Define the start and finish of the schedule
Before quoting a lead time, establish the drawing revision, tooling status, material, finish, quantity and required processing. The start may depend on drawing approval, receipt of mating components, payment confirmation or sample approval. State these conditions in the order so that both parties use the same starting point.
Factory readiness means the accepted goods are packed and available under the agreed collection arrangements. It does not mean arrival at the buyer's site. Add the confirmed booking, transport and destination-handling periods separately, and distinguish an estimated planning window from an agreed delivery commitment.
Review each manufacturing stage
The following windows illustrate individual stages for suitable work. They are not a guaranteed combined lead time: stages may be scheduled separately, some preparation may overlap, and approval or correction can add time. Confirm whether the quotation uses working or calendar days.
| Stage | Main activities | Indicative planning window | Items to resolve early |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawing and die review | Manufacturability, mating features and finished clearances | 1–2 days for a complete, straightforward review | Missing dimensions, components or unsigned drawings |
| Die manufacture | Die machining and the required tooling preparation | 7–10 days for suitable tooling | Complex cavities and design changes |
| First extrusion trial and samples | Trial extrusion, measurements, finishing and fit checks | 3–5 days for suitable trial work | Corrections, finishing slots, courier time and customer approval |
| Bulk extrusion and aging | Heating, extrusion, cooling, stretching and aging | 4–7 days for an agreed production run | Quantity, alloy mix and available press capacity |
| Finishing and fabrication | Coating, thermal-break assembly, cutting or other processing | 4–8 days for the agreed scope | Special colors, partner operations and complex machining |
| Final inspection and packing | Release inspection, protection, labels and packing | 1–2 days for a prepared order | Packing changes, unresolved inspection points and loading arrangements |
Approve mating parts before the first trial
A gasket or roller revealed after trial extrusion can require a die correction and another sample cycle. Supply these parts, or their verified dimensions, during the drawing review. Confirm coating allowances and the condition in which fit must be checked before the tool is commissioned.
Decide how samples will be approved. Measurement reports, photographs and live video can answer some questions while physical samples are in transit, but they should not bypass an agreed physical fit test or safety-related assessment. Written approval should identify the sample and drawing revision being released.
Coordinate colors, processing and production capacity
Several small color batches require more changeovers than a consolidated approved finish. Special-order powder and complex machining can introduce additional steps. Group compatible quantities where practical, or discuss staged releases if the project can receive different items at different times.
Guantian has seven extrusion lines and two in-house powder-coating and wood-grain lines. Extrusion, coating, thermal-break assembly and standard cutting can therefore be coordinated within the manufacturing plan. Anodizing and more complex CNC operations are arranged with partners. Capacity helps scheduling, but the actual release date still depends on the order and available production slots.
Distinguish repeat orders, stock purchases and urgent changes
A repeat order using suitable approved dies avoids the initial tooling-development cycle, but still needs a check of die condition, quantity, finish and schedule. A 7–12 day repeat-order window may be feasible for some requirements; it should be confirmed rather than treated as an automatic service level.
Available warehouse items may be prepared for collection in one to three days after payment and order confirmation, subject to actual stock and packing needs. For an urgent quantity increase or earlier delivery request, the account manager coordinates with production and confirms the revised plan. Do not assume that an extra quantity can enter an existing run without affecting other milestones.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a first custom order take overall?
The total depends on tooling, trial results, finishing, customer approval and capacity. Ask for a dated milestone plan covering the complete scope instead of adding together unrelated headline estimates.
Can you help with a fixed installation deadline?
Yes. Share the required arrival date, destination and acceptable delivery stages early. We will review production and collection milestones with you so that freight can be planned separately.
Send your drawings, quantities and target delivery date on WhatsApp. We will review the required approvals and prepare a practical production milestone plan before the order is confirmed.