Is Bridge Production Right for Your Sheet Metal Parts? (Updated for 2026)

Last updated on February 2nd, 2026 at 02:31 pm

Are delays in tooling slowing down your entire production line? When you’re under pressure to cut costs and reduce lead times, tooling can be a major source of frustration. And if you only need a low volume of parts, there’s a good chance it’s not worth the upfront investment.

The next time you find yourself hamstrung by tooling limitations, rely on Approved Sheet Metal to help you save money and speed up production with our bridge production services.

The Benefits of Bridge Production

Bridge production (also known as bridge manufacturing or bridge-to-production) is a practical bridge between prototyping and mass production. The goal is to keep your project moving by producing low-volume parts quickly, without waiting on long tooling lead times or committing to full-scale production before you are ready.

Bridge production is often the fastest path to market when you need production-intent parts for validation, early demand, or launch readiness.

There are a couple of standard use cases when bridge manufacturing is an excellent solution for sheet metal fabricated parts:

Use Case #1: You’re stuck waiting 6+ weeks for tooling to come in, but you still need parts to keep pushing your production process forward. This is a great time to iterate, conduct prototype testing, validate fit and function, or begin early-stage production. If you need an urgent solution, Approved Sheet Metal can hand fabricate a low volume of parts (think 100 instead of 10,000) quickly, getting you parts in hand so you can move to next steps and go to market faster.

Use Case #2: Your product hasn’t yet gone to market or undergone critical testing, so you’re wary of investing $30,000 for tooling. A stamping house can make your part in one piece and reduce price per part in the long run, but if you only need a low volume of parts right now, bridge production helps you delay that investment until the design and demand are proven. Rather than investing in tooling up front, rely on Approved Sheet Metal to produce the initial parts you need to move forward with confidence.

In addition to resolving common tooling problems, bridge production reduces the need for extensive inventory. It’s a strong solution for product relaunches or new releases of existing parts. You can keep momentum while you wait for tooling to arrive, or if your volume is low enough, forgo tooling altogether.

Identifying Opportunities for Bridge Production

The distinction between “prototype” and “production” is often open to interpretation, so we use an advanced algorithm to differentiate between the two. Our algorithm converts 3D CAD models into runtimes, telling us how long it will take to run a line item. If it takes 8 hours or less, it’s a prototype. Anything over 20 hours is production.

The sweet spot in between is likely a candidate for bridge production. If you have a project that’s waiting for tooling or needs a fairly low volume of parts, we can help. Request a quote from our metal fabrication shop today.

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Sheet Metal Fabrication Bridge Production FAQ

How can bridge production benefit my production process?

Bridge production acts as a fast and cost-effective bridge between prototyping and mass production. It’s ideal in scenarios where tooling delays hinder your production line or when you only require a low volume of parts. Approved Sheet Metal’s bridge production services help save costs, reduce lead times, and facilitate quicker market entry.

What are the standard use cases for bridge production in sheet metal fabrication?

Bridge production is an excellent solution in two key scenarios: First, when facing prolonged tooling delays (6+ weeks) but still wanting to progress with production. Second, when launching a new product or part without undergoing critical testing, avoiding the upfront investment of $30,000 in tooling. Approved Sheet Metal can quickly hand fabricate low volumes, enabling you to move forward without the need for extensive tooling.

How does bridge production help in overcoming common tooling problems?

Bridge production resolves tooling-related frustrations by offering an alternative for low-volume manufacturing. Instead of waiting for tooling, Approved Sheet Metal can hand fabricate parts quickly, saving time and costs. This solution is particularly beneficial for product relaunches or new releases where extensive inventory isn’t necessary.

How does Approved Sheet Metal identify opportunities for bridge production?

We use an advanced algorithm that converts 3D CAD models into runtimes. This algorithm helps differentiate between prototypes and production. If a line item takes 8 hours or less, it’s considered a prototype. Anything over 20 hours is categorized as production. This method ensures accurate identification of opportunities for bridge production.

Can bridge production eliminate the need for extensive inventory in certain situations?

Yes, bridge production is designed to reduce the need for extensive inventory, making it a practical solution for scenarios such as product relaunches or new releases of existing parts. Whether waiting for tooling or dealing with low production volumes, bridge production allows you to get a head start without the need for significant inventory investments.