FAQ | NetProto
Use these FAQs to understand how NetProto helps teams move from CAD upload to quote, manufacturability review, tooling decisions, production support, and delivery with fewer surprises.
Quoting
These answers cover what buyers usually need to know before starting a quote or uploading files.
Start by uploading your CAD file through the quote workflow and adding the key project details: material direction, quantity, finish expectations, tolerance needs, and timing. NetProto uses that information to review manufacturability and pricing assumptions.
A 3D CAD model is the most useful starting point. STEP or similar solid model formats are preferred for manufacturability review. Drawings can also be helpful when critical tolerances, materials, inspection requirements, or cosmetic notes need to be clarified.
Yes. Early review can be useful when you want feedback on moldability, geometry risk, or cost drivers before locking the design. If the model changes later, quote assumptions may need to be updated.
Share the intended material, expected annual or batch quantity, target lead time, cosmetic requirements, assembly requirements, critical dimensions, and whether this is prototype, bridge, or production work.
NetProto focuses strongly on plastic injection molding and related manufacturing paths, but project support may also involve tooling coordination, secondary operations, material guidance, and production planning depending on the part and program.
DFM and Design
These answers explain how NetProto reviews CAD files and helps teams make better manufacturing decisions.
DFM means design for manufacturability. For injection molding, it usually looks at draft, wall thickness, ribs, bosses, undercuts, parting lines, gate location, tolerances, material behavior, and other factors that affect tooling and part quality.
NetProto can flag common moldability risks and suggest what needs review. Some issues can be solved with design changes, while others may require tooling actions such as slides, lifters, inserts, or revised parting-line strategy.
NetProto can help frame material selection based on strength, flexibility, heat resistance, appearance, chemical exposure, compliance needs, and molding behavior. Final material choice should match the part function and operating environment.
Consistent wall thickness helps the part fill and cool more evenly, reducing sink and warpage risk. Draft helps the part release from the mold without dragging, scuffing, or damage during ejection.
Tight tolerances are possible in some areas, but they should be applied only where the function requires them. Material shrinkage, geometry, tool design, inspection method, and production volume all affect what is practical.
Tooling and Production
These answers cover what happens once a project moves from quote review toward mold build, sampling, and repeat production.
Major cost drivers include part size, geometry complexity, undercuts, tolerances, surface finish, material, cavity count, tool life expectations, sampling needs, and whether the design requires side actions or inserts.
Tooling lead time depends on the part, mold complexity, material, cavity count, and review cycle. Simple prototype or bridge tools are different from higher-volume production tools. NetProto can clarify timing once the CAD and project requirements are reviewed.
The project typically moves into sampling, inspection, DFM follow-up, and any required adjustments. First samples help confirm whether the tool, material, and process are producing parts that match the project requirements.
Yes. NetProto is built around helping customers move beyond the quote into execution, including project communication, production status, repeat orders, and coordination around quality or delivery needs.
Depending on the project, documentation may include dimensional inspection, first article review, material information, process notes, or other quality records. The right documentation should be discussed before production so expectations are clear.
Before You Ask
Having these details ready helps the team answer faster and avoid vague back-and-forth.
The model and drawings are the foundation for quote and DFM review.
Material choice should connect to how the part will be used.
Production assumptions change the tooling and pricing conversation.
These requirements should be clear before mold build or production approval.
Still Have Questions?
If your question depends on geometry, material, tolerances, or production quantity, upload your CAD file or contact NetProto so the answer is based on the real project.
