In the dynamic world of manufacturing, businesses seeking services like Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Urethane Casting, and 3D Printing often face a common challenge – choosing between working directly with a manufacturer or opting for a service bureau. At TenX Manufacturing, we take pride in offering a unique advantage by providing all our services in-house. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of working directly with a manufacturer like TenX, as opposed to navigating the maze of outsourcing and hidden charges associated with service bureaus.

1. End-to-End Control: One of the key advantages of choosing TenX Manufacturing is the assurance of end-to-end control over the entire manufacturing process. From concept to completion, we have a dedicated team of experts handling Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Urethane Casting, and 3D Printing under one roof. This not only ensures a seamless workflow but also guarantees that the final product meets the highest quality standards.
2. Single Point of Contact: When you partner with TenX, you gain the convenience of having a single point of contact throughout your project. Unlike service bureaus that may involve multiple intermediaries, TenX streamlines communication, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or delays. This direct line to the manufacturer allows for clearer communication, faster issue resolution, and a more personalized customer experience.
3. Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing to service bureaus often comes with hidden fees and upcharges, leading to unexpected costs for the end customer. At TenX Manufacturing, we eliminate these uncertainties by providing transparent and competitive pricing. With all services in-house, we maintain control over costs and can offer a more cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
4. Quick Turnaround Times: In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, time is of the essence. Working directly with TenX allows for quicker decision-making and a more efficient production process. Our streamlined workflow ensures faster turnaround times, enabling you to meet tight deadlines and respond promptly to market demands.
5. Customization and Flexibility: TenX Manufacturing understands that every project is unique. By working directly with us, you have the flexibility to customize your manufacturing process according to your specific requirements. Whether it’s modifying designs, adjusting production volumes, or incorporating special features, our in-house capabilities provide the flexibility needed to bring your vision to life.

In a market flooded with options, TenX Manufacturing stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of services under one roof. By choosing to work directly with us, you not only benefit from end-to-end control, cost efficiency, and quick turnaround times but also gain a valuable partner committed to your success. Say goodbye to the uncertainties of outsourcing and embrace the TenX advantage for a manufacturing experience that prioritizes precision, transparency, and customer satisfaction.

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, efficiency is the key to success. TenX Manufacturing takes pride in offering a unique and comprehensive solution in the realm of injection molding. Unlike many competitors who specialize in either injection mold tooling or molded parts, TenX stands out by providing both services under one roof. This integrated approach not only streamlines the production process but also offers significant benefits to customers. Furthermore, TenX Manufacturing is proud to be ISO9001:2015 certified, underscoring our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

1. Time Savings Through Vertical Integration: One of the standout features of TenX Manufacturing is the seamless integration of injection mold tooling and molded part production within a single facility. This eliminates the need for customers to ship tools or molded part samples back and forth between separate suppliers. This reduction in logistical complexities translates into substantial time savings, expediting the entire production timeline.
2. Collaborative Expertise for Optimal Results: TenX’s competitive edge lies in fostering collaboration between highly skilled toolmakers and process engineers who work closely together throughout the entire manufacturing process. From the initial stages of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) to tool design and build, the partnership between these two critical entities ensures a holistic and cohesive approach. This collaboration guarantees that the final molded parts meet the highest standards of quality and precision.
3. Collective Knowledge Advantage: Having both toolmakers and process engineers under one roof provides TenX Manufacturing with a unique collective knowledge advantage. The synergy between these teams allows for real-time problem-solving, continuous improvement, and efficient decision-making. This not only enhances the overall quality of the injection molding process but also positions TenX as a reliable partner capable of adapting to evolving customer needs.
4. Seamless Transition from Prototyping to Production: TenX’s integrated approach enables a smooth transition from prototyping to full-scale production. With the entire process taking place within the same facility, adjustments and improvements identified during the initial prototyping phase can be seamlessly incorporated into the production process, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing journey.
5. ISO9001:2015 Certification – Ensuring Quality and Customer Satisfaction: TenX Manufacturing’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by our ISO9001:2015 certification. This internationally recognized quality management standard ensures that our processes are systematically monitored and continuously improved. By adhering to ISO9001:2015 standards, we guarantee a high level of quality control throughout the injection molding process, resulting in products that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
6. Customer-Centric Approach: By offering a comprehensive solution, TenX Manufacturing demonstrates a customer-centric approach. The elimination of the need to coordinate between multiple suppliers not only simplifies the customer experience but also reduces the likelihood of miscommunications and delays, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

In a competitive market where time and precision are of the essence, TenX Manufacturing’s all-in-one solution for injection molding, backed by ISO9001:2015 certification, sets it apart as a reliable and efficient partner for businesses seeking a streamlined manufacturing process. With an integrated team of experts and a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, TenX is poised to be the go-to choice for injection molding services.

Dear Valued Customers and Website Visitors,

We hope this message finds you well. We are delighted to share some thrilling news with you that marks a significant milestone in our company’s journey. After much reflection and growth, we are proud to announce that we are rebranding our company from Schmit Prototypes to TenX Manufacturing!

Along with the rebranding of our company we will also become an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. This change is a result of our dedication to continuous improvement and our commitment to providing you with the best possible products and services. While we have cherished our time as Schmit Prototypes, we believe that TenX Manufacturing better reflects the evolution of our capabilities, vision, and commitment to excellence in the manufacturing industry.

What does TenX Manufacturing mean?

“TenX” represents our renewed determination to go above and beyond for you – our valued customers – in every aspect of our work. The “Ten” represents our wide range (10+) in-house capabilities, and signifies our tenfold efforts to deliver innovative, top-notch manufacturing solutions to meet your evolving needs. The “X” is also symbolic of the diversity of our offerings, being able to provide our customers with manufacturing solutions in both prototype & production volumes. With our customer-centric approach and cutting-edge technology, we aim to empower your business with manufacturing solutions that propel your success to new heights.

What to expect:

Rebrand: Though our name is changing, the core values and expertise that have made us your trusted partner remain unchanged. We will continue to provide the same exceptional level of quality, precision, and efficiency that you have come to expect from us. Our passionate team of experts remains committed to exceeding your expectations and bringing your projects to life with dedication and attention to detail.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification: ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This certification sets forth rigorous requirements for businesses to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer requirements and adhere to regulatory standards.

What does this mean for our business?

The journey towards ISO 9001:2015 certification has been a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, process efficiency, and continuous improvement. Throughout this process, we have meticulously examined and fine-tuned our internal processes to ensure the highest level of quality in every aspect of our operations.

How does this certification benefit you, our valued customers?

• Enhanced Product Quality: ISO 9001:2015 certification serves as an assurance that our manufacturing processes meet international quality standards. You can be confident that the products you receive from TenX Manufacturing will consistently meet or exceed your expectations.
• Improved Customer Service: With a robust quality management system in place, our customer service will be further refined, ensuring that we promptly address your inquiries, provide accurate information, and promptly handle any concerns you may have.
• On-time Delivery: The certification process has allowed us to optimize our production schedules and streamline logistics, enabling us to deliver your orders promptly and efficiently.
• Continual Improvement: Our commitment to continuous improvement means that we are constantly striving to enhance our processes, products, and services. As a result, your feedback and suggestions are invaluable in our pursuit of excellence.

When will we receive the certification?

The final stage of the certification process is underway, and we expect to receive the official ISO 9001:2015 certification by the end of 2023. Rest assured that we will continue to maintain the highest standards to retain this esteemed recognition and continuously improve for your benefit.

We sincerely appreciate your unwavering support as we embark on this rebranding journey. It is because of customers like you that we continue to grow and thrive in this industry. Thank you for being an essential part of our success story.

We look forward to serving you as TenX Manufacturing and continuing to be your preferred manufacturing partner.

3D printing has been around in concept for decades but it wasn’t until the 2010s when it really took off across industries. Aside from references in works of fiction, 3D printing as we know it dates to 1971, when inventor Johannes F. Gootwald patented the Liquid Metal Recorder, a device that’s considered the precursor to 3D printing. Since then, as technologies have evolved, 3D printing has gone from being a novel concept to a useful tool that helps design engineers and their organizations prototype and manufacture components for their applications.

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and gone are the days of 3D printing being associated with proof-of-concept products or poor-quality prototypes only. Today, key benefits of 3D printing include expedited product development, precision accuracy, the ability to print using a wide range of materials, how scalable it is, the ability to handle complex geometry without an inflated price tag, all resulting in how affordable 3D printing prototype costs have become. In fact, technologies have become so advanced indicating the manufacture of 3D-printed products can even reduce waste and provide a more sustainable world to live in.

A Closer Look at 3D Printing Benefits

The goal: expedited product development that boosts overall efficiency without inflating costs. With 3D printing, imagining the reduction of your organization’s labor costs while completing your application’s parts and components sooner with precision accuracy becomes reality. One of the signature benefits of 3D printing is it reduces the chance of production errors. Prototypes manufactured are extremely accurate, meaning you can shift gears to refine your final part or component for final production.

Choosing from a wide range of materials may seem overwhelming if you aren’t accustomed to it, but being open to new printing processes and materials will help you complete your application faster and cheaper, as 3D printing reduces your overall prototype cost. With help from our team, our experts can help you choose the most effective printing methods to meet your requirements.

Ultimately, with the precision and speed that comes from 3D printing you can worry less about production and think more about how your new components will integrate into your larger systems and final product. This allows you to think more strategically while incorporating your high-level business needs. Further, 3D printers can handle complex geometry which allows for the production of more intricate and detailed prototypes at a reduced cost per unit.

How Does 3D Printing Your Products Reduce Waste?

Nearly all 3D printers can be used to make products in rapid succession, but industrial 3D printers come with a host of advanced benefits, especially for companies interested in the prototyping and manufacturing of their products using sustainable methods. This is because unlike more traditional methods of production, which often results in a lot of leftover scraps, 3D printing builds items layer-by-layer, resulting in zero waste. Raw materials used for 3D printing also tend to be more sustainable than the steel or plastic commonly used for traditional manufacturing.

Explore the Benefits of Our 3D Printing Capabilities

We are a leading prototype manufacturing company with rapid production 3D printing capabilities. We can build models in the following sizes:

SLA Models: Up to 25.6″ x 29.5″ x 21.65″ (650mm x 750mm x 550mm)
FDM Models: Up to: 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (914mm x 610mm x 914mm)
SLS Models: Up to 15″ x 13″ x 18″ (550mm x 550mm x 460mm)
Polyjet Models: Up to 19.7″ x 15.7″ x 7.9″ (500mm x 400mm x 200mm)

Our experts can also produce larger models capable of being virtually any size, as they can be sectioned and assembled upon completion. Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or to get started.

There is a wide range of manufacturing processes available, and it’s good to have a basic understanding of at least some of them to help determine which option is best for your application’s requirements. The primary manufacturing processes TenX Manufacturing offers are 3D printing, urethane casting, CNC machining and injection molding.

Get an overview of each manufacturing process with the simple guide below to see which option may be best for bringing your application to the finish line.

3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, took off in the 1980s and it has since burst in popularity as the technology improves while prices fall. The premise is that 3D-printable models can be produced using a computer-aided design (CAD) with a scanner. Part of the appeal in using this technology is it’s easy to identify mistakes before physically printing items, which is great for saving time and money. 3D printers are also capable of producing complex shapes and parts that would otherwise be difficult to create.

Our 3D printing service is called “rapid” for a reason. We can take data and convert it into a physical model in short periods of time. In addition to rapid turnaround, our 3D printers are adaptable and versatile, allowing us the ability to print using a wide range of materials. Put it all together and we can produce prototypes with tight tolerances that are extremely accurate on a modest budget.

Depending on your needs, we offer stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and polyjet 3D printing. Consult our project managers for help determining which method works best for your application.

Urethane Casting

If you want to produce rubber or plastic components without hard tooling costs, urethane casting is a great option. An alternative to injection molding, urethane casting creates a silicone mold using a master pattern, which comes from 3D printing. Urethane casting is ideal for one-off projects, and it’s also suitable for low-volume production runs, producing visual models, and product testing. Part of what makes this manufacturing process so effective is the molding materials are versatile, and can include various shapes and sizes.

CNC Machining

Computerized numerical control (CNC) machining requires software and language — known as G or M code — to guide an automated, computerized manufacturing process. Mechanical dimensions are provided to the machine using CAD software, which is then translated into directives for manufacturing. These motorized manufacturing tools are capable of working with plastic, metal, wood, and other materials, and they can create items that can come close to matching the final appearance of most products.

At TenX Manufacturing, we offer CNC milling, turning, and electrical discharge machining to produce highly accurate parts and engineering prototypes. Contact us to learn about our CNC machining capabilities.

Injection Molding

There’s some nuance when it comes to injection molding methods, which seems reasonable given injection molding is a manufacturing technique that’s now more than 150 years old. However, injection molding machines have this in common: they each consist of an injection unit, a mold, and a clamp.

Our manufacturing process for injection molding begins with plastic material being forced into a mold cavity where, under pressure, pelletized resins and colorants are fed into either a Nissei or Nestal machine. At that time, the resins and colorants are added into an injection barrel to be heated for melting. The material is then forced into a mold cavity for cooling and eventual removal from the cavity, leaving a completed prototype.

Full-Service Prototype Manufacturing

Have questions or concerns about manufacturing your prototype? Let’s connect. For over 40 years, our experts have provided comprehensive manufacturing services and superior customer service. A project manager will meet with you to determine the full scope of your project and identify the perfect service to meet your application’s requirements.

All electronics have one thing in common — they are vulnerable to the elements. Moisture, dust and any other debris can quickly turn a useful product into a useless paperweight. Your customers understand the fragility of any electronic product and will naturally prefer items that are well-built, sturdy and attractive. It takes a solid enclosure to ensure predictable functionality along with eye-catching visual appeal for your product.

Even if your circuit board is working without failure during development, real-world scenarios quickly take a toll on any electronic device. Our team can work with you to bring your vision to life and create a product casing that stands up to regular wear and tear. Our engineers are experienced in product design and will help you create a visually-appealing casing that catches the attention of potential customers. Wondering what goes into that process? Our prototype development process couldn’t be easier, so read on to see how it all works.

Assess Prototyping Stage

The price of your project largely depends on the type of process we use to assemble your prototype. From the very beginning, we take your unique budget needs into account to move forward with the most practical prototype we can create. Our goal is to meet your needs while never overcharging for any of our services.

A prototyping budget typically varies by stage. In the first stages of prototyping, you’re not going to want to invest too much money into prototypes that may or may not lead to the final product design. Your electronics concept may make sense on paper, but creating effective electronics housing sometimes takes a trial-and-error approach. 3D printing is ideal in these scenarios, as it is a low-cost and rapid form of prototyping.

On the other hand, if you’re further along in your prototyping, with several iterations already completed and tested, it may be time to move to a process more closely resembling the final product. A service such as injection molding creates prototypes with the functionality and aesthetics that closely match your vision for the consumer-ready version.

Choose a Material

The material you choose to build a prototype with is as important as the shape of the prototype. For that reason, it’s essential to consider the exact properties you expect out of your product type, as well as the final design. Are you looking for moisture resistance? How about a translucent material? These are the questions any product designer should ask themselves before moving onto prototyping. The TenX team can provide you with the materials it takes to create a product with the exact characteristics you have in mind.

Think about the types of priorities that matter most for your product:

Some electronics enclosures require a combination of characteristics, so it can be difficult to know the exact material your product needs. Our prototyping experts are available to provide guidance no matter what stage you are at in your prototyping process.

Consider Smaller Details

If your electronics enclosure features multiple or connected parts, it’s going to take additional fasteners, brackets, hinges or another type of accessory to bring it all together. At TenX Manufacturing, we can provide you with the features it takes to create the functionality you envision.

For example, our 3D printing services are ideal for manufacturing threaded fasteners, snap-fits, interlocking joints and threaded fasteners. If your prototype requires CNC machining, a press fit may be a better option. You can rely on our expertise when you need guidance on design details that are easy to overlook.

Get Prototyping

Ready to get one step closer to your final electronics product? We are here to help. If you have any questions about how we work or the services we can provide, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We look forward to providing the enclosure solutions you’re looking for in your prototypes!