Contract manufacturers # Get designs that are ready to build. Fix customer designs before they reach your line. Flux reads the files a customer sends, applies your manufacturing rules, and helps your team quote sooner. Fix customer designs before they reach your line, and help customers who have no engineers. [Book a Demo](https://www.flux.ai/p/demo) [Start Free Trial](https://www.flux.ai/organization/create) ![NF Dual Output Buck board layout in Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/solutions-hero-contract-manufacturers.webp) ## Your problems ### Customer files stop the line Customer files arrive with errors that stop the line. ### Quotes wait for engineering Quoting stalls while customers wait for answers from engineering. ### Small customers need design help Small customers need design help that the shop cannot staff. Contract manufacturers ## What contract manufacturers need from Flux. ![Bill of materials with stock and pricing](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-bom-stock-pricing.webp) ### Parts you can buy. Flux replaces parts that are out of stock or end of life with parts that are in stock. ### Customer files that do not stop the line. Flux checks customer designs and fixes problems before they reach your line. ### Quotes that do not wait for engineering. Flux reads the design and the parts list, so your team can quote sooner. ### Design help for customers with no engineers. One AI engineer designs the board, the enclosure and the harness, ready for your line. ### Any file a customer sends. Import Altium, OrCAD, Xpedition, CADSTAR, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, and KiCad projects. ### Your rules on every design. Flux learns your manufacturing rules and follows them on every design. End to end ## A single AI engineer across the complete build. Flux manages every stage in one environment. A single AI engineer drives builds from product specs to fabrication outputs, while your team reviews each gate. ![Block diagram that the Flux AI engineer created for a desk gadget: power, USB, microcontroller, display, and audio blocks](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-device-block-diagram.webp) ### Requirements definition Begin with specification sheets, system block diagrams, or simple project briefs. ### Schematics and sourcing Flux chooses available parts and generates the schematic. ### Board routing and placement Flux positions parts and routes traces adhering to your design guidelines and fab capabilities. ### Enclosures and cabling Flux builds mounting hardware, protective housings, and internal wiring assemblies around the physical PCBs. ### Embedded firmware Flux writes and verifies operational firmware tailored to the target board layout. ### Verification and release package Flux validates iterations through solver checks and rule audits, then generates Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, STEP, and structured bills of materials. Model-agnostic AI ## Leading AI models. Tailored hardware engineering skills. Flux combines top AI models with an agent environment created specifically for CAD and EDA. Intelligence comes from the models. Flux supplies the domain tools, project data, and operational paths to convert that logic into working hardware. - OpenAI - Anthropic - Google Gemini - More as they ship Adaptive model routing ### Advanced model quality at 30% lower cost. Adaptive divides hardware assignments into smaller tasks and routes each piece to the most cost-effective model. Complex architectural choices route to frontier engines. Everyday checks route to quick, economical options. Non-dependent tasks run side by side, speeding up production packages. You interact with one AI engineer while Flux directs the underlying workload. ### Frontier AI models - Reasoning - Planning - Language ### Flux engineering harness - CAD and EDA tools - Project context - Simulation - Design rules ### Working hardware - Schematics - Boards - Enclosures - Firmware - Fab files - Product videos ### All leading models in one place Access the top-tier models your shop relies on, directly in Flux. ### Integrated hardware design capabilities Each model accesses dedicated engineering utilities, design context, and workflows. ### Switch models without platform changes As new models launch, your shop adopts them without altering your software stack. ### Avoid lock-in to one provider Prevent relying on a single AI supplier for your design and review needs. ### Matched models across every phase Adaptive assigns each job to the most fitting engine, from detailed schematics to standard verification. Kernel-agnostic CAD ## Generates each component with the right CAD kernel. Standard CAD platforms rely on a single geometric kernel, passing its restrictions to each component. Flux works across kernels just as it works across models. The AI engineer selects the ideal kernel for each piece, changes engines if a geometry operation fails, and merges everything into one assembly. - ![Open Cascade](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/opencascade.svg) ### OpenCascade Precise, standardized geometry that CAM setups and external CAD systems read cleanly. Suited for CNC parts and complex builds. - ![NVIDIA](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/nvidia.svg) ### SMLib Continuous curvature surfaces that yield smooth exteriors for hand-held and consumer products. - ![Siemens](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/siemens.svg) ### Parasolid On request The underlying engine used by SolidWorks, NX, Solid Edge, and Onshape, providing native-quality exchange with those systems. **Surface quality is clearly visible.** Before the part moves to tooling, zebra stripes, curvature maps, and curvature combs confirm every surface is smooth. Verification lab ## Tests and validates its own work before production. Flux goes beyond initial design generation. The AI engineer tests and audits its layouts using commercial solvers, displaying the findings clearly. ### Circuit simulation SPICE analysis across power, analog, and mixed-signal blocks, executed and interpreted by the AI engineer. ### Electromagnetic simulation Full-wave verification of copper routing: trace impedance, S-parameters, signal crosstalk, and antennas. ### Thermal simulation Heat dissipation and thermal airflow modeling for boards and housings prior to manufacturing. ### Fluid simulation Internal enclosure airflow modeling to verify vent placement, heat sinks, and fan performance before building hardware. ### Mechanical simulation Finite-element stress analysis for brackets, chassis, and mounts. ### Design rule checks Automated electrical and fabrication rule checks across all schematics and PCB layouts. ### Datasheet checks Parses component datasheets to verify pin assignments, operating limits, and electrical ratings against the layout. ![SPICE load step of a 3.3 V buck converter](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-spice-load-step.webp) SPICE load step of a 3.3 V buck converter ![Thermal map of top and bottom copper](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-copper-thermal.webp) Thermal map of top and bottom copper ![Stress analysis of an aluminum bracket](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-bracket-stress.webp) Stress analysis of an aluminum bracket ![S-parameters of a USB data line, simulated on the routed board](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-usb-line-s-parameters.webp) S-parameters of a USB data line, simulated on the routed board Orchestration ## A single prompt. Multiple AI engineers at work. Provide Flux with full product specifications. The lead AI agent breaks requirements into separate tasks, runs concurrent subprojects, oversees execution, and returns the outcomes. ### Parallel execution Individual tasks run on dedicated agent threads. Baseboards, expansion modules, and mechanical packaging progress concurrently. ### Multi-project scope The central engineer initiates work across related projects and monitors all progress from a unified screen. ### Automated oversight It tracks each active stream, corrects deviations from the plan, and aggregates finished deliverables. ### Full engineering control Modifications that move an interface or resize a board pause for your approval. Example ### System with three peripheral boards Flux outlines requirements for each board, defining board dimensions, mount points, interconnects, and matching housing ports. Every PCB runs as a separate project with a dedicated AI engineer, progressing in parallel. Flux then brings all boards into the top-level assembly, validating spacing and connector mating in millimeters. Collaboration ## Your team, your partners, and your AI workers in a shared workspace. Flux operates directly in the browser. Stakeholders view the same active file, inspect real-time revisions, and collaborate together. You never have to email archive files. - ### Simultaneous live editing. Engineers, reviewers, and AI agents collaborate in the same file simultaneously. Active users and their selections remain visible. - ### Complete revision history. Flux logs every modification, author, and timestamp. Inspect prior states at any time, or branch them into clean workspaces. - ### Centralized hub for your facility. Store your shop's jobs, component databases, and manufacturing rules under one roof. Assign viewing, commenting, or modification rights across your staff. - ### Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and contractors. Add external contacts to individual projects via email with view, feedback, or editing privileges. They only see that specific project. - ### In-context design feedback. Drop comments in the project and @mention teammates. Notes stay with the design. - ### Safe design experiments. Fork a project to test new ideas. The main design stays untouched. ![Engineer holding a finished board in its enclosure, designed with Flux](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/engineer-card-3.webp) Customizable ## Captures your factory rules and applies them systematically. Each manufacturer follows distinct shop processes. Train Flux on your shop constraints, integrate internal systems, and generate custom utilities for any build. ### Shop guidelines Train Flux just like a new hire. Document your design guidelines, preferred parts, and lessons learned once so all AI agents follow them across every run. ### Custom rules Configure your line clearances and process limitations once. Flux audits every layout against those parameters automatically. ### Connected factory systems Integrate via MCP servers or any web API. Push code to repositories, read crash reports from devices in the field, or connect custom internal tools. ### Protected credential storage Administrators input API credentials globally. The AI uses these connections without exposing raw tokens, injecting them solely into approved service requests. ### Dynamic project tools Request targeted project aids, and Flux generates active widgets: live power consumption estimators, station bring-up checklists, or rotatable 3D mechanical models. ### Flux inside your AI tools Interact with Flux through Cursor or compatible AI agents. Outside agents can inspect project data, modify layouts, and assign hardware tasks to the Flux AI engineer. Integrates with the services your team already uses. - ![Onshape](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/onshape.svg) Onshape - ![Autodesk Fusion](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/autodesk-mark.svg) Autodesk Fusion - ![PTC Windchill](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/ptc.svg) PTC Windchill - ![Siemens Teamcenter](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/siemens.svg) Siemens Teamcenter - ![Arena PLM](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/arena.svg) Arena PLM - ![OpenBOM](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/openbom.svg) OpenBOM - ![Duro](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/duro.png) Duro - ![GitHub](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/github.svg) GitHub - ![GitLab](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/gitlab.svg) GitLab - ![Memfault](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/memfault-wordmark.svg) Memfault - ![Golioth](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/golioth.svg) Golioth - ![Particle](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/particle.svg) Particle - ![Nordic nRF Cloud](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/nordicsemiconductor.svg) Nordic nRF Cloud - ![Edge Impulse](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/edgeimpulse.svg) Edge Impulse - ![NI SystemLink](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/ni.svg) NI SystemLink - ![SimScale](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/simscale.svg) SimScale - ![Octopart](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/octopart.png) Octopart - ![SiliconExpert](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/siliconexpert.svg) SiliconExpert Sourcing ## Selects available parts at real-time market pricing. Flux links into primary electronic and hardware distributor catalogs. The AI engineer identifies readily purchasable chips, headers, fasteners, and spacers, evaluates supplier pricing, and swaps obsolete components prior to line setup. - ![Digi-Key](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/digikey.svg) Digi-Key - ![LCSC](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/lcsc.svg) LCSC - ![Mouser](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/mouser.svg) Mouser - ![Arrow](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/arrow.svg) Arrow - ![Verical](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/verical.svg) Verical - ![TME](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/tme-wordmark.svg) TME - ![HQonline](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/hqonline.svg) HQonline - ![McMaster-Carr](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/mcmaster.svg) McMaster-Carr - ![MISUMI](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/misumi-wordmark.webp) MISUMI - ![JLCMC](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/jlcmc.svg) JLCMC Manufacturing ## Retrieves production quotes as files evolve. Flux requests quotes directly from fabricators for bare boards, board assembly, additive metal and plastic parts, CNC work, sheet fabrication, laser cutting, injection molding, casting, and cable harnesses. The AI agent compares pricing and lead times, audits designs against supplier capabilities, and updates quotes as revisions occur. ### Circuit boards and assembly - ![JLCPCB](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/jlcpcb.webp) JLCPCB - ![PCBWay](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/pcbway.svg) PCBWay - ![OSH Park](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/oshpark.webp) OSH Park - ![AISLER](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/aisler.webp) AISLER ### Mechanical parts - ![Craftcloud](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/craftcloud.svg) Craftcloud - ![JLC 3D printing](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/jlcpcb.webp) JLC 3D printing - ![PCBWay 3D printing](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/pcbway.svg) PCBWay 3D printing - ![Shapeways](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/shapeways.svg) Shapeways - ![OSH Cut](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/oshcut.svg) OSH Cut - ![SendCutSend](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/sendcutsend.svg) SendCutSend ### Cables and wiring harnesses - ![MiniProto](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/miniproto.webp) MiniProto Interoperability ## Compatible with your existing EDA and CAD workflows. Load files created in your current software packages. Request revisions using natural language. Download standard production packages whenever needed. - ![Altium](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/altium.svg) Altium Designer - ![Cadence](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/cadence.svg) OrCAD and Allegro - ![KiCad](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/kicad.svg) KiCad - ![Siemens](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/siemens.svg) PADS, Xpedition, and NX - ![Zuken](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/zuken.svg) CADSTAR - ![Autodesk](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/autodesk.svg) Eagle and Fusion - ![EasyEDA](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/easyeda.svg) EasyEDA - ![SolidWorks](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/solidworks.svg) SolidWorks - ![CATIA](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/catia.svg) CATIA - ![PTC](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/ptc.svg) Creo - ![Onshape](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/onshape.svg) Onshape ### Modifies existing STEP files from your archive. The request, as typed in Flux “The holder must cover a much taller power supply. Make the bent side flange 40 mm deeper. Keep the 4.4 mm hole in the flange where it is. Then cut five 5 x 30 mm vertical vent slots in the new part of the flange, 15 mm apart and centered on the flange width.” ![Before: the STEP file from Autodesk Inventor. The bent flange is 24.5 mm deep.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-step-edit-psu-before.webp) Before: the STEP file from Autodesk Inventor. The bent flange is 24.5 mm deep. ![After: the flange is 64.5 mm deep, with five 5 × 30 mm vent slots. The 4.4 mm hole did not move. Flux saves a new STEP file and editable CAD code.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-step-edit-psu-after.webp) After: the flange is 64.5 mm deep, with five 5 × 30 mm vent slots. The 4.4 mm hole did not move. Flux saves a new STEP file and editable CAD code. ### Import your current files Load native packages, component libraries, and mechanical models. Circuit schematics, footprints, and component placements transfer directly, along with traces for most formats. ### Refine designs via AI prompts Imported layouts can be revised immediately. State prompts like "move the USB cutout 3 cm left" or "make the enclosure tighter", and Flux updates the geometry. ### Export ready-to-build files Flux produces complete production outputs: Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, BOM data, and centroid files for PCB assembly, plus STEP, STL, or 3MF packages for mechanical builds. All supported formats Complete projects Altium, Cadence OrCAD and Allegro, KiCad, Siemens PADS and Xpedition, Zuken CADSTAR, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, EasyEDA, and DipTrace (XML export). Schematics, parts, connections, board outlines, and placement come across. Labcenter Proteus netlist and board exports bring in parts, connections, board outlines, placement, and routing. Part libraries Altium, OrCAD, PADS, KiCad, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, EasyEDA, and DipTrace libraries, Allegro footprints, and JEP30 part models become Flux parts. Mechanical files STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, and glTF models, plus DXF board outlines. Handoff to manufacturing and electronics tools Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IPC-D-356 test netlists, bill of materials, pick-and-place, EDIF netlists, GenCAD, and KiCad board files. Handoff to mechanical design The full board and its parts as STEP, compressed STEP, BREP, VRML, glTF, and STL models, plus DXF layer drawings. Enclosures and brackets that Flux designs export as STEP, STL, and 3MF, ready for your mechanical tools or a 3D printer. ## Your intellectual property remains protected. - Cloud infrastructure aligned with SOC 2 - Single sign-on (SSO) support - Granular project access controls - All design inputs and outputs remain your IP - No training on customer files Enterprise adoption ## We support your team in deploying AI. Flux partners alongside production and engineering teams to deploy AI into active builds, supported by Flux technical specialists. [Book a Demo](https://www.flux.ai/p/demo) 1. ### Pinpoint high-impact workflows We locate where AI engineering saves the most shop floor and engineering hours, from BOM sourcing to turn-key designs. 2. ### Connect shop processes We configure Flux with your fabrication constraints, component catalogs, and current manufacturing workflows. 3. ### Establish standard operations We assist your staff in setting up repeatable AI procedures across every incoming project. ## Questions ### Which customer project formats can Flux import? Imports customer projects from Altium, KiCad, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, and OrCAD. ### Can Flux check a design against our manufacturer limits? Checks designs against your manufacturer limits before you quote. ### Which manufacturing files can Flux export? Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, pick-and-place, and bill of materials files. ![Hands holding a finished enclosure with its circuit board inside.](https://www.flux.ai/p/assets/homepage-v2/photos/L1008414-1920.webp) ## Get designs that are ready to build. Equip your facility with the AI engineering bandwidth to produce hardware that once demanded a complete engineering firm. [Book a Demo](https://www.flux.ai/p/demo) [Start Free Trial](https://www.flux.ai/organization/create)