Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about manufacturing.
General Service QA
What type of design files can you accept?
We accept 3D CAD files in STL, STP, STEP, OBJ IGS or IGES format and 2D drawings(jpg, png, gif, bmp, pdf) with dimensional details and specific manufacturing requirements.
How long does it take to get a pricing quote?
We respond within 2 hours after your request. DFMA analytics and Princing quote will be send within 24 hours. If the quote is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Can I use my master model for making duplicate copies for vacuum casting or CNC machining?
Yes, master models are used to create silicone molds for vacuum casting and can be made from any rigid solid that can withstand heat up to 100 °C. Models used for CNC machining will be 3D scanned to create a CAD/CAM program for production.
How quickly can I get my parts?
Quality parts less than 1000pcs can be made in as fast as one week if you provide complete 2D and 3D CAD models. More complex parts requiring other special features will take longer. As for shipping, most of our shipments are via air freight, which can take 5-7 days from China to Europe or North America.
How do we protect your data and intellectual property?
We respect your intellectual property. None of your information, images, files or likenesses will be shared with any third party, and it will not be used for any advertising, marketing, or promotional use without your explicit written authorization. If you would like to sign NDA agreement, please contact our team for support.
How about the quality guarantee policy?
We follow the ISO/IATF standard and guarantee that we will rework the products or refund them if there are any quality problems. The full-dimensional report, material certification, or first article inspection are provided on request before order placement.
CNC Machining
What is cnc machining?
CNC machining is a process of cutting and shaping metal, wood and other materials with the help of computers. There are various types of CNC machines that are used for different processes such as routing, milling, engraving and turning.
What is types of CNC machine?
The most common types of CNC machine include CNC Lathes and Turning Machines, CNC Milling Machines, CNC Grinding Machines, CNC Laser Cutting Machines, CNC Electrical Discharge Machines(EDM), CNC Water-jet Cutting Machine.
How cnc machining works?
CNC machining is controled by a computer, it takes design from a computer software and then uses the 3-axis or 5-axis milling/turning tool to precisely cut away at the material until the desired component is produced.
How much does cnc machining cost?
The price of CNC machining per hour can be as low as $10 or as high as $200 per hour depending on the type of material and cnc machine being used.
What material does cnc machining use?
Plastic: ABS, PC, ABS+PC, PP, PS, POM, PMMA (Acrylic), PAGF30, PCGF30, Teflon, DHPE, HDPE, PPS, PEEK.
Metal: Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel (17-4, Inconel 625 & 718), Magnesium, Titanium, Zinc, Brass, Bronze, Copper.
The materials above are the most common materials for CNC machining. Besides, we can work with any type of machinable plastic and metal that can be purchased from the market.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
What is sheet metal fabrication?
Sheet metal fabrication is the technique of creating metal pieces out of a single sheet of material.
What is the sheet metal fabrication process?
Sheet metal fabrication involves cutting, bending and assembling processes to fabricate a sheet metal workpiece into a final product. A wide range of procedures exist which are used in processing sheet metal. As a general rule, these processes can be grouped into “cutting” and “deforming” categories.
Injection Molding
What is Injection Molding?
Injection molding is a method of producing molded products by injecting molten plastic materials into a mold, then cooling and solidifying them. The method is well suited for mass production of products with complex shapes, and it is widely used in the field of plastic processing.
What is injection molding used for?
Injection molding is a manufacturing process that allows for parts to be produced in large volumes. It works by injecting molten materials into a mold (mould). It is most typically used in mass-production processes where the same part is being created thousands or even millions of times in succession.
Urethane Vacuum Casting
What is Urethane Vacuum Casting?
The vacuum casting process refers to the production of plastic or rubber components from silicone molds under vacuum. Vacuum cast parts are dimensionally accurate, precise replicas of the master pattern, with profiles and texture faithfully reproduced.
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing
What is 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing?
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a manufacturing process that turns a digital model file into a physical object. The technology works by layering material on top of material to create a complete object.
Surface Finish
What is Surface Finish?
Surface finish or surface treatment is an additional process applied to the surface of a material for the purpose of adding functions such as rust and wear resistance or improving the decorative properties to enhance its appearance.
What is A2 Surface Finish?
SPI A2 is slightly finer than A1 and RA.1-2 made by #6 diamond buff.
SPI (Society of Plastic Industry) standards chart:
Finish | SPI* standard | Finishing Method | Typical surface roughness Ra (μm) |
---|---|---|---|
Super High Glossy finish | A-1 | Grade #3, 6000 Grit Diamond Buff | 0.012 to 0.025 |
High Glossy finish | A-2 | Grade #6, 3000 Grit Diamond Buff | 0.025 to 0.05 |
Normal Glossy finish | A-3 | Grade #15, 1200 Grit Diamond Buff | 0.05 to 0.10 |
Fine Semi-glossy finish | B-1 | 600 Grit Paper | 0.05 to 0.10 |
Medium Semi-glossy finish | B-2 | 400 Grit Paper | 0.10 to 0.15 |
Normal Semi-glossy finish | B-3 | 320 Grit Paper | 0.28 to 0.32 |
Fine Matte finish | C-1 | 600 Grit Stone | 0.35 to 0.40 |
Medium Matte finish | C-2 | 400 Grit Stone | 0.45 to 0.55 |
Normal Matte finish | C-3 | 320 Grit Stone | 0.63 to 0.70 |
Satin Textured finish | D-1 | Dry Blast Glass Bead #11 | 0.80 to 1.00 |
Dull Textured finish | D-2 | Dry Blast #240 Oxide | 1.00 to 2.80 |
Rough Textured finish | D-3 | Dry Blast #24 Oxide | 3.20 to 18.0 |
As machined | - | Finished to the machinist's discretion | 3.20 (with visible machining marks) |
On-demand Manufacturing Service
LEADRP provides high-quality prototypes and on-demand manufacturing service with exceptional customer support and quick turnaround times since 2006. Click to tell us your project or contact us for more information.