I. Initial Communication: Provide Complete Requirements (Quotation & Mold Design Basis)
1. Product Data (Choose one from three options; the more complete and accurate, the better)
3D Drawings: STEP/IGS/SolidWorks/UG preferred; can be used directly for mold process layout.
2D Engineering Drawings: Mark all shapes, hole diameters, bending dimensions, tolerances, and material thickness.
Physical Samples: Send a physical sample; the factory will measure and create a drawing. If no physical sample is available, provide clear multi-angle photos + manually measured key dimensions.
2. Material Specification (Determines stamping difficulty, cost, and rust prevention)
Optional: Cold-rolled SPCC, galvanized SGCC, stainless steel 304/316, aluminum alloy 5052/6061, brass/phosphor bronze, high-strength automotive steel; Plate thickness must be specified.
3. Production and Usage Requirements
Monthly/Annual Demand: Differentiated between small-batch sampling, medium-batch, and large-batch production (determining mold selection: single-operation mold/compound mold/progressive mold);
Precision Requirements: Standard ±0.1mm / Precision ±0.02mm / Fine blanking with no tear-resistant surfaces;
Surface Standards: No burrs, no scratches, no deformation;
Post-processing Requirements: Blackening, zinc plating, nickel plating, tin plating, anodizing, powder coating, wire drawing and polishing;
Environmental Testing: RoHS compliant, salt spray test (48h/100h/200h);
Assembly and Assembly: Tapping, rivet nuts, spot welding, multi-stage bending forming required;
4. Business Agreements
Is a brand new, custom-made mold required? Mold ownership (customer buyout/factory management);
Sample quantity, sample delivery date, mass production delivery date;
Packaging Requirements: Individual PE bags, cartons, pallet export packaging.
II. Factory Solution Evaluation and Quotation
Process engineer breaks down the stamping process: blanking, punching, bending, deep drawing, flanging, trimming, etc.
Recommended matching mold solutions:
Small sample production (hundreds of pieces): Simple single-operation mold, low mold opening cost;
Medium batch production (tens of thousands of pieces): Compound mold, one-time forming of multiple processes;
Long-term orders (over 100,000 pieces): Progressive die, fast production speed, lower unit price;
Itemized quotation:
Mold fee (one-time);
Stamping unit material cost + processing fee;
Surface treatment fee, packaging fee, logistics fee;
The quotation will also indicate the mold life and warranty period.
III. Contract Confirmation and Payment
A custom processing contract will be signed, specifying: drawing confidentiality, dimensional tolerance standards, sample acceptance criteria, mold ownership, delays, and compensation clauses for defective products.
Standard payment terms:
New mold opening: 50% mold deposit; final payment upon successful sample confirmation;
Mass production orders: 30% deposit;
Repurchase of existing mold products: 30% production deposit.
IV. Mold Design and Manufacturing (if a completely new custom mold is required)
3D mold structure drawing and stamping layout drawing will be provided to the customer for verification;
Mold steel blanking, CNC machining, wire cutting, heat treatment, grinding, and assembly;
Simple bracket mold cycle: 7–12 days;
Complex deep drawing, multi-station progressive dies: 15–30 days;
Initial mold trial stamping to produce a preliminary sample.
V. Sample Confirmation (Core Acceptance Step for Customization)
The factory inspects all dimensions, appearance, hardness, and plating of the sample; a dimensional inspection report is attached.
Samples are sent to the customer for actual testing and assembly.
If issues such as springback, dimensional deviations, burrs, or cracks are found, the factory will modify the mold free of charge and conduct trial molding until the sample fully meets the requirements.
Mass production can only begin after the customer issues a written/online sample confirmation form.
VI. Mass Production and Quality Inspection Delivery
First-piece full inspection before mass production, in-process inspection, and final inspection before shipment.
Electroplating, spraying, tapping, and secondary assembly processing are completed as needed.
Packaging is done according to export standards, with a shipping list and quality inspection report attached.
Logistics delivery; the mold is properly stored in the factory, and subsequent reorders can be directly put into production without the need for repeated mold opening.
VII. After-Sales Reorders
Molds are permanently retained, allowing customers to place orders at any time, significantly shortening delivery time. Long-term cooperation includes regular free mold maintenance to stabilize product dimensions. Product modifications only require modification of the mold core, eliminating the need for a complete mold rebuild, resulting in lower costs.
Here are the two customization options:
ODM Customization (Customer only has requirements, no drawings or samples): The factory designs product drawings based on your usage scenario, installation dimensions, load-bearing capacity, and rust prevention requirements. After confirmation, molds are opened for production.
OEM Customization (Customer provides drawings/samples): The product is manufactured to the exact dimensions, structure, and materials specified by the customer. The factory is only responsible for stamping and surface treatment.