Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial terms, lead times, documentation and the technical questions that come up most often before a first order. If your question is not here, ask it directly — a specific answer is more useful than a general brochure.
Minimum order: 1 unit for machined parts. Quotes include a written DFM note. Production lead time is stated per order. Shipping: FOB Shenzhen, EXW or DAP. Documentation: material certificates and first-article inspection as agreed. We do not claim management-system certifications we do not yet hold.
Ordering and terms
What is the minimum order quantity?
One piece for machined and turned parts. There is no tooling charge on machined work, so a prototype and a small production run use the same process — only the per-unit price changes with volume.
What does a quote include?
Every quote includes a price, a stated lead time in working days, and a written DFM note listing the features that drive cost. The review does not commit you to an order.
What is the production lead time?
Lead time is stated per order in working days, because it depends on material availability, quantity and the operations required. We do not quote a standard table for every part; the date you receive is the date we schedule to.
What are your payment terms?
Payment terms are confirmed per order and per customer. Terms for new accounts are agreed at the quotation stage rather than assumed.
Which shipping terms do you offer?
FOB Shenzhen by default, and EXW or DAP where you prefer. We provide the commercial invoice and country-of-origin details needed for customs entry in North America and Europe.
Can you sign an NDA?
Yes, before technical data is exchanged. We do not display customer parts, drawings, logos or project names in marketing material without written permission, and we do not manufacture competing products from customer designs.
Can I get samples before production?
Yes. Prototypes are machined on the same equipment as production, so the sample validates the actual process. Sample cost is quoted at prototype pricing.
What file formats do you accept?
STEP (.stp/.step) preferred, plus IGES, Parasolid X_T, SolidWorks and native drawings in PDF or DXF. A STEP model with a PDF drawing carrying GD&T is the most reliable combination; a model alone carries no tolerance information.
How do you handle a design revision?
Each revision receives a new part number with its own setup sheet and inspection record. Previous revisions are archived rather than overwritten, so a machine built last year can be reproduced exactly.
What happens if parts are out of specification?
We replace or credit them and issue a root-cause report rather than only a replacement. Where the nonconformance is ours, we cover the cost of sorting and expedited replacement, as stated in our terms of sale.
Capability and tolerances
How tight a tolerance can you hold?
General dimensions are typically held to ±0.05 mm. Tighter bands on critical features are confirmed by first-article inspection against your drawing rather than quoted as a blanket number, because achievable tolerance depends on feature size, material and setup count.
Do you provide material certificates?
Yes. Mill test reports are available with shipments, and heat-number traceability can be provided on request. Dimensional inspection reports accompany first-article parts.
What is the difference between CNC turning and Swiss turning?
CNC turning holds the bar in a chuck, so long slender parts can deflect. Swiss turning supports the workpiece close to the cutting tool, allowing high length-to-diameter ratios without chatter. We use the method suited to the part geometry rather than a single default.
Can you hold concentricity between two turned features?
Yes, when both features are machined in the same setup. If a second operation is required, concentricity depends on the clamping method, and we state the expected band at the DFM review rather than assume it.
Can you machine vacuum-compatible components?
Yes, for the mechanical hardware. Material grade and surface condition are selected for the vacuum environment, and we work to the cleanliness and packaging requirements you specify. Process-gas or ultra-high-vacuum validation remains your verification step.
Can you hold the tolerances needed for optical alignment?
Alignment-critical dimensions are confirmed by first-article inspection rather than assumed. We review the datum scheme at DFM and tell you which relationships are achievable repeatably before quoting.
Deeper explanations live in the knowledge base and the glossary. Drawing-specific questions are answered during the DFM review, which is free and does not commit you to an order.
Send drawings, get a review and a quote
Send a STEP file and a 2D drawing. You get a fixed-price quotation with lead time and a written DFM note — no obligation, and no sales call unless you ask for one.