Custom Metal Prototypes and Short-Run Parts
Active Manufacturing helps engineers, OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, R&D teams, sourcing teams, and program managers get difficult metal parts built with prototype speed and production-minded discipline. From our family-owned facility in Spring Lake, Michigan, we support custom metal prototyping, short-run releases, and low volume metal manufacturing for customers that need more than a generic fabrication shop.
If your part needs forming, laser cutting, welding, EDM, CNC milling, tooling support, assembly, inspection, or several of those processes together, start with our custom metal prototyping team or request a quote.
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Custom Metal Prototyping Team
U.S. Based
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR Registered
Spring Lake, MI
Prototype-to-production metal manufacturing
Active Manufacturing is built for projects that start as an engineering problem and need a practical path toward repeatable production. Many customers come to us for one prototype, a handful of validation parts, or a production-intent sample. Others need bridge production, launch support, or repeat low-volume releases after a design is proven.
We are a strong fit when the work is high-complexity, time-sensitive, confidential, or difficult to source through standard production suppliers. As a custom metal prototype manufacturer and short-run metal manufacturer, we focus on parts that justify experienced people, flexible capacity, specialized equipment, and close attention to manufacturability.
Built for difficult metal parts
Active is not positioned as the low-cost source for simple sheet metal work. We are a precision metal parts manufacturer for projects where geometry, material, process sequence, tolerance needs, or schedule pressure make the part harder than it looks.
Common Project Needs Include:
01
Production-intent metal prototypes for engineering validation
02
Short-run and recurring low-volume metal parts
03
Bridge production while permanent tooling or supplier capacity is being prepared
04
Flat spring, clip, bracket, lead frame, formed, welded, machined, and assembled components
05
NDA-sensitive, ITAR-controlled, medical, aerospace, automotive, electronics, defense, and specialized industrial work
Processes coordinated through one team
The advantage of working with Active is not one machine or one process. It is the ability to coordinate multiple metal manufacturing capabilities around the part. Our team can review the design, identify a realistic process path, and support the work through manufacturing, qualified partner-managed operations when needed, and inspection.
Key capabilities include:
Prototype and validation parts
Custom metal prototyping and production-intent builds
Repeat low-volume releases
Short-run metal parts and managed release quantities
Formed components
Precision stamping, forming, and micro forming
Cut metal parts
Conventional laser cutting and micro laser cutting
Joined assemblies
Laser welding, micro welding, resistance welding, radial riveting, and assembly
Tight profiles and hard-to-machine features
Wire EDM and EDM hole drilling
Machined details
Multi-axis CNC milling and supporting machining operations
Manufacturing support
Tooling, fixtures, process development, and inspection
Partner-managed support
Qualified outside secondary operations when included in the project scope
Explore the full process range on our equipment and manufacturing capabilities page, or see how we support short-run and low-volume production.
The shop-tour effect, online
Engineers who tour Active often leave with a clearer understanding of what the company can really do. The range is broader than many visitors expect: tiny and fine-feature metal parts, larger formed or welded components, tooling support, assemblies, and inspection all working together in one facility.
Our website is designed to make that same shop-tour effect easier to see before you visit. You can review our facility and virtual shop tour, compare service capabilities, and evaluate whether your project fits our strengths.
People plus machines
Equipment matters, but skilled people make the difference. Active combines experienced manufacturing talent with intentionally flexible machine availability. That flexibility helps when a prototype, tooling tryout, bridge run, or short production release needs several processes coordinated on a practical schedule.
Our normal production lead-time expectation is approximately 3 to 4 weeks, with expedited work reviewed case by case. Exact timing depends on material, complexity, outside processes, inspection needs, and current schedule.
Trusted U.S.-based manufacturing support
Active Manufacturing is a family-owned, U.S.-based metal manufacturer founded in 1986. In 2026, the company marks 40 years in business. Work is performed from an approximately 55,000 square foot facility in Spring Lake, Michigan, and parts ship nationally and sometimes internationally.
Verified trust anchors include ISO 9001:2015 certification, ITAR registration, U.S. manufacturing, and Precision Metalforming Association membership. For certification details, controlled-file handling, and qualification language, review our quality, certifications, and compliance page.
40
Years
In Business
Made in America
Approx. 55,000 Sq. Ft.
Spring Lake, Michigan
ISO 9001:2025
ITAR Registered
U.S. Manufacturing
PMA Member
Industries and applications we support
Active serves buyers who need metal components for demanding programs, not commodity volume alone. Priority markets include medical, defense and firearms, government and ITAR-controlled work, aerospace, automotive, electronics and data centers, spring and stamping supplier support, robotics and drones, power generation, energy, and specialized industrial equipment.
For a broader view of fit, see our industries served page.
Medical
Defense and firearms
Government and ITAR-controlled work
Aerospace
Automotive
Electronics and data centers
Spring and stamping supplier support
Robotics and drones
Power generation & energy
Specialized industrial equipment
Frequently asked questions
What types of custom metal parts does Active manufacture?
Active manufactures custom metal prototypes, formed parts, stamped components, brackets, clips, flat spring-style parts, lead frames, machined details, welded components, assemblies, and other precision metal parts that fit our process range.
Can Active support prototypes and repeat low-volume releases?
Yes. Active supports one-off and small-quantity prototypes, production-intent metal prototypes, bridge production, and recurring low-volume releases when the part, schedule, and economics fit.
Which manufacturing processes can Active coordinate?
Active performs stamping, forming, micro forming, laser cutting, micro laser cutting, laser welding, resistance welding, wire EDM, EDM hole drilling, CNC milling, tooling, fixture work, assembly, and inspection for parts it manufactures. When a part also needs finishing or another qualified outside secondary operation, the team can coordinate that work as part of the project scope.
How do I request a quote for a confidential project?
Use the custom metal parts quote form to share basic project details. If your files are controlled, export-sensitive, ITAR-related, CUI, or require secure transfer, do not upload them through the standard public form. Flag the secure-transfer need and Active will coordinate the appropriate next step.
Still have questions?
If you have other questions that weren’t answered here, feel free to send us a message. We're happy to assist you and provide the information you need.
Start with a difficult part
Active serves buyers who need metal components for demanding programs, not commodity volume alone. Priority markets include medical, defense and firearms, government and ITAR-controlled work, aerospace, automotive, electronics and data centers, spring and stamping supplier support, robotics and drones, power generation, energy, and specialized industrial equipment.
Request a quote for your metal part, or review materials and file formats before sending your RFQ.
