Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While we’re happy to collaborate with you to create an exceptional prototype, unfortunately, we can’t provide free samples of custom parts simply because of the engineering time and cost of materials involved (see Prototyping process below). We do, however, offer no-cost samples of our standard products (provided that you cover shipping costs).
We encourage using our custom Online Quote Form to help you identify and communicate your requirements quickly and precisely. Depending on your needs, we’ll respond with either a Ballpark estimate (a day or two) or a Firm Quotation (typically within a week)
A qualified Ballpark estimate (often requested for bid purposes) is based on a similar design from our vast database of custom products. We can usually turn pricing around within a day, although this generally does not include lead-time for delivery or any “minimum-buys” for the material.
For a Firm Quote, one of our engineers must perform calculations (often including multiple iterations) to satisfy your physical and electrical requirements. Following this, the designer will draft a physical layout, detailed assembly & labor instructions, and a Bill of Material (including drawings for custom materials) for costing purposes.
After the hardware requirements are validated. We will estimate the cost of software service. This will include the platform, hosting and maintenance cost.
Once these steps are completed, our sales representative will issue a formal quotation including part pricing, NRE fees & tooling or other charges (as applicable) and lead-time to the best of their knowledge.
We strive to meet your targeted request date for samples, and most times, samples are available from our inventories of sample stock. Turnaround time is measured in days for products that may not be in our sample stock program. In some isolated instances typically relevant to custom products designed for our customer’s applications, special raw materials may need to be brought in for samples.
Our highly trained quality control staff will inspect and test all parts at various stages throughout and following production. Prototypes are subjected to additional scrutiny by the designer and a professional quality assurance specialist against your specifications. Once the prototype meets your requirements and our stringent internal standards are satisfied, we’ll ship the part according to your specified methods. No prototype or custom part leaves our facility without a detailed Certificate of Compliance.