How We Manufacture Claw Machine Kits — From Raw Material to Finished Kit
Direct Answer
Hiclawcrane manufactures DIY claw machine kits at our factory in Guangzhou, China. Each kit goes through five stages: component sourcing, precision machining, assembly, quality control testing, and export packaging. Every kit is factory-tested before shipment.
Why Factory-Direct Manufacturing Matters
Most claw machine components sold online come from middlemen — resellers who source from multiple suppliers with no control over quality or compatibility. At Hiclawcrane, we design, produce, and test every kit in-house. This means:
- All components are matched and tested together as a system
- Quality issues are caught at the factory, not at your venue
- OEM customization is possible because we control production
- Wholesale pricing reflects factory cost, not reseller markup
We have been manufacturing arcade machine components for nearly 20 years, supplying operators, distributors, and OEM buyers across the US, UK, EU, and Southeast Asia.
Stage 1 — Component Sourcing and Incoming Inspection
Every kit begins with raw materials and sub-components. Our sourcing team works with verified suppliers for:
- Steel and stainless steel for gantry fabrication
- Electronic components for mainboards and control systems
- Motors, coin acceptors, power supply units, and wiring harnesses
Before any component enters production, our incoming inspection team checks dimensions, electrical specifications, and material quality against our internal standards. Components that fail inspection are rejected and returned to the supplier.
Stage 2 — Precision Machining and Fabrication
Gantry rails, mounting brackets, and structural components are fabricated in our machining workshop. Key processes include:
- CNC cutting and bending for steel and stainless steel gantry parts
- Surface treatment to prevent corrosion (especially for stainless steel kits)
- Dimensional inspection after machining to ensure fit and alignment
Our 53cm and 25.7cm kits use stainless steel gantries. Our 71cm kits are available in both standard steel and stainless steel depending on the buyer’s requirements.
Stage 3 — Mainboard and Electronics Assembly
Our electronics team assembles and programs the mainboards used in each kit. This includes:
- PCB assembly and soldering
- Firmware programming for coin acceptor logic, claw strength control, and prize sensor integration
- Burn-in testing: each mainboard runs under load for a set period before passing to the next stage
We offer two mainboard options across our kit range: standard mainboard and LCD screen mainboard. The LCD mainboard provides a display for real-time settings and diagnostics — standard on our 25.7cm mini kit, and available as an option on 53cm and 71cm kits.
Stage 4 — Kit Assembly and System Testing
Once all components pass individual inspection, they are assembled into complete kits. Our assembly team follows a standardized checklist for each kit size:
- Gantry installation and alignment check
- Wiring harness routing and connection verification
- Coin acceptor calibration
- Claw strength and motor function test
- Prize sensor detection test (on applicable models)
- Full power-on test simulating actual gameplay
Any kit that fails at this stage is pulled from the line, diagnosed, and either repaired or scrapped. We do not ship kits that have not passed full system testing.
Stage 5 — Export Packaging
Claw machine kits ship internationally by sea freight, air freight, or express courier. Our packaging is designed for the rigors of long-distance shipping:
- Each component is individually wrapped and cushioned
- Gantry rails are protected against bending during transit
- Mainboards and electronics are packed in anti-static materials
- Outer cartons are reinforced for stacking in sea freight containers
For bulk orders, we provide full export documentation including packing lists, commercial invoices, and certificates of origin.
Kit Range Overview
| Kit | Gantry Size | Gantry Material | Mainboard | Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Kit | 25.7cm or 30cm | Stainless Steel | LCD | 16 pcs |
| Mid-Size Kit | 53cm | Stainless Steel | LCD or Standard | 17 pcs |
| Full-Size Kit | 71cm | Stainless Steel or Standard Steel | LCD or Standard | 17 pcs |
OEM and Custom Orders
We accept OEM orders for buyers who need custom specifications, private-label branding, or modified component configurations. Common OEM requests include:
- Custom gantry dimensions
- Branded mainboard overlays
- Modified coin acceptor configurations for specific markets
- Custom packaging with buyer’s logo
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Hiclawcrane’s factory located?
A: Our factory is located in Guangzhou, China. We welcome factory visits from qualified wholesale and OEM buyers.
Q: Do you manufacture all components in-house?
A: We manufacture gantry components and assemble all kits in-house. Electronic sub-components such as motors and coin acceptors are sourced from verified suppliers and pass incoming inspection before use.
Q: Can I visit the factory before placing a bulk order?
A: Yes. Factory visits are welcome for qualified wholesale and OEM buyers. Contact us to arrange a visit or request a factory video tour.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity?
A: MOQ is 1 unit. Bulk pricing is available from 5+ units. Contact us for wholesale pricing.