Custom Manufacturing Capabilities: 40+ Processes Under One Roof
Meco's custom manufacturing capabilities cover metal injection molding, powder metallurgy, forging, aluminum extrusion, 3D printing, heat treatment, and surface finishing.
What Are Custom Manufacturing Capabilities?
Custom manufacturing capabilities are the full set of methods a contract manufacturer uses to make parts to a customer's exact design. They include core methods like CNC machining and casting, plus advanced and special methods. The more capabilities a single supplier has in-house, the easier it is to make complex parts without using multiple shops.
Meco's custom manufacturing capabilities cover over 40 in-house processes including our eight advanced custom manufacturing capabilities: metal injection molding, powder metallurgy, aluminum extrusion, forging, heat treatment, plastic 3D printing, metal 3D printing, and surface finishing.
Once your parts are made, we can also put them together with our mechanical assembly services, pack them, and ship them anywhere. For a deeper look at how everything works together, read our complete guide to industrial manufacturing or learn what contract manufacturing involves.
Manufacturing Processes
40+
Core, advanced, and specialty methods.
Tightest Tolerance
0.005 mm
CMM-inspected on key features.
Volume Range
10 to 10M+
Prototype through mass production.
Quality Certification
IATF 16949
Includes ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
6 Advanced Custom Manufacturing Capabilities
These advanced custom manufacturing capabilities build parts close to their final shape from the start.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM)
Great for small, complex pieces in stainless steel, brass, bronze, and tungsten carbide. Strong (over 450 MPa) and dense (96% solid). Learn more in our complete guide to metal injection molding.
See metal injection molding →
Powder Metallurgy (PM)
Great for self-lubricating bearings, small gears, and structural sintered parts. See how PM compares in our MIM vs PM guide.
See powder metallurgy →
Plastic 3D Printing
We build plastic parts one thin layer at a time. No mold needed, so it's perfect for testing ideas fast or making just a few parts. We print with ABS, TPU and more, then can mix soft and hard plastics in one part. See how on-demand 3D printing works for prototyping.
See plastic 3D printing →
Custom Metal 3D Printing
Use lasers to melt metal powder one layer at a time (DMLS).Fast prototyping with no tooling cost. For comparison with traditional machining, see our CNC machine costs guide.
See metal 3D printing →
Forging (Hot and Cold)
We hammer or press metal into shape, which makes it super strong. Hot forging heats metal first, perfect for big, tough parts like shafts and gears. Cold forging works at room temperature, great for small high-volume parts like bolts and pins.
See forging parts →
Custom Aluminum Extrusion
Perfect for rails, heat sinks, and frames. Up to 350 by 350 mm wide. We can finish with anodizing, powder coat, paint, or polish.
See aluminum extrusion →3 Supporting Custom Manufacturing Capabilities
These supporting custom manufacturing capabilities are the finishing steps that make raw parts stronger, rust-proof, good-looking, and ready to use straight out of the box.
Metal Heat Treatment
Heat metal parts to specific temperatures and then cool them in controlled environment. We do this for aluminum tempers (T1 to T651) and all kinds of steel. It works perfectly with our forging and machining workflows.
See heat treatment →
Surface Finishing
Add coatings to protect parts from rust, wear, and scratches. Choices include anodizing, chrome, zinc, nickel, PVD, paint, powder coat, e-coat, and galvanizing. We can also chrome-plate ABS plastic. Find out how much powder coating costs or why galvanized steel turns dark.
See surface finishing →
Mechanical Assembly
Once parts are made, we assemble them together. We use rivets, presses, welds, glue, and screws with just the right tightness. Full assembly lines, some run by people and some by robots, with electronics-safe work areas. Read our complete guide to mechanical assembly and box build assembly.
See mechanical assembly →Custom Manufacturing Capabilities Comparison
Compare our custom manufacturing capabilities by part size, volume, and key advantage. For full sourcing guidance, read how to find a manufacturer for your product or how to choose a machining partner.
| Manufacturing Capability | Best Volume | Part Size | Tooling Cost | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Injection Molding | 10K to 1M+ | Under 100 g | High | Small complex steel parts at scale |
| Powder Metallurgy | 10K to 1M+ | Under 1 kg | Medium | Net-shape, low waste, self-lubricating |
| Plastic 3D Printing | 1 to 50 | Any | None | Fastest prototyping, no tooling |
| Metal 3D Printing | 1 to 50 | Small to Medium | None | Internal channels, lattices, titanium |
| Hot Forging | 500 to 500K | 50 g to 500 kg | High | Highest strength and fatigue life |
| Cold Forging | 10K to 1M+ | Under 500 g | High | Work-hardened fasteners, near-net |
| Aluminum Extrusion | 100 to 100K+ | Up to 350x350 mm | Low to Medium | Long profiles, heat sinks, rails |
| Heat Treatment | Any | Any | None | Tunes hardness, strength, stability |
| Surface Finishing | Any | Any | None | Corrosion, wear, and cosmetic protection |
Why OEMs Choose Meco's Custom Manufacturing Capabilities
One accountable partner, 40+ processes, automotive-grade quality system.
40+ Processes In-House
The broadest custom manufacturing capabilities in contract manufacturing: casting, machining, forging, MIM, powder metallurgy, stamping, extrusion, 3D printing, finishing, and assembly, all under one roof.
Factory Owner, Not a Broker
20,000 m² in Thailand and 16,000 m² in China. We own and operate every line, so quality and schedule stay in our control. Learn what a contract manufacturer is or contract manufacturer vs OEM.
DFM Before Tooling
Engineers recommend the right process and material before tooling is cut. This saves 15 to 30% on part cost. Quote in under 24 hours. See how to choose a partner.
IATF 16949:2016 Certified
Automotive-grade quality across every custom manufacturing capability. APQP, PPAP, SPC, PFMEA, and EN 10204 3.1 material certification on request.
Industries Served by Our Custom Manufacturing Capabilities
We match the right custom manufacturing capability to each industry's specific challenges and quality requirements.
Automotive Parts Manufacturing
Our automotive custom manufacturing capabilities include forged shafts, cold-headed fasteners, MIM gears, heat-treated drivetrain parts, and extruded EV battery rails. Surface finishing keeps every part corrosion-protected. Read more about our automotive parts manufacturing.
Aerospace Parts Manufacturing
Aerospace custom manufacturing capabilities include titanium DMLS brackets, forged landing-gear components, and MIM precision parts. Full material traceability and NDT testing. See our aerospace CNC machining guide for related precision processes.
Medical Equipment
Medical custom manufacturing capabilities include MIM stainless surgical instruments, sintered porous PM components, electropolished assemblies, and titanium DMLS implant-grade brackets. Fully traceable workflows for medical device programs.
Heavy Equipment
Heavy equipment custom manufacturing capabilities include hot-forged shafts, gears, and linkage arms; hardened wear surfaces; and hot-dip galvanized structural parts. Heavy-duty strength and corrosion protection from one supply chain.
Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial custom manufacturing capabilities include sintered self-lubricating bearings, cold-forged fasteners, custom-extruded aluminum rails, and FDM prototype jigs. Read our complete industrial manufacturing guide.
Consumer Electronics
Electronics custom manufacturing capabilities include extruded aluminum heat sinks, MIM stainless hinges and connectors, anodized cosmetic frames, and FDM prototype housings. ESD-safe handling and tight tolerances. We also offer PCB design and assembly.
Telecommunication
Telecom custom manufacturing capabilities include extruded antenna and equipment frames, e-coated and powder-coated outdoor enclosures, and MIM SMA connector parts. UV-stable, IP65-ready finishes for harsh environments.
Home Appliances
Home appliance custom manufacturing capabilities include sintered PM gears for motors, galvanized structural frames, powder-coated panels, and MIM stainless latches and hinges. UL and IEC compliance support across appliance programs.
Lighting Manufacturing
Lighting custom manufacturing capabilities include extruded aluminum LED heat sinks, anodized housings, PVD decorative trim, and MIM optical mounts. Thermal management and cosmetic finishing in one program.
Commercial Furniture
Furniture custom manufacturing capabilities include extruded aluminum desk rails, chair leg profiles, PVD-finished architectural trim, and MIM stainless adjustment hardware. Modular, decorative, and durable.
Materials by Custom Manufacturing Capability
| Manufacturing Capability | Materials Available |
|---|---|
| Metal Injection Molding | Stainless (MIM-316L, MIM-17-4PH), Steel (MIM-4605), MIM-FeNi50, Brass, Bronze, Tungsten Carbide |
| Powder Metallurgy | Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, Tungsten Carbide |
| Plastic 3D Printing | ABS, TPU, PEEK, PC, PLA, PA (Nylon) |
| Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Hot Forging | Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze |
| Cold Forging | Steel, Stainless Steel |
| Aluminum Extrusion | 1050, 3003, 5052, 6005, 6060, 6061, 6063, 6082, 7075 |
| Heat Treatment | Aluminum (T1, T4, T5, T6, T62, T651); Carbon and Alloy Steel (anneal, normalize, quench, temper, nitride, carburize, QPQ) |
Custom Manufacturing Capabilities FAQ
What custom manufacturing capabilities does Meco offer?
Meco offers over 40 in-house custom manufacturing capabilities. These include core methods (CNC machining, casting, stamping, injection molding), advanced methods (MIM, powder metallurgy, metal and plastic 3D printing, forging, aluminum extrusion), and supporting methods (heat treatment, surface finishing, mechanical assembly). All under one IATF 16949:2016 quality system. Learn more in our guide to contract manufacturing.
When should I choose MIM vs investment casting vs CNC machining?
For small (under 100 g), complex stainless or steel parts at volumes above 10,000 per year, MIM usually wins on cost. Investment casting works better for bigger parts and lower volumes. CNC machining is best for one-offs, prototypes, and parts with very tight tolerances. See our MIM process guide and CNC machining cost guide.
When does forging beat casting or machining?
Forging beats casting and machining when fatigue life, grain flow, and impact strength matter most. Common uses are drivetrain shafts, gears, landing gear, and high-load brackets. Hot forging handles large, complex parts. Cold forging handles small high-volume fasteners with work-hardened surfaces.
How much does metal 3D printing (DMLS) cost?
DMLS pricing depends on material volume and print time. Typical prototypes range from $200 to $2,500 per part in aluminum or stainless steel. Titanium adds 30 to 50 percent. No tooling cost, so it's economical for 1 to 50 part runs. Above 50 parts, MIM or casting usually wins. For comparison, see our CNC machine costs breakdown.
What are the lead times for specialty manufacturing capabilities?
3D printed prototypes ship in 3 to 7 days. MIM tooling takes 6 to 10 weeks. Forging dies take 6 to 12 weeks. Aluminum extrusion dies take 4 to 6 weeks. Heat treatment and surface finishing add 3 to 7 days to existing parts. Quotes return in under 24 hours. Read about on-demand manufacturing for faster turnarounds.
Can Meco heat-treat and finish parts made elsewhere?
Yes. Heat treatment and surface finishing can be quoted as standalone capabilities. Most customers prefer end-to-end fabrication for single-PO accountability. See how much powder coating costs.
Do you offer prototyping plus mass production from the same partner?
Yes. Prototype with FDM or DMLS 3D printing, then transition to MIM, casting, or machining for volume. Same engineering team and quality system throughout. This is core to on-demand manufacturing and contract manufacturing. See contract manufacturer vs OEM for sourcing tips.
What certifications back Meco's custom manufacturing capabilities?
IATF 16949:2016, which includes all ISO 9001:2015 requirements. Quality processes cover APQP, PPAP, SPC, PFMEA, and CMM inspection. EN 10204 3.1 material certifications available on request. REACH and RoHS compliance documented for every part.
What's the minimum order quantity?
No strict MOQ. 3D printing handles single parts. CNC machining and finishing handle 10-piece prototype runs. MIM, forging, and extrusion become economical at 1,000+ parts because of tooling amortization. We scale from 10 pieces to 10 million+. Learn how to find a manufacturer for your product.
How to Start a Custom Manufacturing Project
Upload STEP, IGES, or PDF drawings with material, finish, and volume targets via our quote form. Quote returned in under 24 hours.
Our engineers pick the best custom manufacturing capability from 40+ options, suggest a material grade, and flag cost-saving design tweaks before tooling is cut.
We build tooling (or skip it for 3D-printed prototypes), run first articles, and ship FAI reports for your approval before production. See what occurs in contract manufacturing.
Full production with SPC, inspection reports, and global logistics from Thailand, China, US, Canada, and Japan warehouses. See how mechanical assembly fits in.
Custom Manufacturing Capabilities Resources
In-depth guides on every custom manufacturing capability. Want to talk to an engineer? Contact us.
What Is Metal Injection Molding?
MIM explained from powder feedstock to sintering, materials, and when MIM beats casting and machining on cost.
Read the guide →What Is Industrial Manufacturing?
The big picture of process families, sectors, and how special capabilities fit a turnkey program.
Read the guide →What Is On-Demand Manufacturing?
How on-demand sourcing, 3D printing, and low-MOQ production let you prototype fast and scale without re-shopping suppliers.
Read the guide →More Custom Manufacturing Resources
- What Is Contract Manufacturing?
- What Is a Contract Manufacturer?
- Contract Manufacturer vs OEM
- How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product
- What Occurs in Contract Manufacturing
- How to Choose a CNC Machining Partner
- CNC Machine Costs Breakdown
- How Much Does CNC Machining Cost?
- Complete Guide to Mechanical Assembly
- What Is Box Build Assembly?
- Contract Assembly Guide for 2026
- EN 10204 3.1 Material Certification
- How Much Does Powder Coating Cost?
- Why Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Turns Dark
- Aerospace CNC Machining Services
- What Are CNC Engineering Services?
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