The process in brief: Prepare your drawing → sign NDA → get a quote → confirm details → pay deposit → approve sample (for new parts) → production → final payment → shipment → receive and inspect. The whole cycle for a standard prototype is typically 2–4 weeks from first contact to delivery at your door.
What to Prepare Before You Contact a Factory
The more information you provide upfront, the faster and more accurate your quote will be. Before contacting a Chinese CNC factory, have the following ready:
- Drawing or sketch — CAD file (STEP, IGES, DXF), PDF technical drawing, or a hand sketch with dimensions. Even rough dimensions on paper are enough to get started.
- Material specification — what material you want (e.g. aluminum 6061-T6, stainless steel 304) or a description of what the part needs to do so the factory can advise.
- Quantity — prototype quantity (1–5 pieces) or production quantity. This significantly affects pricing.
- Critical tolerances — mark which dimensions are tight and must be held precisely. Leave non-critical dimensions at standard tolerance.
- Surface finish requirements — as-machined, anodized, plated, painted, or other finishing.
BATCH CNC MILLED ALUMINUM PARTS — EKINSUN FACTORY, GUANGDONG
The Process, Step by Step
Sign an NDA
Before sharing any proprietary design, request a Non-Disclosure Agreement. A professional factory agrees immediately. This is standard practice and costs nothing.
Send Your Drawing and Get a Quote
Email your drawing with material, quantity, and requirements. A professional factory responds within 24–48 hours with pricing and any technical questions. If they respond in minutes with a price but no questions — that is a warning sign.
Review the Quote Carefully
Check: material grade specified, tolerance callouts, surface finish, lead time, payment terms, and what happens if parts are non-conforming. Ask questions before confirming.
Pay Deposit and Confirm Production
Standard terms are 50% deposit before production, 50% before shipment. For first orders with a new supplier, this is normal and appropriate for both parties.
Approve Sample (Recommended for New Parts)
For any new part design, request a first article sample before full production. Review it against your drawing, confirm fit and function, then release the balance of the production run.
Final Payment and Shipment
Pay the balance after inspection photos are provided. DHL/FedEx/UPS Express from China to the USA, UK, or Germany typically takes 3–5 business days after dispatch.
Inspect Parts on Receipt
Check dimensions, surface finish, and critical features. Report any non-conformances with photos within 5–7 days. A professional factory will address genuine quality issues.
Typical Lead Times
| Part Type | Standard Lead Time | Express Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Simple turned part (shaft, bushing) | 5–7 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Standard CNC milled part | 7–10 business days | 5–7 business days |
| Complex multi-axis part | 10–15 business days | 7–10 business days |
| Part with surface treatment | +3–5 days for finishing | +2–3 days |
| Injection molded part (new mold) | 20–35 days (incl. tooling) | Not recommended |
| Injection molded (existing mold) | 10–20 days | 7–14 days |
| Shipping: China → USA/UK/Germany | 3–5 business days (DHL/FedEx) | 2–3 days (priority) |
Payment Methods and Terms
Most Chinese CNC factories accept the following payment methods:
- T/T (Telegraphic Transfer / Bank Wire) — most common for business orders. Typical terms: 50% deposit, 50% before shipment.
- PayPal — accepted by some factories for smaller orders. Factory usually adds 3–4% for PayPal fees.
- Alibaba Trade Assurance — provides buyer protection if you are sourcing through Alibaba platform.
- Western Union — less common, generally avoid for first-time orders.
For your first order with a new supplier, 50/50 T/T is standard and fair. It protects both parties — the factory knows they will be paid, and you know they will complete the order.
Red flag: A factory that asks for 100% payment upfront before you have any relationship or verified track record. Equally concerning: a factory that refuses any deposit at all. Standard 50/50 terms are the norm for a reason.
Common First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- Not specifying material grade — "aluminum" is not enough. Specify 6061-T6 or 7075-T6. "Stainless steel" should be 304 or 316L. The grade matters for properties and price.
- Specifying too tight tolerances everywhere — ±0.01mm on every dimension makes the part expensive. Reserve tight tolerances for dimensions that actually affect fit or function.
- No NDA before sharing designs — see our guide on protecting your IP.
- Choosing the cheapest quote — dramatically lower prices than other quotes usually mean the factory is cutting corners somewhere: material substitution, skipping inspection, or accepting parts that don't meet spec.
- Not requesting a first article sample — for new designs, always get a sample before committing to full production quantity.
- Ignoring packing — specify how you want parts packed, especially for precision parts that could be scratched or damaged in transit.
What to Check When Parts Arrive
When your first shipment arrives from a new supplier, do a thorough incoming inspection:
- Count parts against the packing list
- Check overall dimensions with calipers or measuring tape
- Verify critical dimensions with appropriate gauges
- Inspect surface finish quality (no burrs, machining marks, damage)
- Test-fit any threaded features
- Verify material certificate matches the specification
- Check for any visible defects: cracks, porosity, scratches, incorrect finishing
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard lead time is 7–15 business days after drawing approval and payment. Simple turned parts can be ready in 5–7 days; complex multi-axis parts take 15–25 days. Add 3–5 days for DHL/FedEx shipping to USA, UK, or Europe.
T/T bank transfer is most common for business orders, typically 50% deposit before production and 50% before shipment. PayPal is accepted for smaller orders with a 3–4% surcharge. Alibaba Trade Assurance provides buyer protection for platform orders.
Yes. Always do an incoming inspection — check dimensions, surface finish, part count, and material certificates. Report non-conformances with photos within 5–7 days of receipt. A professional factory will address genuine quality issues.
Yes, with the right precautions: sign an NDA, start with a non-critical prototype, use standard 50/50 payment terms, and verify the factory's credentials. The vast majority of orders from reputable Chinese manufacturers complete without problems.