FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Find answers about our manufacturing services, quotations, materials, lead times and quality control — so you can move your project forward with confidence.
- Manufacturing Services
- Quotes & Lead Times
- Materials & Finishes
- Quality & Delivery
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General Questions
Learn about our manufacturing services and how to start your project with HordRT.
What manufacturing services does HordRT offer?
HordRT provides rapid tooling, plastic injection molding, CNC machining, die casting, sheet metal fabrication and compression molding. We also support secondary machining, surface finishing and assembly according to your project requirements.
Can you support prototypes and production?
Yes. We support initial prototypes, low-volume builds and ongoing production. The manufacturing approach depends on your part design, material, order quantity and expected production life.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
HordRT has no fixed minimum order quantity. We review each project based on its manufacturing process and requirements. For molded or die-cast parts, tooling and setup costs affect the overall cost of smaller orders.
Which industries do you work with?
We work with customers in automotive, medical devices, robotics, industrial equipment, consumer products and other industries. Please share any application-specific standards or documentation requirements when requesting a quotation.
Can you recommend a manufacturing process?
Yes. Send us your part files, intended application, preferred material and estimated quantities. Our team can recommend a suitable process based on geometry, performance, cost and production needs.
How do I start a project with HordRT?
Email your available CAD files, drawings and requirements to rfq@hordrt.com. Include your preferred material, quantity, finish and target delivery date. Our team will review the information and follow up with any questions needed to prepare your quote.
QUOTATION & ORDER SUPPORT
Quotes & Orders
Find out what to send, what affects your quote and how to confirm your order.
What information do you need for a quotation?
Please provide your available 3D CAD files and 2D drawings, material specification, order quantity, surface finish and target delivery date. Include any critical tolerances, inspection requirements or special packaging needs. For tooling projects, please also share your expected production volume and tooling requirements.
Which file formats should I send?
STEP files are generally preferred for 3D geometry, with PDF drawings for dimensions, tolerances and technical notes. For sheet metal profiles, you may also include DXF files. If your files are in another format, let our team know so we can confirm whether they can be reviewed.
Can I request a quote without a complete CAD model?
Yes. Send the drawings, sketches, photos or sample information you have. Our team will review whether there is enough detail for an initial estimate. Final pricing and manufacturing approval may require confirmed geometry, dimensions and specifications.
What affects the price of my parts?
Pricing depends on the manufacturing process, material, part size and complexity, tolerances, quantity, surface finish and inspection requirements. Tooling, setup and secondary operations may also contribute to the cost. Sharing your expected quantities helps us assess suitable production options.
How long does it take to receive a quote?
Quotation time depends on project complexity and the completeness of your files. Projects involving tooling, multiple processes or special requirements may need additional engineering review. If you have a quotation deadline, please include it with your request.
Can you sign an NDA before I share my files?
If your project requires a non-disclosure agreement, send it to our team for review before sharing confidential files. Please wait until the agreement has been accepted and signed before submitting information covered by it.
How do I confirm an order?
Contact your HordRT representative to confirm the quotation, part revision, specifications, quantity and delivery requirements. We will then confirm the order documents, payment terms and any approvals needed before manufacturing begins.
Can I change my design after placing an order?
Please contact us as soon as possible and identify the revised files clearly. We will check the manufacturing status and assess whether the change can be incorporated. Changes may affect tooling, completed work, pricing and delivery dates, so revised terms must be confirmed before proceeding.
FROM TOOLING TO PRODUCTION
Tooling & Production
Explore mold options, trial samples and the steps toward molded part production.
How do I choose the right tooling option?
The choice depends on your material, part geometry, expected quantities and production life. Prototype tooling supports early validation, bridge tooling supports interim production, and production tooling is designed for ongoing manufacturing. Share your project plan so our team can recommend a suitable option.
How long does it take to make a mold?
Rapid tooling typically takes 10–15 days, depending on mold complexity and project requirements. More complex structures, special components or additional validation may require more time. Your quotation will specify the planned schedule and the approvals needed to begin.
Who owns the mold, and where is it kept?
Mold ownership, storage and transfer arrangements should be defined in your tooling agreement. For shared mold base systems, ownership of the custom inserts and use of the shared base should be clarified separately. Please confirm these requirements before placing your order.
Can you build a mold for production at my facility?
Yes. HordRT offers export tooling for production at your facility or a nominated molding supplier. Please provide the molding machine specifications, required tooling standards, connection details and documentation requirements before mold design begins.
Will you review my design before making the mold?
Yes. Our team reviews the part for manufacturability, including wall thickness, draft, undercuts, gate location and ejection. We will raise concerns and proposed changes for your review before the relevant design details are finalized.
Can I review samples before production begins?
Trial samples can be provided for review before production approval. The sample quantity, material, finish and inspection scope should be agreed in advance. Any required corrections or further trials will be reviewed with you before proceeding.
Do you offer insert molding and overmolding?
Yes. We support insert molding and overmolding, subject to part design and material compatibility. Send us the insert or substrate details, proposed molding material and functional requirements so we can assess positioning, retention and bonding needs.
Can an existing mold be modified for a design change?
Some changes can be made to an existing mold, while others require new inserts or a new tool. Feasibility depends on the revised geometry, mold construction and current condition. Our team will assess the change and confirm its effect on cost, timing and validation.
MATERIAL & SURFACE OPTIONS
Materials & Finishes
Find answers about material selection, surface treatments and appearance requirements.
What materials can you work with?
Material options depend on the manufacturing process. We work with engineering plastics for injection molding, metals such as aluminum and stainless steel for CNC machining, aluminum and zinc alloys for die casting, and sheet metals for fabrication. Please specify the required grade so we can confirm suitability and availability.
Can you help me select a material?
Yes. Share the intended application, operating temperature, mechanical loads, chemical exposure and appearance needs. Our team can suggest suitable options for review. Materials for regulated or safety-critical applications should be validated against your product requirements.
Can I specify a particular material brand or grade?
Yes. Include the manufacturer, full grade designation and any required properties in your quotation request. We will check availability and lead time. If an alternative is proposed, it will be submitted for your approval before use.
Can you provide material certificates?
Please specify the documentation you need when requesting a quote, such as a material certificate, supplier data sheet or compliance declaration. We will confirm what can be supplied for the selected material and sourcing arrangement before the order is placed.
What surface finishes are available?
Depending on the material and process, options may include bead blasting, polishing, anodizing, plating, painting and powder coating. Molded parts may use polished or textured mold surfaces. Our team will confirm which finishes are suitable for your part.
Can you match a specific color or texture?
Please provide a color reference, physical sample or recognized texture specification. Appearance depends on the base material, surface condition and finishing process. Where needed, we can discuss a sample approval step before production.
Will finishing affect the dimensions of my parts?
Some treatments add a coating, while others remove material or change the surface profile. Please identify critical dimensions, fits, threads and surfaces that require masking. Also specify whether tolerances apply before or after finishing.
How should I specify cosmetic requirements?
Mark visible surfaces on your drawings and specify the required finish, color, gloss or roughness where applicable. Reference samples and agreed acceptance criteria help clarify expectations for tool marks, molding marks and other visible surface features.
QUALITY & DOCUMENTATION
Quality & Inspection
Learn how inspection requirements, tolerances and approval criteria are defined.
How do you inspect manufactured parts?
Inspection methods depend on the part and agreed requirements. They may include visual checks, dimensional measurements, CMM inspection and blue-light scanning. Critical features and inspection frequency should be defined before production.
What tolerances can you achieve?
Achievable tolerances depend on the process, material, geometry and surface finish. Please mark critical dimensions and fits on your drawings. Our team will review feasibility and confirm the accepted tolerances during quotation and design review.
Can you provide dimensional inspection reports?
Please specify the report format, features to be measured, sample quantity and any required measurement methods when requesting a quote. We will confirm the reporting scope and any related costs before the order is placed.
How are cosmetic requirements checked?
Cosmetic inspection should follow agreed acceptance criteria. Please identify visible surfaces and provide reference samples or specifications where available. Viewing conditions and acceptable surface features can be agreed before production.
Which quality certifications does HordRT hold?
HordRT’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, ISO 13485:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. If your project requires a specific certification, please ask our team to confirm its applicable facility and scope.
Can you support special quality documentation?
Share your documentation requirements, customer templates and submission deadlines during quotation. We will review the requested scope and confirm what can be supplied, including any additional validation or inspection work.
Can you support cleanroom injection molding?
Yes. HordRT has an ISO Class 8 cleanroom for suitable injection molding projects. Please specify your cleanliness, handling, packaging and validation requirements so we can assess the application. Cleanroom manufacturing alone does not establish product sterility.
What should I do if I find a quality issue?
Contact your HordRT representative with the order number, part revision, affected quantity and supporting photos or measurement results. Keep the affected parts available for review. Our team will assess the issue against the agreed specifications and discuss the next steps.
SCHEDULES & DELIVERY
Lead Times & Shipping
Plan your project with clear production schedules and delivery requirements.
What determines the production lead time?
Lead time depends on the process, part complexity, material availability, quantity, finishing and inspection scope. Tooling and sample approvals may add separate stages. We will confirm the planned schedule for your project during order review.
When does the production schedule begin?
The start date depends on completion of the agreed prerequisites, such as order confirmation, payment, final file release and design or sample approval. Your representative will confirm the applicable conditions and planned start date.
Can you accommodate an urgent deadline?
Share your required delivery date when requesting a quote. We will check material availability, manufacturing capacity and the required operations to assess feasibility. Any expedited arrangements and additional costs must be confirmed before proceeding.
Does the quoted lead time include shipping?
Please check whether the quotation specifies a dispatch date or an arrival date. Manufacturing and transit times should be considered separately unless explicitly stated. Customs clearance and local delivery may also affect the final arrival date.
Can you ship to an international destination?
HordRT works with international customers. Provide the delivery address, postal code and any receiving requirements so we can confirm available shipping arrangements for your destination.
Can I use my own courier or freight forwarder?
Let us know if you prefer to arrange collection through your courier or freight forwarder. Pickup details, shipping documents and responsibility for transport should be agreed before dispatch.
How will my parts or tooling be packaged?
Packaging should suit the product, surface finish and transport method. Please specify any requirements for individual protection, labeling, moisture protection or special handling. Packaging arrangements for heavy tooling should be confirmed separately.
Who is responsible for duties and import taxes?
Responsibility depends on the delivery terms agreed in your quotation and order. Confirm the applicable Incoterm and named place, along with responsibility for freight, customs clearance, duties and taxes, before shipment.
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Questions?
Share your drawings, project details or manufacturing questions. Our team will help you clarify the next steps.
Include your material, quantity and target delivery date when requesting a quote.