From Prototype to Production: Custom Brackets, Panels & Sheet Metal for Appliances

Designing innovative appliances requires agile prototyping and reliable mass production. Ocean Century bridges this gap perfectly. We specialise in custom sheet metal prototyping for brackets, internal panels and chassis, and can scale up to high-volume stamping once your design is finalised.

Whether you require 50 functional prototypes for testing purposes or 500,000 production parts per month, our flexible manufacturing setup and engineering-led approach ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Our Prototype-to-Production Advantage:

• Speed to market:
  We accelerate your R&D cycle. For prototypes, we use rapid tooling and multi-process capabilities to deliver functional samples in as little as three to four weeks. This includes simple custom moulds if required.
• Production-ready prototypes:
  Unlike pure prototyping shops, we design prototypes with mass production in mind. This allows us to identify potential manufacturing issues early on, saving you significant costs and time further down the line.
• Seamless scaling:
  Once the prototype has been approved, we can move directly into production using optimised, high-durability moulds (300,000–500,000 cycles) on our automated stamping lines. There is no need to requalify a new supplier.
• Full-Service Engineering Support:
  Our team provides DFM analysis during the prototyping phase, recommending design tweaks that enhance strength, simplify assembly or reduce material waste for high-volume production.

Ideal for These Scenarios:

• New appliance development: Creating and testing internal brackets, mounting plates and structural panels.
• Design iteration: Rapidly producing revised versions of a metal component for form, fit and function testing.
• Cost-Reduction Projects: Prototyping alternative designs or manufacturing methods to reduce the cost per part before committing to high-volume tooling.
• Supplier diversification: Producing a pilot batch to qualify our processes and quality.

Capabilities Highlight:

• Production Power:
  202 presses and automated lines for volume orders.
• Material Flexibility:
  Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, etc.
• Finishing:
  Prototypes can receive the same finishes (painting, plating) as production parts for accurate testing.

The Ocean Century process for your project:

1. Consult & Quote:
   Share your bracket/panel concept. We will advise you on the best prototyping approach and provide a transparent quote.
2. Prototype fabrication:
   We manufacture your samples and keep you updated throughout the process.
3. Feedback and refinement:
   You test the samples and provide feedback. We implement any necessary changes.
4. Production ramp-up:
   Once you have approved the samples, we will begin full-scale, high-volume manufacturing.

Start with a prototype, scale up with a partner.

Contact us today to discuss your appliance bracket or panel project. Let's turn your concept into a tangible, high-quality metal part.