Thoughts on digital manufacturers (Xometry, Protolabs, RapidDirect, etc.), what should I be aware of when working with online manufacturers?

[Camankhs]

Hey folks,

I've been on the hunt for a manufacturer to handle a 5-axis CNC job. After chatting with a local CNC shop and realizing their prices are a bit beyond my budget, I turned to the wonders of the internet for some digital manufacturing options. Thanks, Google! This quest hasn't been too tricky, and after doing some research, I've narrowed it down to Xometry, Protolabs, and RapidDirect. Their quoting processes seem pretty similar and speedy. Xometry and Protolabs seem like big players, with slightly higher quotes compared to RapidDirect. Still, they all fit within my budget.

I'm curious if anyone here has experience with them. Also, are there any other digital manufacturing services you'd recommend? Lastly, any tips or things to watch out for when collaborating with online manufacturers?

Appreciate the insights!

 

[DoubleCheese]

Before the pandemic hit, I was using Xometry quite a bit. However, post-pandemic, it feels like their prices have shot up. Currently, I've switched over to RapidDirect for my projects, which are mostly simple products. They've been doing a good job overall—quality, pricing, timely delivery, and service, all on point.

Anything specific to watch out for? Well, make damn sure the design you submit is the last version. Keep all communications crystal clear, preferably in writing. If your design is hush-hush, it's probably a good idea to have a confidentiality agreement signed. Honestly, the manufacturers I've chosen to work with are pretty protective of their feathers. and fortunately, I haven't had any quality issues or dragged into some messy disputes. Never go for the cheapest option!

 

[s.weinberg]

Of the three, I only have experience with Protolabs. They're pretty good, as far as a customer experience goes. However, I think you can probably get cheaper from your local machine shop. There's a price for convenience.
Also, keep in mind, they lean heavily on automation. I don't know about recently, but the way it used to be, at least, they'd go straight off your model, with 'general tolerancing'. So if you have a 6mm pin in a 6mm hole, it's likely not to fit, as there's no intelligence driving the hole being a bit bigger unless you CAD it up - and their general tolerances aren't hole/pin fit level tight.
Also, I believe they use general sizes of stock - again, automation. If you cross some invisible size limit, you'll bump up to the next size, which may be a lot bigger.

Otherwise, they're quick, they're pretty good on quality, they're responsive. There's a reason they do so well

 

[Camankhs]

Before the pandemic hit, I was using Xometry quite a bit. However, post-pandemic, it feels like their prices have shot up. Currently, I've switched over to RapidDirect for my projects, which are mostly simple products. They've been doing a good job overall—quality, pricing, timely delivery, and service, all on point.

Anything specific to watch out for? Well, make damn sure the design you submit is the last version. Keep all communications crystal clear, preferably in writing. If your design is hush-hush, it's probably a good idea to have a confidentiality agreement signed. Honestly, the manufacturers I've chosen to work with are pretty protective of their feathers. and fortunately, I haven't had any quality issues or dragged into some messy disputes. Never go for the cheapest option!

Thanks for your input! I ordered from RapidDirect, and everything came in good shape.

 

[Camankhs]

Of the three, I only have experience with Protolabs. They're pretty good, as far as a customer experience goes. However, I think you can probably get cheaper from your local machine shop. There's a price for convenience.
Also, keep in mind, they lean heavily on automation. I don't know about recently, but the way it used to be, at least, they'd go straight off your model, with 'general tolerancing'. So if you have a 6mm pin in a 6mm hole, it's likely not to fit, as there's no intelligence driving the hole being a bit bigger unless you CAD it up - and their general tolerances aren't hole/pin fit level tight.
Also, I believe they use general sizes of stock - again, automation. If you cross some invisible size limit, you'll bump up to the next size, which may be a lot bigger.

Otherwise, they're quick, they're pretty good on quality, they're responsive. There's a reason they do so well

Thanks for sharing. I'll give them a try, and I plan to explore more online shops.

 

[ArlenDesigner]

Hey folks,

I've been on the hunt for a manufacturer to handle a 5-axis CNC job. After chatting with a local CNC shop and realizing their prices are a bit beyond my budget, I turned to the wonders of the internet for some digital manufacturing options. Thanks, Google! This quest hasn't been too tricky, and after doing some research, I've narrowed it down to Xometry, Protolabs, and RapidDirect. Their quoting processes seem pretty similar and speedy. Xometry and Protolabs seem like big players, with slightly higher quotes compared to RapidDirect. Still, they all fit within my budget.

I'm curious if anyone here has experience with them. Also, are there any other digital manufacturing services you'd recommend? Lastly, any tips or things to watch out for when collaborating with online manufacturers?

Appreciate the insights!

I've definitely given those three platforms a spin and, during my time using them, I noticed a substantial chunk of their work is actually subcontracted out. Now, outsourcing isn't inherently bad, but it does raise questions about their core manufacturing chops. In my view, these platforms ace website design and marketing, but as buyers and product designer, our priorities lie with product quality, costs, and delivery times.

Personally, I lean towards building a steady relationship with a reputable supplier. This ensures consistency and reliability in projects. If you're keen on finding a more direct and dependable partner, I'd be happy to put you in touch with my supplier. I've visited their factory in China myself, and they demonstrated solid manufacturing prowess and top-notch craftsmanship, all with very competitive pricing.

Should you want more details or need a referral, feel free to shoot me a private message. I hope my experience can be of help, and I wish you luck in finding a partner that meets your needs!

 

[JamesBuchanan]

I've definitely given those three platforms a spin and, during my time using them, I noticed a substantial chunk of their work is actually subcontracted out. Now, outsourcing isn't inherently bad, but it does raise questions about their core manufacturing chops. In my view, these platforms ace website design and marketing, but as buyers and product designer, our priorities lie with product quality, costs, and delivery times.

Personally, I lean towards building a steady relationship with a reputable supplier. This ensures consistency and reliability in projects. If you're keen on finding a more direct and dependable partner, I'd be happy to put you in touch with my supplier. I've visited their factory in China myself, and they demonstrated solid manufacturing prowess and top-notch craftsmanship, all with very competitive pricing.

Should you want more details or need a referral, feel free to shoot me a private message. I hope my experience can be of help, and I wish you luck in finding a partner that meets your needs!

Thanks for sharing your experience, I appreciate it.

 

[ArlenDesigner]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I appreciate it.

Mate, I'm delighted that my insights proved helpful! If you're interested in cultivating a more direct and dependable supplier relationship, I'd be more than happy to introduce you to my supplier. They boast robust manufacturing capabilities, top-tier craftsmanship, all at very competitive pricing. I've personally visited their factory in China and was thoroughly impressed by their quality control and production capacity.

Should you need specifics such as product samples, price lists, or information about their custom services, I can facilitate that. Moreover, I can connect you directly with their project manager for a smoother introduction.

Just drop me a private message with your availability, and I'll arrange an initial discussion as soon as possible. I hope you can establish a stable and successful partnership with them!

 

[MasonSanders]

T

I've definitely given those three platforms a spin and, during my time using them, I noticed a substantial chunk of their work is actually subcontracted out. Now, outsourcing isn't inherently bad, but it does raise questions about their core manufacturing chops. In my view, these platforms ace website design and marketing, but as buyers and product designer, our priorities lie with product quality, costs, and delivery times.

Personally, I lean towards building a steady relationship with a reputable supplier. This ensures consistency and reliability in projects. If you're keen on finding a more direct and dependable partner, I'd be happy to put you in touch with my supplier. I've visited their factory in China myself, and they demonstrated solid manufacturing prowess and top-notch craftsmanship, all with very competitive pricing.

Should you want more details or need a referral, feel free to shoot me a private message. I hope my experience can be of help, and I wish you luck in finding a partner that meets your needs!

Thanks for the info, if I want to know more, I will surely PM you.

 

[sunilkumar]

I've definitely given those three platforms a spin and, during my time using them, I noticed a substantial chunk of their work is actually subcontracted out. Now, outsourcing isn't inherently bad, but it does raise questions about their core manufacturing chops. In my view, these platforms ace website design and marketing, but as buyers and product designer, our priorities lie with product quality, costs, and delivery times.

Personally, I lean towards building a steady relationship with a reputable supplier. This ensures consistency and reliability in projects. If you're keen on finding a more direct and dependable partner, I'd be happy to put you in touch with my supplier. I've visited their factory in China myself, and they demonstrated solid manufacturing prowess and top-notch craftsmanship, all with very competitive pricing.

Should you want more details or need a referral, feel free to shoot me a private message. I hope my experience can be of help, and I wish you luck in finding a partner that meets your needs!