Low volume production for retailers
Low volume production for retailers can be a great way to get your products into the hands of your customers without having to make a large investment.
Low volume production is perfect for retailers or businesses just starting out.
Low-volume production is often used with our retail clients when introducing new products to market or when they are looking to perfect their prototype. It allows our clients more flexibility, as they are not forced into making large investments before seeing how well something will sell on the public market.
Low-volume manufacturing processes help companies control costs and retain the flexibility to adjust as needed. With many of our clients ordering small batches to test and scrutinize. With clients also looking for custom products that require a complete product redesign in order to meet specifications such as size or colour we can offer custom manufacturing processes to suit your needs. Low-volume custom products may also include items that use off-the-shelf components but need customization to fit specific needs.
Low-volume production for retailers can be a great way to get your products into the hands of your customers without having to make a large investment.
How Malcolm Nicholls Ltd Manufacture At A Low Volume
There are a number of methods available to produce at low volume. These are the ones used by MNL:
Vacuum Casting
Low volume vacuum casting is a technique for reproducing components, which is frequently used in the early stages of product creation, and silicone tools are often used to make highly durable polyurethane (PU) resin components.
MNL has worked on many versatile projects where vacuum casting has been key in the low volume production for retailers with high demands.
A POS design company approached MNL to create prototypes that mimicked their design issues, such as durability for in-store tests and the product display units’ uniqueness. Many of the vacuum castings created during this project were done in a matter of days in a water-clear resin emulating transparent perspex.
3D Printing
Malcolm Nicholls Ltd 3D printing technology can be used in low volume production for retailers in a number of ways. For example, it can be used to create customised products for customers or produce on-demand small batches of products. Additionally, MNL 3D printing can be used to create prototype products or product displays. This flexibility makes Malcolm Nicholls Ltd 3D printing an attractive option for retailers who want to be able to offer unique and innovative products to their customers.
A creative design business asked MNL to create an oversize perfume bottle that would be used as a display item in one of Harrod’s window displays. 3D data was provided to MNL using an STL file. Stereolithography was used to create the bottle and neck feathers since it creates the finest resolution and is a more accurate process for the crispness of detail, such as the feathers on the Alexander McQueen perfume bottle pictured below.
Malcolm Nicholls Ltd produced the instore POS for Wrigleys Chewing Gum
Injection Moudling
Low volume injection moulding is a process that can be used to create 3D objects. In this process, molten material is injected into a mould and allowed to cool. This creates a solid object that has the shape of a mould.
Low volume production Injection moulding products and components are essential to the retail industry. Plastic injection moulding’s flexibility allows businesses to get high-quality, long-lasting solutions to displays, packaging, and logistics.
Benefits of Using Low Volume Production For Retailers
Reduced Costs – Low volume production for retailers can help to reduce costs associated with product development and manufacturing. By producing only a small number of units, companies can avoid the high fixed costs associated with large-scale production.
Increased Flexibility – Low volume production can also benefit retailers by offering increased design and manufacturing process flexibility. Companies have the ability to make changes to their products more easily and quickly, without having to worry about the high costs associated with large-scale production.
Improved Quality – Low volume production for retailers can lead to improved product quality. By producing fewer units, companies can take the time to perfect their manufacturing process, resulting in a higher quality product.
Faster Time to Market – Low volume production for retailers can help to speed up the time to market for new products. By producing only a small number of units, companies can get their products to market faster than if they were producing large quantities.