Production Capacity, Lead Times & Process Capabilities
At SkillsProto, our factory network in Shenzhen runs multiple processes in parallel — so we can quote CNC, sheet metal, moulded parts and FRP composites in one project, with one quality gate and one lead time.
If you have a mixed-process assembly that needs CNC brackets, sheet metal panels and moulded clips in one shipment, we are set up for that.
Typical lead times (working days after order confirmation)
| Service | Prototype (1–10 pcs) | Small Batch (10–200 pcs) | Production (500+ pcs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | 3–7 days | 5–10 days | 7–15 days |
| Sheet metal fabrication | 5–10 days | 7–12 days | 10–20 days |
| 3D printing (SLA / SLS / MJF) | 2–5 days | 3–7 days | 5–10 days |
| Vacuum casting | 5–10 days | 7–12 days | N/A |
| Injection moulding (aluminium tool) | 10–15 days | 15–20 days | 20–30 days |
| Injection moulding (steel tool) | 25–35 days | 30–40 days | 40–60 days |
| Die casting | N/A | 30–45 days (incl. tooling) | 45–60 days |
| FRP / composites | 7–15 days | 10–20 days | 15–30 days |
Lead times include DFM review, programming, tooling setup, production and inspection. Express options are available for time-critical projects.
Monthly production capacity
| Process | Monthly Capacity (typical) |
|---|---|
| CNC machining | 50,000+ parts |
| Sheet metal | 20,000+ parts |
| Injection moulding | 500,000+ parts (across our tool fleet) |
| Vacuum casting | 5,000+ parts |
| Die casting | 100,000+ parts |
| 3D printing (SLA/SLS/MJF) | 10,000+ parts |
| FRP composites | 5,000+ parts |
Capacity scales with order volume and lead time. For high-volume projects, tooling is built ahead and production is scheduled to your call-off.
Quality assurance
- ISO 9001 certified factory network.
- First Article Inspection (FAI) on every new tool or first production run — dimensional report + CMM layout on request.
- In-process inspection at every key stage — visual, dimensional, cosmetic.
- Final inspection before packing — AQL sampling per your spec or industry standard.
- Material certificates available on request for traceable batches.
- NDA support — your CAD and IP are protected; we are happy to sign your NDA.
Shipping & logistics
- DDP / DDU / FOB to your preferred UK or EU destination.
- Customs documentation handled — commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin, EUR1 (if applicable).
- Air freight for prototypes and small batches (3–5 days).
- Sea freight for production volumes (30–35 days to UK / EU).
- Courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS) for samples and small urgent shipments (2–4 days).
- EU warehouse available — talk to us about buffer stock and call-off orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is your fastest prototype lead time? A: 3D printing SLA in 2 days; CNC in 3 days. Express options are available — talk to us about your deadline.
Q2: Do you handle customs clearance for UK shipments? A: Yes — we ship DDP (delivered duty paid) with all customs documentation handled.
Q3: Can you hold buffer stock for us? A: Yes — we can hold agreed buffer stock in our Shenzhen warehouse or EU warehouse and ship to your call-off.
Q4: Do you provide traceability? A: Yes — material certificates, batch tracking, FAI reports and inspection records are available on request.