Choosing a CNC Contract Manufacturer: the Checklist

• Component size and weight: do the travels and table load of the machines fit?
• Processes: do milling, turning, drilling and grinding come from a single source, or is the part shipped several times?
• Material: does the company have experience with your grade, and does it procure the material with a certificate?
• Quantity: does the company suit a prototype, small series or series?
• Quality: which standards does it work to, and which inspection documents does it supply?
• Quote: does it respond quickly, and does it ask questions when information is unclear?
• Confidentiality: does it sign a non-disclosure agreement?

Compare the dimensions of your raw part with the travels X, Y and Z, and the weight with the table load of the machine. A reputable company states these values openly and checks feasibility based on your drawing.

At MWA, workpieces up to Ø 2,500 mm, 6,000 mm in length, 3,000 mm in height and 25 t are possible. All 14 machines are listed on the page MWA in Figures. The focus is on small to medium-sized parts.

That depends on your industry. ISO 9001 is the widespread basis for quality management, EN 9100 and EN 9120 apply to aerospace, and ISO 14001 to environmental management. Ask to see the current certificates and check the scope.

The management system of MWA is certified according to ISO 9001, EN 9100, EN 9120 and ISO 14001. We send you the current certificates on request.

• Measurement report on the characteristics of your drawing,
• first article inspection report, if a series follows after the sample,
• material certificate according to EN 10204, see our guide Material certificate according to EN 10204,
• if required, specifications for traceability and for marking the parts.

State the requirement already in the enquiry, because documentation means effort and is included in the calculation. Otherwise, quotes are not comparable.

Do not compare only the total, but check what is included:

• material, or is it free-issue?
• heat treatment and coating,
• inspection documents,
• packaging and transport,
• quantity and delivery date.

Request several quantities, for example 1, 5 and 20 pieces, and you will see how setup costs affect the unit price. Also pay attention to which tolerances are promised. More on this in the guide General tolerances according to ISO 2768.

Send all suppliers the same documents: drawing or 3D model (for example STEP), material, quantity and desired date. Also helpful are surfaces, heat treatment, coating, desired inspection documents, delivery method and, for recurring demand, the annual quantity.

At MWA, you receive a reply within 24 hours on working days. The feasibility check is free of charge.

For sensitive parts, agree a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before sending. A protection notice according to ISO 16016 in the title block makes confidentiality visible, but does not replace an agreement. Also clarify whether partner companies, for example for hardening or coating, receive the drawing.

On request, MWA signs a non-disclosure agreement in advance and uses your documents only for your enquiry and your order.

Not necessarily. Enquiry and coordination mostly take place by email and phone, and parts can be shipped by parcel service or freight forwarder. Proximity helps above all with large and heavy parts, with collection, and if you would like to visit the company.

MWA is based in Halberstadt, Saxony-Anhalt, and delivers throughout Germany by parcel service, freight forwarder or with its own vehicle. More on the page Contract manufacturing in Saxony-Anhalt.

MWA is a good fit if you want small to medium-sized parts manufactured to drawing or 3D model, from single parts and prototype to series, and want milling, 5-axis milling, boring mill machining, turning and grinding from a single source. You can find the materials on the page Materials.

We do not do the following in-house:

• Very large castings and forgings, deep-hole drilling and special processes run through our international manufacturing network, with MWA as your permanent point of contact. More on the page Order brokerage.
• We arrange hardening and coating through partner companies, and you receive the finished part from us.
• We machine welded constructions mechanically; they are not welded at our site.

Is your component borderline? Send us the drawing via the enquiry form, and we will tell you honestly whether it fits.