Manufacturing Services at Low Volumes

One prototype can hide a design shortcut. Fifty units repeat it fifty times. We review your design before the build, then manufacture and assemble the batch in our own 1,000 m² facility using 3D printing, CNC machining, welding, bending, silicone molding, waterjet cutting, and finishing processes.

Up to 100 PCB assemblies / month
3D printing for function-first validation
CNC for near-final validation

Low Volume Manufacturing by Encata Is Required

When you need assembly checked before the batch

A working prototype proves the system works, but not that dozens of units will be easy to assemble. We assign an engineer to review the design for assembly before production, so you do not repeat the same assembly problem across the whole batch.

When the batch has to look finished

Sometimes the units are meant for key customers, investors, exhibitions, or even a collector’s shelf. We manufacture and finish the batch with presentation quality in mind, not as rough engineering samples.

When the delivery date really matters

A trade show, an investor demo, or a pilot site start date won't move, so the plan works backwards from it, with procurement, assembly, testing, and delivery time included. You get a batch scheduled to arrive when you actually need it, not after the event or customer deadline.

Expert Insight

Featured projects

Work that highlights the incredible technologies, solutions, and products EnCata developed

View all portfolio
Agriculture

Grain temperature monitoring system

EnCata engineered a grain temperature IoT system with stainless-steel spear sensors and RS-485 networking. The solution went from R&D and prototyping to a 200-unit batch in 2 months, helping the client improve crop storage control.

5 prototypes

were tested and delivered

200 units

produced in batch

View Project
Consumer & wearable

Custom Smart Beverage Pourer

EnCata supported a startup as an engineering contractor, developing a smart beverage pourer for bars that meters each pour in real time, connects to POS and mobile apps, and enables NFC payments — from PoC to MVP. All IP belongs to the customer.

up to 50%

increase in bar revenue

250% faster payments

via credit cards and NFC-enabled transactions

View Project
Vehicles

Custom IP66 Enclosure Design

EnCata developed a custom IP66-rated enclosure for automotive electronics, tailored to a specific PCB. We handled industrial design, DFM, in-house mold fabrication, pilot production, and assembly, delivering full-cycle development under one roof.

2 moulds

designed and manufactured for pilot production

10 prototypes

built and tested during the DVT phase

View Project
Consumer & wearable

Custom IoT 5-in-1 Air Purifier

EnCata developed a multifunctional IoT device that purifies, humidifies, ionizes, and monitors indoor air. We supported a consumer startup as an engineering contractor — from concept and embedded software to pilot production. All IP belongs to the customer.

2

successful crowdfunding campaigns

5-in-1

features delivered in one device, replacing multiple single-purpose products

View Project
Healthcare

Laminar flow box for GMP production line

EnCata provided medical device engineering services to design and prototype a custom laminar flow box for a GMP production line. The product features cleanroom-compliant design and precise airflow control for sterile manufacturing.

1.5 month

required to finish the task

6 units

delivered as part of this project in 30 working days

View Project
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PRIORITIES

How We Build Low-Volume Hardware

The goal is not simply to manufacture the requested quantity. We prepare the product, process, and documentation so multiple units can be built consistently and the results can guide the next production stage.

01

Engineering readiness review

We review CAD, PCB, BOM, assembly, materials, and existing prototypes before production starts. If the product still has risks that make a batch unreliable or unnecessarily expensive, we identify them first.

02

Process & tooling selection

For low-volume runs, tooling is chosen by what the batch has to prove, not by mass-production assumptions. For up to 100 units, injection molding rarely pays off, so plastic parts are 3D printed and finished, CNC-machined from engineering plastics, or cast in silicone molds, while the geometry can stay ready for a future mold.

03

Procurement & manufacturing

We source components and materials, manufacture parts, and coordinate production so long-lead items and supplier constraints do not unnecessarily delay the build.

04

Assembly, testing & feedback

Units are assembled to a documented sequence and tested to a procedure agreed for your product. Every fit, assembly, component, or fixture issue is recorded. The findings become inputs for the next batch or production scale-up.

Have a Deadline Your First Batch Has To Meet?

Send us your CAD, drawings, BOM, or current prototype files. We’ll review the scope and propose a realistic production timeline that fits your deadline.

Discuss your timeline

Why EnCata

01

Procurement starts early

You avoid production delays because we identify long-lead materials and components early, qualify alternatives when needed, and run procurement in parallel with manufacturing.

02

Assembly and testing included

You receive assembled and tested units, not just manufactured parts. We can handle PCBAs, mechanical assembly, firmware flashing, fixtures, and product testing before shipment.

03

Certification-ready batches

You can use the batch for certification preparation, field validation, or early customer deployment. We review the product before production and can include CE/FCC-oriented checks where relevant.

04

In-house 1,000 m² production infrastructure

You get access to our 1,000 m² production and assembly facilities allowing us to keep engineering and manufacturing close when changes are needed.

Our Approach to Low-Volume Manufacturing

Early units go to first customers, pilot sites, and investors. If a batch loses what makes the product worth buying, the easiest process for 30 units can become the most expensive. We choose production methods around product priorities, not just small-batch convenience.

Protect the product promise

We define which product qualities must remain intact in the batch – performance, ergonomics, appearance, tactile feel, or another core value.

Process follows the product

We select materials and manufacturing methods that preserve those qualities, rather than choosing the easiest process for a small run.

Customer-facing quality

We pay attention to fit, finish, assembly, and presentation so first customers, or investors receive a product that feels finished, not experimental.

Learn before scaling

Recurring defects, slow assembly steps, and fixture needs are logged during the build, so the next run is faster and your scale-up decision rests on data.

Low-volume manufacturing workflow

From Engineering Files to a Tested Batch

We review the product before production, prepare the manufacturing process, build and assemble the units, then test the batch before shipment.

Typical timeline
4 – 6 weeks
Depends on batch size, component availability, tooling, finishing, and testing scope.
1
3 – 5 days

Model review

Our engineers review CAD, PCB files, BOM, assembly logic, and production constraints before the batch is released.

Key Deliverables:
  • Reviewed model
  • Updated production-ready model
  • Confirmed batch scope
2
1 – 2 weeks

Procurement & production setup

We source components and materials and prepare manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and assembly requirements.

Key Deliverables:
  • Components & materials sourced
  • Production routes confirmed
  • Tooling & fixture plan
3
2 – 3 weeks

Manufacturing & assembly

We manufacture the parts, assemble electronics and mechanics, flash firmware where required, and build the batch in a pre-defined process.

Key Deliverables:
  • Manufactured parts
  • Assembled units
  • Assembly records
4
1 – 2 weeks

Testing & shipment

We inspect and test the finished units, resolve production issues, and prepare the batch for packaging and shipment.

Key Deliverables:
  • Tested batch
  • Production findings
  • Shipment-ready units
Industries

We Design Across Various Industries

Deep domain understanding increases the success rate of your product.

Consumer & wearable

Consumer & wearable

96
projects delivered

Our team specializes in full-cycle consumer electronics and wearables development and manufacturing. Explore the page to see relevant project examples.

See how we deliver
IIoT & automation

Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Automation Hardware Solutions

15
projects delivered

EnCata will automate your production facility or warehouse with sensors, actuators, and edge computing, providing real-time data processing and efficiency.

See how we deliver
Industrial equipment & tools

Custom Industrial Equipment & Tools

243
projects delivered

Can’t find the right equipment? Discover how EnCata’s custom-built solutions tackle your unique challenges and enhance your production efficiency.

See how we deliver
Analytical & lab equipment

New Analytical & Laboratory Equipment Development

12
projects delivered

Explore EnCata’s custom solutions for analytical and lab equipment. Discover our precision design and development services—click to enhance your lab today!

See how we deliver
Agriculture

Custom Agricultural Hardware Solutions

8
projects delivered

EnCata helps bring your new tech in agriculture to life, including precision agriculture and robotic farming, turning your innovative ideas into reality.

See how we deliver
Green tech

Green Tech

projects delivered

This page is still under development. If you're interested in our experience in this field, please fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you.

See how we deliver
Healthcare

Healthcare

23
projects delivered

Expertly developed, tested, and manufactured devices ready for market entry. We guide your product through all stages to market. Go test our expertise!

See how we deliver
Robotics

Robotics Solutions for Cutting-Edge Automation

6
projects delivered

Custom robotics solutions for automation—robotic arms, AGVs, and more. Contact us to develop tailored robotics systems for your business needs.

See how we deliver
Smart city

Smart City

projects delivered

This page is still under development. If you're interested in our experience in this field, please fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you.

See how we deliver
Food tech

Custom Hardware Solutions for Food and Drinks

6
projects delivered

We develop custom solutions for food and drinks: from dosing and filling systems to quality control, and automated cooking systems. Contact us today!

See how we deliver
Vehicles

Vehicles

projects delivered

This page is still under development. If you're interested in our experience in this field, please fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you.

See how we deliver
Other

Other

projects delivered

This page is still under development. If you're interested in our experience in this field, please fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you.

See how we deliver
Insight

A Small Batch Is Not Just More Prototypes

One working prototype can rely on hand fitting, engineer attention, and one-off adjustments.

A batch removes that safety net. The real question becomes whether the product, assembly process, testing, and supply chain can produce the same result repeatedly.

Assembly strategy

We define how parts are joined, fixed, and assembled so the same process can be repeated across the batch.

Finishing route

We select the finishing, coating, painting, or other post-processing needed to consistently achieve the required appearance and surface quality.

Early unit economics

We choose materials and processes that keep the first small batch practical in cost without making future scale unnecessarily expensive.

PRODUCT MATURITY

From Prototype Batch to Low-Volume Production

As the product matures, each batch serves a different purpose. Early units help uncover engineering issues; later batches confirm that the near-final product can be built, tested, and repeated with only minor adjustments before scale-up.

Validation Prototypes

Can several integrated units work as intended?

stage
2 – 4 weeks
$2,000 - $5,000
Product State
Engineering prototypes with representative mechanics, electronics, enclosure, and firmware.
Batch purpose
Validate the complete product and reveal integration issues before the design is finalized.
Expected changes
Mechanical, electronic, or assembly changes may still be significant.
trl
6

Pilot batch

Can the near-final product be built repeatedly?

stage
3 – 5 weeks
$2,000 - $5,000
Total
5 – 9 weeks
$4,000 - $10,000
Product State
Production-oriented design with near-final components, materials, and documentation.
Batch purpose
Validate assembly, testing, tooling, quality, and repeatability across multiple units.
Expected changes
Corrections become more focused: tolerances, assembly details, fixtures, or documentation.
trl
7

Low-volume batch

Is the product ready for early users?

stage
4 – 6 weeks
$5,000 - $10,000
Total
9 – 15 weeks
$9,000 - $20,000
Product State
Near-final product with stable BOM, manufacturing files, finishes, and test procedures.
Batch purpose
Produce customer-facing units for early adopters, field use, certification, or market validation.
Expected changes
Only minor production or usability refinements should remain.
trl
8

Scale-Up

Can the product move to higher volumes?

stage
4 – 8 weeks
$8,000 - $27,000
Total
13 – 23 weeks
$17,000 - $47,000
Product State
Validated product and repeatable production process.
Batch purpose
Use low-volume production data to prepare tooling, sourcing, documentation, and process changes for scale.
Expected changes
Mainly cost, yield, sourcing, and process optimization – not product redesign.
trl
9
Expert Insight

Read to Understand How We Think

We share our approach to product development, engineering decisions, and real project experience. No marketing noise — just practical insights and structured thinking.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that needs a human to answer? No problem.

Speak to our Sales Team now
What is the difference between a prototype and a low-volume batch?
Do you review my design before manufacturing?
How many units can EnCata manufacture?
What manufacturing technologies do you use?
Can you manufacture electronics and mechanics together?
Do you use injection molding for low-volume batches?
How long does a low-volume batch take?
Can you run repeat batches of the same product?
What happens if you find a problem during production?
Can the batch be used for certification?
Can you help us move to mass production later?
Do you sign NDAs and transfer IP?