“We only need one piece. Can you manufacture it?”
“We would like to check a sample first before ordering a larger quantity.”
“We need 50, 100 pieces. Is that too small a batch?”
“You have manufactured this component for us before. Can we simply order it again?”
These are common questions in projects involving custom-made wire and metal components.
The answer depends mainly on the purpose of the order, the available documentation, the manufacturing technology and the planned volume.
At SHELMO, we focus on small and medium production runs manufactured according to customer specifications. In many projects, however, cooperation can begin with a sample that allows the product to be checked and approved before the main production run starts.
Can SHELMO manufacture just one piece?
Yes, primarily when the single piece is intended as a sample, prototype or reference part for planned future production.
SHELMO is not a workshop focused on producing individual one-off items as a standard service.
Every new component may require specific production preparation.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- reviewing the technical drawing,
- selecting the material and wire diameter,
- defining bending and welding operations,
- preparing tooling or production fixtures,
- setting up the manufacturing process,
- preparing the surface,
- applying the required coating,
- dimensional inspection of the finished component.
For this reason, the cost of one sample piece cannot be directly compared with the unit price of a component manufactured in series.
A single piece is most useful when it helps answer one important question:
Can we safely move on to the next production stage?
When is it worth starting with a sample?
A sample is particularly useful for new projects where the actual component should be verified before production begins.
It can help check:
- dimensions and geometry,
- fit within an appliance or structure,
- mounting and fixing points,
- functionality,
- quality of workmanship,
- coating type and appearance,
- colour,
- structural stability.
This applies, for example, to wire shelves, baskets, dividers, grids, hooks and other custom-made wire components.
A sample is especially important when the component must fit precisely into an existing refrigeration unit, shelving system, display or other structure.
Even a small difference in dimensions, bending angles or fixing points can be significant.
That is why the process:
sample → verification → approval → production
can reduce project risk much more effectively than correcting a batch that has already been manufactured.
Is a technical drawing required to manufacture a sample?
Ideally, the customer should provide a complete technical drawing or product documentation.
However, full documentation is not always necessary at the first stage of the enquiry.
Depending on the project, an initial assessment may be possible based on:
- a photo,
- an existing physical sample,
- basic dimensions,
- a sketch,
- a description of the application.
Based on this information, we can make an initial technical assessment and determine what additional data will be required before production can begin.
For more complex components, the technical documentation may need to be completed or clarified before the sample is manufactured.
Does SHELMO manufacture small batches?
Yes.
Small and medium production runs are one of SHELMO’s core manufacturing areas.
However, there is no single universal quantity that defines a “small batch”.
For one product, several dozen pieces may be economically viable, while another component may require a larger quantity.
This depends on factors such as:
- component geometry,
- material and wire diameter,
- number of manufacturing operations,
- bending complexity,
- number of welding points,
- tooling or fixtures required,
- type of surface finish,
- packaging requirements,
- frequency of future orders.
For this reason, the question:
“What is your MOQ?”
is not always the best starting point.
It is often more useful to send us the drawing together with the planned quantity.
We can then assess the specific project and propose a solution suited to its technical and economic requirements.
Sample or straight to a small batch?
Not every project has to begin with a single sample.
If the documentation is complete, the design has already been verified and the risk of incorrect fit is low, it may be possible to move directly to a small production batch.
For new projects, however, a sample provides an additional level of security.
| Situation | Usually the best next step |
|---|---|
| New product or new design | Sample |
| Component must fit precisely into an existing appliance | Sample |
| Coating or finish needs to be verified | Sample |
| Documentation has already been verified | Small batch |
| Product has previously been manufactured without changes | Repeat order |
| Only one replacement part is required | Individual assessment of feasibility and cost-effectiveness |
The key question is therefore not only:
How many pieces are required?
But also:
What stage is the project currently at?
Can the same batch be ordered again later?
Yes.
In many projects, the first order is the beginning of repeat cooperation.
A typical process may look like this:
documentation → sample → approval → first batch → repeat orders
Once the project has been approved, important parameters are already defined, such as:
- product documentation,
- material requirements,
- manufacturing technology,
- coating parameters,
- inspection requirements,
- packaging requirements.
As a result, a repeat order for the same component can usually be prepared more easily than a completely new project.
This naturally assumes that the design, material and other key requirements remain unchanged.
If the product is modified, the documentation should be reviewed again.
What should you send us so we can assess your project?
Ideally, please send:
- a technical drawing or documentation,
- planned quantity,
- required material,
- required surface finish,
- information about the application,
- expected delivery date.
If you do not have complete technical documentation, send what you have: a photo, sketch, physical sample or basic dimensions.
Based on this information, we can carry out an initial assessment and define the next steps.
Summary
A single piece, a sample, a small batch and a repeat order represent four different project situations.
A single piece is mainly useful as a sample or verification part before further production.
A sample helps reduce risk and allows the component to be checked in its real application.
A small batch makes it possible to start production without immediately ordering very large quantities.
A repeat order simplifies future purchasing because the product and manufacturing process have already been verified and defined.
Do you have a drawing, photo, physical sample or project for a custom wire component?
Send us the available documentation together with the planned quantity.
We will assess the technical feasibility and recommend the most appropriate next step.
FAQ
Can SHELMO manufacture just one wire component?
A single component can primarily be manufactured as a sample or prototype connected with planned future production. Each project is assessed individually in terms of technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
How much does it cost to manufacture a sample?
The cost depends on the product geometry, material, number of manufacturing operations, any tooling or fixtures required and the type of surface finish. The price is therefore determined after reviewing the specific project.
Can a sample later serve as a reference for series production?
Yes. Once the dimensions, design, functionality and finish have been approved, the sample can serve as a reference for subsequent production.
What quantity is considered a small batch?
There is no universal minimum quantity that applies to every product. The economically viable volume depends on the design, manufacturing technology, tooling requirements, coating and other project parameters.
Can a component manufactured previously be ordered again?
Yes. If the documentation and product specification have not changed, another batch can be manufactured based on the previously agreed parameters.
Is a technical drawing required to request a quotation?
A technical drawing is the best basis for accurate project assessment and quotation. However, for an initial assessment, a photo, sketch, physical sample or basic dimensions may be sufficient in some cases.
