Low Volume OEM Composite Production: Is It Worth It?
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Many companies assume that composite manufacturing only becomes economically viable when producing thousands of parts.
In reality, low volume OEM composite production has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the composite manufacturing industry.
Today, startups, industrial equipment manufacturers, agricultural machinery companies, vehicle builders, and engineering firms increasingly require custom composite parts in production volumes ranging from 10 to 1,000 units.
For these businesses, investing in expensive tooling, large production facilities, or in-house composite manufacturing capabilities often makes little financial sense.
Low volume OEM composite production offers a practical alternative.
This article explains when low volume composite manufacturing makes sense, how costs are structured, and why many companies use this approach to reduce risk and accelerate product development.
What Is Low Volume OEM Composite Production?
Low volume OEM composite production refers to manufacturing fiberglass or composite parts in relatively small quantities.
Typical production ranges include:
- Prototype production
- Pilot production runs
- Market validation batches
- Limited edition products
- Specialized industrial equipment
- Custom OEM projects
Depending on the application, low volume production may range from:
- 10 units
- 25 units
- 50 units
- 100 units
- 500 units
- 1,000 units
Unlike mass production, the focus is flexibility rather than maximum automation.
Why More Companies Are Choosing Low Volume Manufacturing
The traditional manufacturing model often requires significant upfront investment.
Companies must typically invest in:
- Tooling
- Production equipment
- Personnel
- Facility space
Before generating a single sale.
Low volume OEM production reduces this risk dramatically.
Benefits Include:
- Lower startup costs
- Faster market entry
- Reduced inventory risk
- Product validation before scaling
- Easier design changes
- Improved cash flow
This makes low volume manufacturing particularly attractive for growing companies.
Industries That Benefit From Low Volume Composite Production
Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
Agricultural equipment often requires specialized components with relatively low annual production volumes.
Examples include:
- Tractor hoods
- Composite fenders
- Equipment covers
- Machine housings
These parts benefit from composite materials due to their corrosion resistance and lightweight construction.
Industrial Machinery Companies
Industrial machinery manufacturers frequently require:
- Protective covers
- Control panel housings
- Equipment enclosures
- Structural composite components
Production volumes are often too small for traditional high-volume manufacturing methods.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Many specialty vehicle builders rely on low volume production.
Applications include:
- Utility vehicles
- Off-road vehicles
- Specialty transportation equipment
- Recreational vehicles
Composite materials provide excellent design flexibility.
Municipal Infrastructure Projects
Cities and municipalities often require:
- Equipment housings
- Technical cabinets
- Utility enclosures
- Infrastructure components
These projects typically involve limited production quantities.
When Is Low Volume Production More Cost Effective?
One of the biggest misconceptions in manufacturing is that higher volume always means lower cost.
While this is true in many situations, low volume production becomes highly cost-effective when:
Product Demand Is Uncertain
Launching a new product always carries risk.
Low volume manufacturing allows companies to:
- Test market demand
- Gather customer feedback
- Improve designs
before committing to larger production investments.
Product Designs May Change
Many products evolve during early production stages.
Low volume manufacturing makes it easier to:
- Modify designs
- Improve functionality
- Update tooling
without major financial consequences.
Customization Is Important
Some industries require significant customization.
Examples include:
- Industrial equipment
- Agricultural machinery
- Municipal products
- Specialized enclosures
Composite manufacturing is particularly well suited to customized production.
Production Methods Used For Low Volume Composite Manufacturing
Different production technologies are suitable for different project requirements.
Hand Lay-Up Manufacturing
Hand lay-up remains one of the most versatile low volume production methods.
Advantages:
- Low tooling costs
- High design flexibility
- Suitable for large components
- Cost-effective for smaller runs
This method is widely used for custom fiberglass products.
RTM Production
Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is often selected when:
- Better surface quality is required
- Higher consistency is needed
- Medium production volumes are expected
RTM combines precision with repeatability.
Hybrid Manufacturing Strategies
Many successful projects use multiple manufacturing approaches.
For example:
- Prototype using hand lay-up
- Validate product performance
- Transition to RTM for larger production runs
This strategy minimizes development risk.
Common Mistakes Companies Make
Choosing High Volume Tooling Too Early
Investing heavily before validating market demand creates unnecessary risk.
Many companies purchase expensive tooling long before proving product viability.
Selecting Suppliers Based Only On Price
The lowest quote often creates the highest long-term cost.
Poor manufacturing quality may lead to:
- Product failures
- Warranty claims
- Delays
- Customer dissatisfaction
Ignoring Scalability
A good manufacturing partner should support both:
- Low volume production
- Future growth
Choosing a scalable supplier avoids costly transitions later.
Why Composite Materials Are Ideal For Low Volume Production
Compared with steel, aluminum, or injection-molded plastics, composites offer several advantages.
Design Flexibility
Complex shapes can be produced without expensive tooling.
Lower Development Costs
Initial investments are often lower.
Corrosion Resistance
No rust-related maintenance issues.
Lightweight Construction
Reduced transportation and installation costs.
Long Service Life
Durable performance in demanding environments.
These characteristics make composites particularly attractive for custom manufacturing projects.
Why Work With Sterplas?
Since 1986, Sterplas has helped companies develop and manufacture custom fiberglass and composite products.
Our services include:
- OEM composite production
- Prototype development
- Low volume manufacturing
- Composite mold manufacturing
- RTM production
- Product engineering support
We help businesses reduce development risk while maintaining high production quality.
Request a Quote
Need a reliable partner for low volume composite production?
Whether you require prototypes, pilot production, or small batch manufacturing, Sterplas can help.
FAQ
What is considered low volume composite production?
Typically between 10 and 1,000 parts depending on the industry and application.
Is low volume manufacturing more expensive?
Per-unit costs may be higher, but overall project costs are often lower because tooling investments are reduced.
Which industries commonly use low volume production?
Agriculture, industrial equipment, transportation, municipal infrastructure, and specialty manufacturing.
Can low volume production transition into mass production?
Yes. Many successful products begin with small production runs before scaling.
Are composites suitable for prototype development?
Absolutely. Composite manufacturing offers excellent flexibility for prototype and early-stage production.
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