output.
Prototypes Set the Foundation for Full Production
When scaling from NPI to full production, our approach to prototyping changes based on the specific scope and goals. For this particular project, the Ricaurte Precision team focused on gathering as much information as possible during the prototype phase. By handling all this work on the front end, RPI could ramp up production more efficiently. Here’s how:
Precision Machining Processes Tailored for Scalability
When we know prototypes will lead to full production parts, RPI takes a proactive approach.
For this customer, who required parts with tight precision, we began by machining prototypes using the same 5-axis 32-pallet machine that would eventually handle production. This ensured continuity throughout the project and allowed us to seamlessly move from prototype to production without delays. By having all the necessary tools, machinery, and quality documentation in place ahead of time, we significantly streamlined the scaling process.
Collaborative Design for Manufacturability
At RPI, we view collaboration as essential to success. We worked closely with the customer’s engineering team, providing design for manufacturability (DFM) recommendations that optimized the part for precision machining. By making any necessary adjustments during the prototyping phase, we ensured that the design was fully prepared for efficient full-scale production, saving time and reducing costs in the long run.
Complete Transparency Through Digital Systems
Our customers benefited from seeing how our process worked in real-time. We shared each stage of production through our ProShop ERP system, offering complete visibility into how we approached machining.
This level of transparency was critical to the project’s success. Our digital systems provided real-time inspection data and process updates, ensuring that both parties were always aligned. Our customer knew how long setup would take, how fast parts could be produced, and the exact time needed for CMM inspections. This helped us hit production targets consistently and with confidence.
Smooth Transition to Full Production
With the prototypes finalized, the RPI team scaled to production seamlessly. Thanks to our attention to detail, documentation, preparation, and use of our 5-axis machining processes, we were able to meet our customer’s aggressive timelines and high-quality standards. Within just a few weeks of completing the first article inspection, RPI scaled production to over 650 parts per month.
How Our Customer Benefited
- Faster time to market: In this partnership with RPI, our customer could scale their complex part from prototype to full production in just a few weeks, significantly reducing turnaround times.
- Efficiency and cost savings: Collaborating with RPI allowed this customer to optimize machining processes, resulting in long-term cost savings.
- Greater traceability: Our ability to share real-time data and insights digitally provided an extra layer of transparency, allowing our customer to track the progress of their project and ensure everything was on schedule.
The Key to Success: A Two-Sided Partnership
Ultimately, this project’s success wasn’t entirely due to our robust internal processes—it also required strong collaboration from our customers. In this particular case, the customer took the time to review each phase of the process, offer feedback, and hold their supply chain accountable. This active engagement on our customer’s end put RPI in the best possible position to deliver their parts successfully and with incredible speed.
Working with a sophisticated precision machining partner is critical for customers looking to accelerate their time to market. Request a quote from Ricaurte Precision to get started!
