Reducing CNC Sourcing Costs by 50–80% for a Netherlands-Based Automotive Electronics Manufacturer

From Evaluation to Scale: Building a Reliable CNC Supply Chain

When Albertronic BV first reached out, their requirement was simple on the surface:

They were looking for a machining partner to support small batch production of metal components, with the intention to scale if the collaboration proved reliable.

But beneath that, the real challenge was clear:

• Finding a supplier who could handle low-volume, multi-part production
• Reducing dependency on high-cost European sourcing platforms like Xometry
• Working with a partner who could guide engineering decisions, not just execute drawings

Starting Small: The First Batch

The engagement began with a small pilot order (~60 parts) across multiple components.

At this stage, the objective wasn’t scale.
It was validation.

ProtoMandi focused on:

• Understanding the application behind each part
• Suggesting appropriate materials (e.g., SS410 as an alternative to 17-4 PH)
• Ensuring manufacturability from STEP files

This allowed Albertronic to evaluate both:
👉 Technical capability
👉 Communication & responsiveness

Engineering-Led Cost Optimization

As discussions progressed, it became clear that material selection was a major lever.

Instead of defaulting to high-spec materials, ProtoMandi:

• Recommended EN8 / C45 for cost-performance balance
• Suggested surface treatments based on environment
• Worked collaboratively to align cost vs durability

This shift enabled significant cost reductions without compromising functionality.

Scaling the Engagement

After successful delivery of the first batch, Albertronic moved quickly.

Within ~30 days:

• A second order was placed
• Scope expanded to 6+ different components
• Total volume increased to ~120+ parts

The relationship evolved from:

“Testing a supplier”
to
“Building a repeatable sourcing model”

Challenges & Iteration

As production scaled, new challenges emerged:

• Minor inconsistencies in hole positioning
• Fitment issues due to fillet design

Instead of treating these as failures, they became iteration points.

ProtoMandi responded by:

• Introducing fixture-based machining for consistency
• Improving DFM validation before production
• Collaborating on updated designs

This iterative approach strengthened the process with each batch.

Results: Cost, Scale, and Continuity

The impact was immediate and measurable:

• 50–80% cost reduction per part compared to EU sourcing
• 3x growth in order volume from initial to subsequent batches
• Repeat orders within 30 days
• Expansion across multiple SKUs

Beyond numbers, the key outcome was:

👉 Albertronic transitioned from evaluating a supplier
👉 to scaling with a reliable sourcing partner

Looking Ahead

The engagement continues to expand with:

• Larger batch sizes (100+ units per part)
• Additional components being outsourced
• Ongoing collaboration on material and process optimization

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how a structured, engineering-led approach can:

Replace high-cost sourcing models with a flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient global supply chain