Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Metal Fabrication
Everything global buyers usually ask before working with a Chinese metal fabrication factory — quotations, drawings, materials, tolerances, quality, MOQ, lead time, payment, shipping and after-sales.
Top Questions From Global Buyers
The six questions we are asked most often. Click any card to jump to the detailed answer.
Are you a factory?
Yes — factory-direct, with all main processes in-house.
How fast is a quote?
Most quotes within 24 working hours.
What is your MOQ?
No strict MOQ — prototypes and small batches welcome.
What tolerances?
Down to ±0.01 mm for CNC machined features.
Typical lead time?
Samples 3–15 days, production 10–45 days.
Is my drawing safe?
Yes — used only for your project, NDA available.
FAQ Categories
Company & Factory
Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory-direct manufacturer with our own workshops for cutting, forming, welding, CNC machining, surface finishing and assembly. You deal directly with the factory, which means better pricing, faster communication and full control of quality.
Where is your factory located?
Our factory is located in [Your City, Province], China, about [XX] minutes from [XX] International Airport. Our address and map are shown on the Contact Us page.
What services do you provide?
Sheet metal fabrication, steel structure fabrication, custom welding, CNC machining, custom metal product manufacturing and custom metal parts manufacturing — from single components to complete assemblies.
What industries do you serve?
Industrial machinery, construction and engineering, electrical equipment, equipment manufacturing, logistics and material handling, energy, agriculture and OEM/brand customers.
Can I visit or audit your factory?
Yes. On-site visits and third-party audits are welcome. Please contact us at least 3 days in advance so we can arrange pick-up and meetings. Live video factory tours are also available.
Which certifications do you have?
Our quality system is certified to [ISO 9001]. Welding and other certifications are listed on our About page. Certificate copies are available on request.
Quotation & Drawings
What information do you need for a quotation?
2D drawings or 3D models, material grade and thickness, quantity per order (and annual volume), surface treatment/color, tolerance or special requirements, and the destination country. The more complete the information, the more accurate the price.
Which drawing formats do you accept?
PDF, DWG, DXF, STEP/STP, IGS/IGES, X_T, SolidWorks files and Tekla IFC for steel structures. Excel BOM files, sketches and photos are also accepted for early-stage projects.
How long does it take to receive a quote?
Most quotations are sent within 24 working hours. Complex assemblies, steel structure projects or RFQs with many part numbers may take 2–3 working days.
Can you quote without drawings?
Yes. Send us photos, a sample or a sketch with key dimensions. Our engineers can create drawings for your approval before production.
Do you offer design or DFM support?
Yes. We review every drawing for manufacturability and often suggest changes to materials, bend radii, weld design or tolerances that reduce cost without affecting function.
Will you sign an NDA to protect my drawings?
Yes. Your drawings are used only for your project, never shared or sold, and we are happy to sign an NDA before you send files.
Is your price factory-direct?
Yes. As a manufacturer we price directly based on material, processing time, finishing and packaging, without middleman markups.
Materials & Processes
Which materials can you work with?
Carbon steel (Q235, Q355, A36, S235/S355), alloy steel (4140/42CrMo), galvanized steel, stainless steel (201, 304, 316/316L), aluminum (5052, 6061, 6063, 7075), brass and copper.
What thickness range can you process?
Sheet metal from 0.5 mm to 25 mm; steel plates for structures and weldments up to 80–100 mm.
What tolerances can you achieve?
Typical tolerances are ±0.1 mm for laser cutting, ±0.2 mm / ±0.5° for bending, ±0.01–0.05 mm for CNC machining and ±1 mm for large steel structure members. We confirm achievable tolerances during quotation.
Which welding methods do you use?
MIG/MAG, TIG, stick (SMAW), flux-cored, submerged arc (SAW), spot and stud welding, plus robotic welding for batch production.
What welding standards can you follow?
We can weld to AWS D1.1 / D1.2 / D1.6, ISO 3834, EN ISO 5817 quality levels, GB standards or your company specification.
What surface treatments do you offer?
Powder coating (any RAL color), wet painting, epoxy/PU systems, hot-dip galvanizing, zinc/nickel/chrome plating, anodizing, brushing, polishing, sandblasting and black oxide.
Can you provide complete assembled products?
Yes. We install hardware, PEM nuts, hinges, locks, wheels, glass and wiring, then test and pack the finished product.
Quality & Inspection
How do you control quality?
Incoming material inspection, first-article inspection, in-process patrol checks and final inspection based on your drawings. Critical dimensions can be controlled with SPC for volume production.
What inspection equipment do you have?
CMM, height gauges, calipers, micrometers, bore and thread gauges, angle gauges, roughness testers, hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, and UT/MT weld testing equipment.
What quality documents can you provide?
Inspection reports, material/mill certificates, weld inspection reports, coating reports, certificates of conformance and FAI. PPAP documents can be prepared on request.
Do you accept third-party inspection?
Yes. SGS, BV, TÜV, Intertek or your own inspectors are welcome before shipment.
Will I see the products before shipment?
Yes. We send detailed photos and videos of finished products and packaging, plus the inspection report, before every shipment.
What if there is a quality problem?
Send us photos and a description. We investigate the root cause, agree on a solution — rework, replacement or credit — and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Orders, Samples & Lead Time
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
There is no strict MOQ for most custom parts. We accept prototypes, small trial orders and mass production. For stamped parts and finished products, larger quantities give better unit prices.
Can you make samples first?
Yes. Samples are recommended for new projects. Sample costs are quoted separately and are often refundable against the first production order.
How long does sampling take?
Usually 3–7 days for laser-cut, bent and machined parts, 7–15 days for welded assemblies and finished products, and longer if stamping dies are required.
What is your production lead time?
Typically 10–25 days for sheet metal and machined parts, 15–30 days for welded assemblies and 20–45 days for steel structure projects, depending on complexity and quantity.
Can you handle urgent orders?
Yes, where capacity allows. Please tell us your required delivery date when you send the inquiry so we can plan production accordingly.
Do you support long-term supply and blanket orders?
Yes. We support annual agreements, blanket orders, safety stock and scheduled or call-off deliveries for repeat parts.
Who owns the tooling and fixtures?
Tooling paid for by the customer belongs to the customer. We maintain it free of charge during production and can ship it to you on request.
Pricing & Payment
What payment terms do you accept?
Usually T/T with 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment, or L/C at sight for larger orders. Flexible terms are available for long-term customers.
Which currencies do you accept?
USD is standard; EUR and RMB can also be accepted.
Do you give discounts for larger quantities?
Yes. Unit prices decrease with higher quantities, annual volumes and repeat orders. We can provide tiered quotations for different quantities.
How long is your quotation valid?
Quotations are normally valid for 30 days. Because steel prices fluctuate, long-term projects can include a material price adjustment clause.
Are there tooling or setup costs?
Laser cutting, bending and CNC machining usually require no tooling cost. Stamping dies and special welding fixtures are quoted separately and are one-time costs.
Packaging & Shipping
How do you package products for export?
According to product type: anti-rust oil or VCI bags, foam, cartons, plywood crates, steel frames or pallets. Steel structure members are numbered and bundled for containers or bulk shipping.
Which shipping terms do you offer?
EXW, FOB, CIF, CFR and DDP. We work with experienced forwarders for sea, air, rail and express shipping.
Can you ship to my country?
Yes. We have exported to customers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Which export documents do you provide?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (including Form E/A/FTA forms where applicable), and other documents as required.
Can you label or kit products to our requirements?
Yes. We can apply your part numbers, barcodes, logos and labels, and pack products by kit, project or delivery location.
After-Sales & Cooperation
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Products are guaranteed to meet the agreed drawings and specifications. Warranty terms are confirmed in the contract, typically 12 months against manufacturing defects.
Do you provide installation guidance for steel structures?
Yes. We supply erection drawings, bolt lists and installation instructions, and can arrange on-site technical supervision if required.
Can you develop OEM or ODM products for my brand?
Yes. We manufacture to your design (OEM) or develop products with you (ODM), including custom colors, logos, manuals and packaging.
Will you keep my designs exclusive?
Yes. Your designs, branded products and tooling are never sold or supplied to other customers.
How do we stay updated during production?
Your dedicated project manager sends regular progress updates with photos, and you can contact them by email, WhatsApp or WeChat at any time.
How To Get A Faster, More Accurate Quote
Experienced buyers save days of back-and-forth by preparing a complete RFQ package. Follow these tips to receive a precise price and lead time on the first reply.
Send 2D + 3D Files
A 3D model shows geometry; a 2D drawing shows tolerances and notes.
Specify Material & Finish
Grade, thickness, coating type and color affect price most.
Give Real Quantities
Order and annual volumes help us choose the most economical process.
Tolerance Where It Matters
Tight tolerances only on critical features keep cost down.
Typical Tolerances By Process
| Process | Typical Tolerance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Cutting | ±0.1 mm | Sheet & plate parts |
| CNC Bending | ±0.2 mm / ±0.5° | Formed sheet metal |
| CNC Machining | ±0.01 – 0.05 mm | Bores, threads, fits |
| Welded Assemblies | ±0.5 – 1 mm | Frames, bases |
| Steel Structure Members | ±1 – 2 mm | Beams, columns, trusses |
| Powder Coating | 60 – 120 μm | Indoor / outdoor parts |
For reference only — final tolerances are confirmed per drawing, material and part size.
Talk Directly With Our Engineering & Sales Team
Every inquiry is handled by a real person who understands metal fabrication — not a call center.
Didn't Find The Answer You Need?
Send us your question and, if you have them, your drawings. A project engineer will reply within 24 working hours — usually with practical suggestions, not just an answer.
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