The Custom Flex Arm Design Process
While we’re just one part of your device or project, it’s important to know that we have a team dedicated to making sure that your development and production process goes smoothly and comes in on budget.
From your first video call through final production, you'll work directly with our president, engineering team, and project managers who take your challenge as seriously as you do.
Want to see how it works? Our custom arm design process follows three phases.
1. Discovery & Planning
Initial Call: Getting to Know You and Your Product
Our first call will likely be with our sales manager to discuss project basics, like whether you need a flex arm mounting solution, integration solutions, and your timeline. This helps us get a better idea of the scope of your project.
You'll also have a chance to ask questions. We will take the time to understand your situation and give you real feedback on your project. If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule an introductory call with the rest of the team.
Introductory Call: Meet the Moffatt Team
This is a detailed video call with our full team: engineering, business development, and project management. We’ll go through our checklist to clarify your project’s scope and timeline.
Both your team and ours may have questions. That’s great! That’s where the really good ideas happen. We’ll brainstorm and wrap our minds around every detail that we can think of.
Follow-Up Calls: Let’s Talk About Design
Your main contact will be our project manager, but we’ll continue regular team check-ins at your cadence. Whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly, know that our team will be prepared to solve any problems that come up.
After the intro call, we’ll share initial designs and review them together to confirm the project direction and make adjustments. By the end, we’ll have a clear plan to move forward.
2. Product Proposal & Fast, Functional Sampling
Many medical devices and industrial equipment have safety requirements that they must meet. We have experience with many of those requirements, including PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) and FAI (First Article Inspection), and several others.
By this point in the process, we’ve definitely discussed the quality requirements, but this is where we’ll ensure we’ve met all the thresholds.
3. Prototype & Production
You’ll receive a prototype based on the proposal process, made to fit your device and meet your requirements.
Once testing is complete and the design is approved for production, we’ll give you a quote for the production quantity and walk you through any further details before manufacturing.
Do you have questions about our process? Are you ready to start? Let’s get started. We’re here to listen.
Partnerships and Products Built to Last
Since 1954, Moffatt Products has engineered hundreds of custom solutions for OEMs, distributors, and direct end-users. Other flexible arm designs will loosen and droop, requiring constant readjustment, but not with a Moffatt flex arm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of components can you provide?
We provide flex arms, bases, hinges, ferrules, lights, and other components of mounting systems.
Can you produce 3D printed parts?
Yes. We utilize 3D printing for both faster prototyping purposes and production components.
How soon can we get started with prototyping?
Right away. After our first call, we’ll know what kind of flex arm setup you need. If parts are in stock, we can start building immediately—often shipping within a few days.
Will I have to “wait in line?”
No. We don’t prioritize projects based on size or scope. Every client gets the same attention—no waiting in line here.
How set in stone are these timelines?
For prototypes, we’re talking days, not weeks. Production timelines are stable now that supply chains have recovered, and we stick to them.
Is there a way to rush this project?
Usually, there’s no need—our timelines are already quick. But if you have a firm event deadline, we can prioritize and find smart workarounds to meet it.
What might potentially hold us back?
Only two things: designing brand-new components (which need testing) or changes in your own design. We adapt quickly, but new things take time to get right.
Will internal wiring make this take longer?
Possibly. We’re experienced with internal wiring, but if it’s a setup we haven’t seen before, it may take extra time to get it perfect.
Can you rapid prototype? What does that mean for us?
Yes. You’ll get a working prototype in 1–2 weeks. It might not be production-ready, but it will help your team visualize and test flex arm integration.
Is there a limit to how many flex arms I can get on that timeline?
Not really—but we suggest starting small. Use a few to test and refine, then scale once everything’s dialed in.
If I have a specific deadline, what happens?
Tell us. We’ll work backward from your date and deliver something functional—even if we need to improvise a bit to hit your deadline.
Anything else you want us to know?
We’re fast, flexible, and focused on communication. Our integrated team moves quickly, and we treat every project with the attention it deserves.