The China Custom Manufacturing Process

Making a completely new custom product is referred to as original design manufacturing (ODM) and the China custom manufacturing process is first-rate. Embarking in ODM is the process of taking your product concept or idea and turning it into a finished product.

ODM manufacturing is a complete process that involves:

• 3D Modeling and CAD Drawings
• Prototyping & Sampling
• Molding & Tooling
• Product Sourcing & Manufacturing
• Shipment and logistics
• Final delivery

Here at China Sourcing International (CSI), we collaborate with our clients on a regular basis on custom product manufacturing. The goal is to have a straightforward production schedule that is thorough, and comprehensive, and results in a product that exceeds the client’s expectations. 

For more information on this topic, see our post on how to source quality products from China as well as a beginner’s guide tp China product sourcing.

Our process at China Sourcing International for custom product manufacturing involves the following: 

1. Drawings 

The first part of the custom product process is to work with clients on the 3D AutoCAD drawing. While many different software platforms exist, most Chinese molders prefer using Pro Engineer, as they find it to be the most user friendly software that integrates with their molding machines. A good second option may be Solidworks; it works well on its own but not all vendors in China find that it is compatible with their programs.

2. Prototyping

In the past several years, 3D printing machines have become the norm over prototyping with resin. 3D printers can print out items within a single day whereas most legacy prototypes take about a week. Keep in mind that 3D printed pieces may require revisions and corrections; there is nothing wrong with prototyping with resin. In fact, this tends to be the best way to ensure that it comes out the way you want it.

After the CAD drawings are finished and the client is satisfied with them, the next step is for China Sourcing International to help make the prototype. Plastic prototypes are typically made of poly-resin. 

3.Product Molds

Following prototyping comes molding. Some clients prefer to go straight to the molding stage without a prototype, but we advise against this for time and cost-effectiveness. Having a prototype is useful for giving manufacturers guidance as they create molds. Prototypes help reduce the number of revisions needed and prevent manufacturing issues.  

The average molding process takes about 45 days but this timeline could be shortened with less complex projects. After the factory makes the mold, they inject it with a Test Shot One (T1) injection. This lets the factory see if there are any flash areas or areas that are undercut. Flash areas are places in which the plastic has extra residue. Seeing flash areas is a sign that the item needs to be deleted. An undercut is where the mold cannot come apart due to locking areas.

The T1 injected product will simultaneously be sent to the client for verification, during which the client will indicate if any changes need to be made. Amendments on molds are only for minimal changes; major changes may require additional work. Once the client and the factory identify which areas require amendments and rework them, the factory then makes these changes and begins a T2 injection. This all occurs within about 14 business days. This process continues until all parties are satisfied and the client gives the go-ahead for full production.

4.Manufacturing & Production

Upon the client confirming their satisfaction with the product, the vendor can begin the manufacturing process. Manufacturing and packaging standard products typically takes 30-45 days to complete and up to 60 days for more for large volume production or complex products like electronic parts manufacturing. Once manufacturing is complete and the client has inspected the product to the point of satisfaction, the manufacturer will ship the consignment to the client’s specified destination. 

Contact China Sourcing International

If you are looking to work with a trusted and reliable sourcing and manufacturing company to develop your custom products and help you boost your profits, China Sourcing International is the team to call. Find major cost savings, high-quality production, access to China’s best factories, and so much more when you work with us.

Contact us today to get started or call us at +1 (888) 915-1060

If you are not sure whether to use an agent or a global sourcing company like CSI, please check out our blog on the difference between a sourcing company vs an agent.

You might also like our article on How to Select A Product Sourcing Specialist in China.