100 to 5000 pieces. Bridge or sustained. No big tooling.

For volumes under 500-1000 pieces (typical), CNC machining typically more economical than tooled production. Above that volume, tooled processes (injection molding, die casting) become cheaper per part. Specific break-even depends on part complexity, geometry, material. We provide cost comparison at quote — sometimes surprises customers when CNC is competitive at higher volumes.

Small batch quality matches or exceeds high-volume. Small batch advantages: more attention per part, easier to address issues, less process variation (small lots vs continuous production). Disadvantages: higher per-unit cost, longer lead time per piece. For premium quality at moderate volume, small batch CNC often preferred over high-volume injection.

CNC small batch: 4-6 weeks for first 100-500 pieces. Rapid injection: 8-12 weeks (tool 4 weeks + first article + production). Urethane casting: 3-4 weeks total. Sheet metal: 4-6 weeks. Adjust schedule per customer urgency. For rush small batch (premium pricing), 2-3 weeks possible.

Yes. CNC small batch: 100 pieces typically 40% of single-piece cost. 500 pieces 25%. 1000 pieces 18%. Setup cost amortized over volume. For repeat orders, additional reduction (we keep CNC programs, fixtures). Quote shows pricing at multiple quantity breaks for customer evaluation.

Production process documented for repeatability. Subsequent lots run same program, same fixtures, same materials. SPC monitoring tracks process consistency. For critical applications, sample inspection per lot or 100% inspection per agreed plan. Cpk targets achievable for production-stable processes.

Yes — common for customer needing multiple variants (sizes, colors, materials). Small batch enables multiple variants without separate tooling. Each variant produced as separate lot with same process. Cost similar to single-variant production. Useful for: market testing variants, custom product lines, multiple customer requirements.