When you’re planning a product launch or trying to meet a critical production schedule, delays aren’t just frustrating—they’re expensive. So how long does it actually take to get custom metal parts made? And what causes things to slow down?
Let’s break it down, with real-world timelines and examples to help you plan ahead.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Make Custom Metal Parts?
The typical lead time for custom metal parts1 ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on factors like process, material, and complexity.
- Quick CNC prototypes2: Often delivered in 3–7 business days
- Sheet metal samples: Usually ready in 5–10 days
- Die casting or stamping (with tooling): Expect 3–6 weeks
- Parts needing extra finishing: Add 3–7 more days
🧩 Example: One consumer electronics client received CNC prototypes2 in just 4 days—but switched to die casting for production, which extended delivery to 6 weeks due to tooling.
What Factors Affect Lead Time the Most?
Several hidden elements can extend your timeline—even if the design is ready.
- Material availability: Non-standard alloys or thicknesses can delay production by 1–2 weeks
- Part complexity: More holes, tighter tolerances, or deep cavities need more time
- Tooling requirements: Die design for stamping or casting can add 2–4 weeks
- Surface finishes: Anodizing, powder coating, and plating often extend timelines
- Order volume: Larger batches increase cycle time and setup requirements
💬 In short: The simpler your design and the more standard your materials, the faster your parts will arrive.
How Can You Reduce Lead Time for Your Metal Components?
If you’re under tight timelines, try these proven strategies:
- Stick to standard materials and finishes
- Avoid excessive tight tolerances unless functionally necessary
- Design with manufacturability in mind (e.g., fewer setups, standard bends)
- Submit production-ready CAD files3 (STEP, IGES, or 2D with full dimensions)
- Approve prototype samples quickly to keep the process moving
🚀 Working with a single supplier who does everything in-house—from machining to finishing—can significantly speed up the overall cycle.
How Do Prototyping and Production Timelines Compare?
If you just need a quick prototype to test your design, CNC or laser cutting shops can often deliver in 3–10 days.
But for mass production, lead times stretch to 4–6 weeks due to:
- Tooling design and fabrication
- First-article inspection (FAI) and approvals
- Full production run setup
- Packaging and shipping
📌 Plan for an extra 1–2 weeks on your first production batch, especially for new product launches.
How Does Shipping Affect Lead Time?
Production might finish on time, but shipping can still ruin your schedule.
- Domestic courier shipping: 1–3 days
- Air freight (international): 3–7 days
- Sea freight: 20–45 days depending on origin, destination, and customs
📦 Fast-track logistics (e.g., DHL, FedEx Priority) can shorten delivery—but usually at a higher cost. Ask for split shipments if speed matters more than cost.
💬 “Production’s done, but shipping’s stuck”—a delay too many customers don’t see coming.
Do Different Manufacturing Processes Have Different Lead Times?
Yes—and choosing the right process upfront can make or break your schedule.
Common Metal Fabrication Methods and Their Typical Lead Times:
| Manufacturing Method | Typical Lead Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | 3–10 business days | Fast for prototypes and low volumes |
| Sheet Metal Fabrication | 5–12 business days | Good for enclosures, brackets, frames |
| Metal Stamping | 3–6 weeks (with tooling) | Economical for high volumes |
| Die Casting | 4–8 weeks | Best for complex, high-volume metal parts |
| Metal 3D Printing | 7–14 days | Ideal for rapid prototyping, expensive for scale |
🔁 Switching from CNC to stamping or die casting? Factor in time for tooling design and validation.
How Do Surface Finishes Impact Delivery Time?
Common Metal Surface Finishes and How They Affect Lead Time:
| Surface Finish | Additional Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anodizing | 2–4 days | Popular for aluminum, adds corrosion resistance |
| Powder Coating | 3–5 days | Requires cleaning, masking, and curing |
| Electroplating | 4–7 days | Chrome, nickel, or zinc coatings need pretreatment |
| Passivation | 1–2 days | Used on stainless steel for added corrosion resistance |
| Polishing / Brushing | 2–5 days | Adds time for manual finishing or automated brushing |
💡 Surface treatments often happen off-site—so even if machining is done, your part isn’t finished yet.
What Should You Ask Suppliers About Lead Time?
Before placing an order, be sure to clarify:
- What is your current turnaround time for this process?
- Is this material readily available or special-order?
- Do you outsource any finishing steps?
- Can I get an express prototype for approval before full production?
- Do you offer expedited or partial shipments?
📋 Clear questions lead to predictable results. Don’t assume—confirm.
⏱️ Need Fast Custom Metal Parts? Get a Free Lead Time Analysis
Want to know how quickly your parts can be delivered based on your specs?
📎 Upload your STEP, IGES, or PDF drawings, and we’ll get back to you in 1–2 business days with:
- Recommended process (e.g. CNC, stamping, die casting)
- Realistic lead time estimate based on quantity and complexity
- Suggestions to reduce delays (e.g. simplify features or combine operations)
👉 Request a Free Quote or Lead Time Check
