One steel tool path
- One DFM cycle before steel.
- One tool build window.
- One sampling cycle on production steel.
Lead time
Injection Molding Lead Time: What Sets the Clock
Lead time means different things on different lines of a program plan. Mixing them is how schedules slip quietly.
Two clocks
Tooling lead time is not production lead time
Injection molding lead time searches blend tool build, sampling, material lead, and shipping. Only the tooling portion has an approved public figure.
NetProto publishes tool build duration in business days with a qualifier. Production scheduling after the tool is released varies by program and is quoted per order, not as a site wide number. See injection molding cycle time for the shot clock, which is separate from tool build.
Definitions
Which clock you are measuring
| Clock | Starts | Stops | Public figure on NetProto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool build | Order and DFM acceptance | Hardened steel tool complete | 10 business days on qualified programs |
| T1 sampling | Tool complete | Customer approval criteria met | Program specific |
| Production order | Released tool and PO | Parts ship | Not published; use quote |
| Reorder | PO on existing tool | Parts ship | Not published; use quote |
Calendar math
Straight to steel versus staged tooling on the calendar
Count every gate, not just the first cut date.
Staged tooling path
- First tool build and sampling.
- Design freeze assumed before second tool.
- Second tool build and second sampling.
Schedule checklist
Inputs that shorten or lengthen the tool clock
CAD completeness when DFM starts.
Resin family chosen or narrowed.
Cosmetic and texture decisions settled.
Customer review turnaround on DFM and samples.
Track the program
See status after the quote
Online tracking reduces email chasing during the approved tool build window.
- Instant quote and DFM entry point
- Project tracking for qualified programs
- Same tool used when production starts
Related timing pages
/injection-molding-tooling/injection-molding-cycle-time
Cycle time versus lead time.
/injection-molding-tooling/injection-molding-cycle-time
/injection-molding-tooling/rapid-injection-molding
Speed trades in molding programs.
/injection-molding-tooling/rapid-injection-molding
/injection-molding-tooling/prototype-tooling
Validation tools and second qualifications.
/injection-molding-tooling/prototype-tooling/logistics-delivery
Shipping after production release.
/logistics-delivery
/injection-molding-tooling
Tooling hub.
/injection-molding-tooling/how-netproto-works
End to end flow.
/how-netproto-works
CAD ready for DFM
Tool build timing depends on how complete the CAD is when DFM starts.
Design for manufacturingFAQ
Lead time questions
Can you ship production parts in two weeks?
We do not publish production lead times. After the tool is released, request a production quote for schedule.
Does tool build time include shipping the mold to me?
The approved figure covers completed steel tool build. Mold export logistics are separate; see export molds.
What does on qualified programs mean for the 10 business day figure?
The 10 business day tool build applies on qualified programs and depends on part size and complexity. It is not a promise for every uploaded CAD file.
Does the 10 business day clock start when I upload CAD?
No. The 10 business days run from the order to the completed hardened steel tool on qualified programs, depending on part size and complexity. Uploading CAD starts the quote and DFM, not that clock.
Next step
Get a schedule tied to your CAD
Upload files for DFM and tooling timing on your part. NetProto manufacturing is ISO 9001 certified.