OEM / ODM
From Drawing to Mass Production in Six Steps
Both product lines — fiber patch cords and USB-C / electronic connectors — run through the same disciplined sequence. You always know which step we are on, what we need from you, and what you will receive at the end of it.
- Written DFM feedback before you commit to tooling
- First samples typically in about seven days
- Tooling fee quoted openly, amortisable against volume
- NDA signed before drawings are shared, on request
The process
Six steps, clearly owned
- 01
Send your requirement
Same day
Email a drawing (PDF, DXF or STEP), a photo, a datasheet, or post us a physical sample. Tell us the target quantity and any deadline you are working to.
You send: drawing, photo, sample or written specification.
- 02
DFM review & quotation
1–2 working days
Our engineers check manufacturability, tolerance stack-up, materials and process. You receive written DFM feedback plus a costed quote covering tooling, unit price and lead time.
You receive: DFM notes, tooling cost, unit price, lead time.
- 03
Order confirmation & tooling
Varies by tool
Once the tooling approach is agreed, we start mould development in our own shop. You approve the drawing freeze before cutting begins.
You receive: frozen drawing, tooling schedule, PO acknowledgement.
- 04
Prototyping
About 7 days
First articles are produced from the new tooling and inspected. For fiber projects this is a pre-production run with full optical test data.
You receive: sample units plus dimensional and optical test data.
- 05
Sample approval
Your schedule
You test the samples against your own requirements. Any change is captured as a documented revision — the golden sample is signed off before volume begins.
You sign off: golden sample and revision record.
- 06
Mass production & QC
Per agreed schedule
Batch production with in-line checks and final inspection, then packing to your artwork and carton-marking instructions, and shipment.
You receive: goods, inspection report and test report.
Tooling fee — how it works
Connectors and moulded cable ends cannot be produced without a mould, and a mould is real engineering and machining work. We charge for it, we show you what it covers, and we make it recoverable on volume.
- Tooling is quoted separately and itemised — no hidden addition to unit price
- The mould is developed in our own shop, so change control stays fast
- Tooling cost can be amortised into unit price or rebated at agreed volumes
- Your tooling is dedicated to your part and not reused for other customers
- Repair and maintenance of the tool during the project is our responsibility
Confidentiality and NDA
Drawings and samples are commercially sensitive. We treat them that way by default, and we will formalise it whenever you need.
- Mutual NDA signed before drawings are exchanged, if you require it
- Project files are restricted to the engineers working on your part
- Your branding, artwork and housing design are never reused for other clients
- No photographs or case studies published without written approval
- Samples and tooling returned or scrapped on request at project close
Send us your NDA template, or ask for ours — whichever is faster for your legal team.
Lead times
Typical timings, honestly stated
Every project is different, but these are the ranges we plan against. We confirm actual dates in writing at the quotation stage, not after you place the order.
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| DFM feedback and quotation | 1–2 working days |
| New mould / tooling development | Typically 2–4 weeks, tool dependent |
| First samples from new tooling | About 7 days after tooling is ready |
| Fiber patch cord pre-production samples | 3–7 working days |
| Mass production, standard patch cords | 7–15 working days depending on quantity |
What to include in your first message
The more of this you can send, the faster step two finishes — but do not let a missing item stop you from writing. We will ask for whatever is still needed.
- Product description, or the drawing / photo / sample itself
- Target quantity, and whether it is a one-off or recurring order
- Any standard you must meet (USB-IF, RoHS, REACH, customer spec)
- Materials or finishes you already know you want
- Delivery destination and required date
- Whether you need an NDA in place first
Talk to an engineer
Enquiries are answered by the engineering team, not a call centre.
Start an enquirySend the first message today — DFM feedback within two working days
Attach a drawing, photo or datasheet. We reply with manufacturability notes, tooling cost, unit price and a realistic schedule.