1 piece is a paid prototype, not a free sample. Material, machine time, finish, and export packing all happen. After the sample is reviewed, a small batch is quoted again. The AI reference price does not automatically lock into the unit price of the later batch.
The ordinary range is 1 piece for a sample, then tens to hundreds for a pilot run. Larger batches are reviewed case by case. Lead time uses the three tiers on the quote page: economy about 17 days (about 8 production + about 9 shipping), standard about 10 days (about 5 + 5), rush about 6 days (about 3 + 3). Samples and small batches usually go by courier. Larger, heavier repeat orders can go by sea. Rush is used when the material and the finish allow it.
Upload CAD for each specification, preview the split, have engineering confirm the complex spots, then Dongguan production after the confirmation and the payment node. Production days include process tier, finish, and inspection. Shipping days are written separately. If the first article needs FAI or CMM, select it on this prototype. If the geometry changes later, do not reuse the previous inspection documents.
The illustrations on the quote page are this rhythm, not independently verifiable customer cases: an end-gripper bracket from 1 piece to 30 pieces, pilot production about 5 days plus an air-freight illustration, about 10 days in total; a heat-sink plate from 20 pieces to 50 pieces, standard tier about 8–10 days (finish included). There are also quantity illustrations of a bracket at 25 pieces, a bushing at 12 pieces, a sheet-metal panel at 40 pieces, and a PEEK seat at 8 pieces. Lead time follows the three quote-page tiers. Do not infer your lead time from the illustrated quantities.
A concept sketch or a physical part, with no STEP or drawing, cannot go straight onto a production order. A concept sketch and a printed shape are shape reference only. Structure, material, and tolerances have to be filled in before a quote.
The quote scope is mill, turn, drill, five-axis, sheet metal, machined prototypes, and finishes. Casting, injection molding, die casting, and 3D printing are not on this list.
Upload the STEP for this one part, set the quantity to 1, and see the itemized reference price. Upload again when you are ready to increase the quantity. A reference price is not a contract.