The same part is made differently depending on what it is for. A prototype is optimized to ship fast; a production run is optimized to repeat cheaply. So it pays to tell us your stage and expected volume.
For prototypes we prioritize
- Speed over unit cost.
- Simple workholding even if it is not the most efficient.
- Material in stock now rather than the ideal one.
- Manufacturability feedback so the next revision is cheaper.
For production we prioritize
- Unit cost and repeatability.
- Dedicated fixturing amortized over the batch.
- Operation sequence optimized for cycle time.
- A stable inspection plan between runs.
What to tell us when quoting
Write your stage and expected demand in the notes. If a prototype may become production, say so: we give you the single-part price and the volume price, so you know where cost is heading before you freeze the design.