A simple turned brass part can often go from drawing to first samples in a few weeks. A forged or cast part takes longer, because the supplier must make a die or pattern first. Approval and corrections usually add more time than the machining itself.
These are typical patterns, not guarantees. Your timeline depends on the part, the supplier's workload and how quickly you answer questions and approve samples.
The stages
- Drawing review: the supplier checks the drawing, asks questions and confirms tolerances, alloy and finish.
- Quotation and agreement: price, tooling, samples and timeline are agreed in writing.
- Material: the supplier buys or confirms the bar or forging stock in the right grade and size.
- Tooling: form tools, cams or a forging die are made if needed.
- First samples: a small batch is machined, finished and measured.
- Your approval: you measure and test the samples, and send comments or approval.
- Corrections: tools or programmes are adjusted and new samples are made if needed.
- Pilot batch: a small production run confirms that the process holds.
What makes it slower
Forging dies are the biggest single delay for forged bodies. Special alloys such as DZR or lead-free brass may need a rod order from the mill. Plating adds time if the colour or thickness needs adjusting.
Unclear drawings cause the longest delays. Missing tolerances, old revisions or a thread named only as "1/2 inch" lead to rounds of questions. The checklist in what to send for an engineering quote avoids most of them.
Shipping samples by courier, then waiting for your own tests, can add a week or more on each loop. Testing samples in India before they are sent can shorten this.
Turned versus forged parts
For a turned part, the supplier mainly needs bar, tools and a programme or cam set. Samples can follow quickly once the drawing is agreed. Most of the time goes into measuring and approval.
For a forged part, the die has to be designed, machined and tried before any blanks exist. The first forgings may need die corrections for flash, fill or cracks. Only then can machining and plating start. Ask the supplier for a dated plan that shows the die trial as a separate step, and agree who owns the die, as covered in tooling cost and ownership.
How to keep it short
- Send a complete, current drawing with the alloy, finish and critical dimensions marked.
- Agree a sample quantity large enough to measure the spread, not just one part.
- Ask for a full dimensional report with the samples, as described in what a first article inspection is.
- Reply to questions within a day or two, and name one person who can approve.
- Plan the pilot batch before samples are approved, so material is ready.
Next step
We find suitable manufacturers, check samples in India and follow the timeline with the factory. To plan development of your part, book a free sourcing review.