Welcome to Pengce Metal! We believe that every successful project starts with a clear, transparent, and predictable process. To help you understand what to expect when you partner with us, we've created this new client guide. This document will serve as your roadmap, outlining our step-by-step onboarding process from your first inquiry to the final delivery. Our goal is to make it easy for you to start a project with confidence.
Step 1: Initial Contact and Project Review (RFQ)
Our journey together begins the moment you reach out to us with your project idea.
Submitting Your Design and Requirements
The first step is for you to send us your Request for Quote (RFQ). This should ideally include your 2D and/or 3D drawings, the specified material and thickness, the estimated annual or batch quantity, and any required secondary operations or finishes.
Our Free DFM and Quote Process
Our engineering team will conduct a free Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review of your part. We then provide a detailed, itemized quote that clearly outlines the tooling and per-part costs. This quote process is typically completed within 1-2 business days.
Step 2: Order Confirmation and Project Kick-Off
Once you are ready to move forward, we formalize our partnership and officially launch the project.
Finalizing the Details and Issuing the Purchase Order (PO)
We will work with you to finalize any remaining details. Once everything is confirmed, you issue a formal Purchase Order (PO) for the tooling and any initial sample parts. This PO serves as the official start of the project.
Assigning a Dedicated Project Contact Person
Upon receiving the PO, we will assign a dedicated contact person from our team to your project. This individual will be your primary point of communication, providing updates and answering any questions you have throughout the entire process.
Step 3: Tooling Design and Fabrication
This is where we build the heart of the manufacturing process: your custom die.
Detailed Die Design and Your Approval
Our engineers will create a detailed tooling design for your part. We will send this design to you for a final review and approval before any steel is cut. This ensures you have full visibility and control.
The Manufacturing of Your Custom Stamping Die
Once the design is approved, our skilled toolmakers begin the process of fabricating your custom stamping die. We use high-precision equipment to ensure the tool is built to the highest standards of quality and durability.
Step 4: First Article Inspection (FAI) and Sample Approval
Before starting mass production, we must verify that the tool is perfect. This is the critical sample approval stage.
Producing the First Samples from Your New Tool
We will run the first material through your new tool to produce a set of First Article Inspection (FAI) samples. These are the "golden samples" that represent the final production quality.
Our Internal Inspection and Your Final Approval
Our quality team will conduct a thorough inspection of these samples and provide you with a detailed FAI report. We will then ship the physical samples to you for your own testing and final, formal approval.
Step 5: Mass Production and Quality Assurance
With your approval of the FAI samples, we are ready to begin mass production.
Scheduling and Running Your Production Order
We will schedule your production run based on the agreed-upon lead time. Our production team will then run your order on our modern, high-speed stamping presses.
Ongoing In-Process Quality Control
Throughout the production run, our quality team performs regular in-process checks to ensure that every part continues to meet the standards set by the approved FAI sample. Learn more about our full QC process here.
Step 6: Finishing, Packaging, and Shipping
The final step is to prepare your parts for a safe journey to your facility.
Applying Any Required Secondary Operations
If your part requires any secondary operations such as deburring, plating, or assembly, this is performed after the stamping process.
Secure Packaging and International Logistics
We carefully package your parts to protect them during transit. Our logistics team then handles all the necessary documentation and arrangements to ship your order to your door, anywhere in the world.
A Partnership Built on Clarity and Trust
Our entire onboarding process is designed to be clear, logical, and transparent. We believe that by giving you visibility and control at every key stage, we can build a long-term partnership founded on trust. Does this process seem clear and straightforward? Is there any step you'd like to know more about? Let us know in the comments!
Your Questions About Partnering with Us Answered
What are your payment terms for tooling and production?Typically, our payment terms for new tooling involve a partial payment upfront to kick off the project (e.g., 50%), with the remainder due upon your approval of the FAI samples. Production order terms can be discussed and agreed upon based on the project volume and our business relationship.
How do you handle communication with clients in different time zones? How do you handle communication?Our team is experienced in working with international clients. We are responsive on email and are flexible to schedule calls at a time that is convenient for you, whether it's early in our morning or late in our evening.
What if I need to make a change to my design after the project has started?We understand that changes can happen. If a design change is needed after the project kick-off, please contact your dedicated project contact immediately. We will assess the impact on the tooling and cost and work with you to find the most efficient solution.
What's the best way to start a project with Pengce Metal? What's the best way to start a project?The first step is easy. Simply go to our contact page and send us your drawings and project requirements. Our team will begin the project review and get back to you promptly. Click here to start your project with us today!