On-demand micro-factory network for 1-50 unit hardware batches at startup prices.
Solo hardware founders can't test small batches due to high MOQs from overseas suppliers requiring massive upfront costs.
FlexFab aggregates idle capacity from US micro-factories for true low-MOQ production. Upload designs for instant pricing across CNC, 3D print, PCB nodes. Handles fulfillment, testing, and iteration feedback loops for solo founders.
Solo founders in hardware manufacturing startups
Distributed micro-factory blockchain-like ledger for transparent pricing and capacity matching, ensuring <100 unit viability.
edgy
Upload STEP/STL/ Gerber for multi-process pricing.
Match to nearest available micro-factory slots.
Real-time quotes based on material, finish, quantity.
Live cams, QA checks, iteration requests.
Auto-ship to you or end-users.
Automated functional testing summaries.
AI-suggested manufacturability improvements.
One-click repeats with saved settings.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| stripe_id | text | Yes |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| capabilities | text[] | No |
| capacity | int | No |
| location | text | Yes |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| design_url | text | No |
| quantity | int | No |
| status | text | No |
| total_price | int | Yes |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| order_id | uuid | No |
| factory_id | uuid | No |
| price | int | No |
| eta | int | Yes |
Relationships:
/api/ordersCreate order from design upload
/api/quotes/:orderIdGet factory quotes
/api/orders/:id/statusProduction status update
/api/pay/:orderIdProcess payment
/api/feedback/:orderIdSubmit design feedback
<10 units
<100 units/mo
Unlimited
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 100 | 4% | $32 | $384 |
| Month 6 | 1,000 | 7% | $560 | $6,720 |
Tap idle micro-factories for instant low-batch hardware – shippable prototypes fast.
Partner with 3 micro-factories for beta capacity, offer free orders to their networks. Post in Maker Faire forums and r/3Dprinting. Target YC hardware alumni via email for pilots.
Instant quotes
Expensive for solos
Micro-factory focus, lower prices
Speed
Not for batches
Batch-friendly network
Factory capacity ledger data for better matching; switching costs from order history.
Explosion of desktop factories + AI quoting; solo founders scaling post-no-code hardware tools.
Factory onboarding slow
Start with 5 partners
Margin squeeze
Dynamic pricing model
File compatibility
Format converters
Success: Capacity committed
Success: 90% on-time delivery
Success: 20 paid orders
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