Die Casting Sample Lead Time: RFQ to Parts in Hand

The most common timeline disappointment: an engineer expects samples in 3 weeks because the quotation came back in 2 days. Die casting samples take 5-14 weeks depending on tooling type and complexity. Here is every phase, with realistic durations.

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Phase 1: RFQ and Quotation -2-3 days

Submit drawing -> KastMfg returns quotation + DFM report.

What slows it: Incomplete drawings (missing tolerances, no material spec), very complex multi-part programs, DFM issues requiring clarifying questions before quoting.

What helps: STEP file + 2D PDF with all tolerances, annual volume estimate, testing requirements stated upfront.

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Phase 2: PO and Tooling Start -3-5 days

Approve quotation + issue PO + pay tooling deposit. KastMfg releases tooling to design.

Note: Wire transfers internationally take 2-3 business days. Tooling does not start until deposit clears.

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Phase 3: Tooling Fabrication -the longest phase

Tool Type	Steel	Duration from Design Approval
Prototype, simple	P20	2-4 weeks
Prototype, 1 slide	P20	3-5 weeks
Production, simple	H13	4-6 weeks
Production, medium	H13	5-8 weeks
Production, complex	H13	7- weeks
4-cavity production	H13	7-10 weeks

Tooling progress reports at 50% and 90% completion are available for programs with agreed milestone reporting.

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Phase 4: Trial and First Article -~1 week

• Trial run and parameter optimization: 1 day
• CMM first article inspection: 2-3 days
• Report preparation: 1- days
• Total: 4- days

If the trial reveals a tooling modification (gate, overflow, ejector pin): add 3-10 days depending on scope.

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Phase 5: Sample Shipping

Method	USA	Europe	Notes
DHL/FedEx Express	4- days	4- days	Standard for prototypes
Economy air	7-10 days	6- days	Cost saving on larger shipments
Ocean freight	20-30 days	28-35 days	Only for large first-article quantities

Always use express air for prototype samples -$150-400 cost is trivial relative to development program time.

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Total Lead Time (PO to Parts in Hand)

Scenario	Total
P20 prototype, simple, air freight	5-8 weeks
P20 prototype, medium, air freight	7- weeks
H13 production, simple, air freight	8-10 weeks
H13 production, medium, air freight	10-12 weeks
H13 production, complex, air freight	13-15 weeks

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How to Expedite

Prototype tooling: P20 saves 2-4 weeks vs H13 -use for design validation before production tooling commitment.

Express tooling: KastMfg offers expedited fabrication (simple single-cavity: 2-4 weeks for P20, 4 weeks for H13) at premium rate. Available on confirmed programs.

Parallel processing: Don't wait for one phase to complete before starting the next. Begin production order paperwork during first article approval. Review the tooling design in parallel with commercial confirmation.

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Planning for Production After Samples

First production delivery timeline from first-article approval:

• Production order + scheduling: 1-2 weeks
• Production run: 3-5 weeks
• Ocean freight: 20-25 days
• Customs + local delivery: 5-10 days

Total replenishment cycle: 10-14 weeks. Plan safety stock accordingly -8-10 weeks of consumption minimum.

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Timeline questions: casting@kastdiecast.com | +86 138 1403 4409

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