Co-Engineering in Custom Part Manufacturing: Real-Time Collaboration for Better Results

Co-engineering connects design and manufacturing teams in real time for faster, better results.

Designing Together, Delivering Faster

In modern manufacturing, time to market and product quality are critical. For custom part production, delays caused by miscommunication, long approval cycles, or design reworks can be costly.

Co-engineering, also known as concurrent engineering, addresses this by bringing the client and manufacturer into the design process together from concept to production. At 77 Teknik, we integrate our engineering team with our clients’ design teams, creating a real-time feedback loop that reduces development time and improves outcomes.

What Is Co-Engineering?

Co-engineering is a collaborative design approach where the manufacturer works directly with the client during the early stages of product development.

Typical process steps include:

1. Requirement Definition – Understanding the client’s technical needs and functional goals.

2. Concept Co-Creation – Developing design ideas with live feedback.

3. Design for Manufacturability (DFM) – Ensuring designs can be produced efficiently.

4. Rapid Prototyping – Producing early prototypes for validation.

5. Final Production – Transitioning smoothly from design to manufacturing.

Why Co-Engineering Matters in Custom Part Production

Benefits include:

• Reduced Lead Times – Problems are solved before production starts.

• Cost Efficiency – Avoids costly design changes late in the process.

• Higher Quality – Direct feedback ensures the part meets functional requirements.

• Better Innovation – Shared expertise leads to improved designs.

Example: Automotive Component Development

A car manufacturer is developing a new lightweight suspension arm to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. Instead of designing the part internally and then sending the final drawings to a supplier, they engage in co-engineering with the supplier from the very beginning.

Step by step workflow:

1. Joint Requirements Definition

   • The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) shares performance goals, weight targets, cost constraints, and material preferences.

   • The supplier contributes knowledge about manufacturing capabilities, tooling limitations, and material availability.

     
     

2. Collaborative Design

   • Engineers from both teams work in a shared CAD environment.

   • The supplier proposes design tweaks that simplify machining and reduce waste.

   • The OEM adjusts the geometry to maintain structural integrity while meeting weight targets.

     
     

3. Rapid Prototyping & Testing

   • Additive manufacturing is used to produce initial prototypes for functional testing.

   • Both teams review test results together and agree on further refinements.

     
     

4. Process Optimization

   • Supplier suggests switching to a forged aluminum blank instead of a milled block to reduce cost and lead time.

   • OEM updates the CAD model accordingly.

     
     

5. Final Validation & Production Launch

   • Joint quality assurance checks ensure the final part meets design and performance requirements.

   • Production begins with reduced risk of late-stage changes.

     
     

Result:Through co-engineering, the project timeline is shortened by 25%, material costs drop by 15%, and the final product meets both performance and cost targets without requiring expensive redesigns.

77 Teknik’s Co-Engineering Capabilities

Our expertise spans multiple manufacturing methods, allowing us to guide clients toward the most efficient solutions:

• CNC Machining – For high precision components.

• Sheet Metal Fabrication – For structural or enclosure designs.

• Welding & Assembly – For integrated mechanical systems.

• Plastic Injection Molding – For lightweight and complex shapes.

• Metal Additive Manufacturing – For rapid prototyping or complex geometries.

We also leverage CAD/CAM platforms for shared digital workspaces, allowing clients to view, comment, and approve designs in real time.

Co-Engineering and Industry 4.0

In the age of Industry 4.0, co-engineering integrates seamlessly with digital twin simulations, virtual prototyping, and Cloud based design platforms. This allows 77 Teknik to work with clients worldwide, sharing models instantly and simulating performance before production.

By merging our manufacturing know how with the client’s product knowledge, we create solutions that are functionally optimal, cost-efficient, and production ready.

Let’s Design Together

Have a custom part project in mind? With our co-engineering approach, we can turn your ideas into production-ready designs faster and with greater precision.

Contact 77 Teknik today to start your collaborative design journey.