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Manufacturing FAQs

Get answers to common questions about our CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication services, including capabilities, materials, lead times, and more.

Manufacturing Faqs
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General

What services does 3ERP offer?

3ERP is a China-based rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing partner helping global clients accelerate product development.

Our core services include:

We support projects from concept through production.

Where are the parts manufactured?

All parts are manufactured and shipped from our facilities in China. We combine in-house production with a qualified partner network to ensure flexibility, scalability, and consistent quality.

How many machines do you have?

We operate a full in-house manufacturing setup with nearly 40 sets of CNC machines and inspection equipment, including 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centers, lathes, EDM, grinding machines, and CMM systems.
In addition, our partner network provides access to additional advanced manufacturing capacity when needed.

View 3ERP's equipment list

How do I get a quote?

To get a quote, click the “Get Instant Quote” button and upload your 3D CAD file.

We recommend STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs) formats for best results. You may also upload ZIP/RAR files containing multiple parts, 2D drawings, or reference images (PDF, PNG, JPG).

Our team will review your files and respond within 24 hours.

Does 3ERP offer finishing and secondary processing services?

Yes. We provide a full range of finishing and secondary processes to meet both functional and cosmetic requirements.

These services are available across CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and 3D printing.

Does 3ERP provide First Article Inspection (FAI) service?

Yes. First Article Inspection (FAI) is available as part of our quality assurance process for production runs and critical components to ensure dimensional accuracy and compliance before mass production.

What industries does 3ERP support?

We work with companies across a wide range of industries, including robotics, aerospace, automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial manufacturing. We support everything from rapid prototyping to low-volume production.

Which companies do you work with?

We work with startups, engineering teams, and global manufacturers across multiple industries.

Due to confidentiality agreements, we do not publicly disclose detailed client information, but selected case studies are available upon request.

Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

There is no strict MOQ requirement. We support everything from one-off prototypes to low- and mid-volume production runs.

How do you ensure part quality?

 to ensure consistent process control and traceable production.

Quality is maintained through in-process inspection, final inspection before shipment, and dimensional verification using CMM for critical features.

We also support customer-specific inspection requirements, such as dimensional reports, tolerance-based inspection, and first article inspection when required.

Do you provide DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback?

Yes. Our engineering team reviews your 3D CAD files and evaluates key manufacturability factors such as geometry feasibility, tolerances, and production efficiency.

DFM feedback is typically provided during the quotation stage or upon request for more complex parts.

How does 3ERP protect my design intellectual property?

We protect your intellectual property by signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before starting production. If you prefer to use your own NDA template, please send it to us for review and signing.

CNC Machining

What are the advantages of 3ERP's CNC machining services?

With over 15 years of CNC machining experience, we have served customers from multiple countries, providing fast and high-precision manufacturing solutions for prototypes and low-volume production (1–1,000 pieces).

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, we offer full in-house CNC capabilities, including 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining, turning, milling, and EDM, with strict quality control and CMM inspection.

Our sales engineers provide dedicated support throughout your project, from design review and quotation to production follow-up and final delivery, ensuring smooth communication and reliable results.

What materials can you machine?

We support a wide range of metals and plastics, including aluminum, stainless steel, steel, brass, copper, titanium, ABS, POM, nylon, and PEEK. Please check our materials page.

What is your typical lead time for CNC parts?

Delivery lead times depend on part complexity, quantity, and your location. Some parts can be delivered in as little as 3–5 business days.

What tolerances can you achieve in CNC machining?

We offer both standard and precision tolerances depending on part requirements and manufacturing process.

Standard tolerance follows ISO 2768 (medium or fine) and is used by default when no specific tolerances are provided in the drawing. Precision tolerances of up to ±0.01 mm can be achieved for critical features, depending on geometry, material, and machining method.

For more details, please see our guide on CNC Machining Tolerances and Standards.

What file formats do you accept for quoting?

We prefer STEP (.stp / .step), IGES (.igs), and STL files. 2D drawings (PDF/DWG) are also accepted for reference.

Do you offer surface finishing options?

Yes. We provide anodizing, powder coating, polishing, brushing, plating, heat treatment, and other custom finishes based on requirements.

Can you handle complex or multi-axis machining?

Yes. We have in-house 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers, including Haas, FANUC, and JingDiao equipment, to produce complex and high-precision parts.

Sheet Metal Fabrication

What sheet metal fabrication processes do you offer?

We provide a full range of sheet metal fabrication processes, grouped into three main categories:

  • For material removal, we offer laser cutting, water jet cutting, plasma cutting, and punching to accurately shape flat sheet metal parts.
  • For material deformation, we provide bending, stamping, and spinning to form parts into precise 3D geometries without removing material.
  • For assembly, we offer welding and final assembly services to build complete sheet metal structures.

What is the maximum sheet metal size you can process?

We can process sheet metal parts up to approximately 2500 mm × 1250 mm for laser cutting, depending on material type and thickness. For bending and forming processes, the maximum size may be limited by part geometry and forming requirements.

For larger assemblies or oversized parts, we can provide segmented fabrication and welding solutions.

What materials are available for sheet metal fabrication?

We work with a wide range of commonly used sheet metal materials, including aluminum, brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and galvanized steel.

What sheet thickness can you handle?

We can process sheet metal thickness ranges from 0.5 mm to 20 mm, depending on material and process requirements.

What is your typical lead time for sheet metal fabrication?

Lead time depends on part complexity and order quantity, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Simple prototypes and urgent parts can be delivered in as fast as 5 days.

Do you offer assembly services for sheet metal parts?

Yes. We provide in-house assembly services, including welding and mechanical assembly of sheet metal components into complete structures before shipment. We do not offer on-site installation at the destination.

Injection Molding

What injection molding services do you offer?

We provide mold tool making, rapid tooling, plastic injection molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding, as well as overmolding and insert molding for functional and multi-material parts.

We support low order quantities. Orders are accepted from single prototypes to full production runs. Fast delivery is available in as little as 7 business days, depending on project requirements.

What materials can you use for injection molding?

We offer a wide range of engineering-grade thermoplastics, elastomers, and fiber-reinforced materials for both prototyping and production, including ABS, PC, PC-ABS, PP, PA (Nylon), POM, PMMA, PE, PET, PBT, PPS, PEI, TPE, and TPV.

We also provide liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding for flexible parts and can support color matching and rapid tooling with aluminum or steel molds, depending on production requirements.

Do you manufacture injection molds in-house?

Yes. We provide in-house mold manufacturing for custom injection molds used in prototyping, short-run, and mass production.

We also support rapid tooling and offer end-to-end services from mold design and DFM review to fabrication and injection molding.

Can you support multi-cavity molds?

Yes. We support both multi-cavity and family molds for injection molding.

We design and manufacture precision tooling using CNC machining and EDM, with aluminum, soft steel, or hardened steel depending on production volume and requirements.

How long does it take to manufacture custom tooling?

Rapid tooling for prototypes can be completed in as few as 10 days. Custom injection mold tooling typically takes around 10–15 business days, depending on design complexity, material selection, and part requirements.

Production-grade molds using harder tool steels and requiring higher durability and tighter tolerances may take longer, typically up to 6–10 weeks, depending on tooling specifications and validation requirements.

3D Printing

What 3D printing services do you offer?

We offer a full range of 3D printing technologies, including FDM, SLA, SLS, SLM, MJF, PolyJet, Carbon DLS, and metal binder jetting.

What is the typical lead time for 3D printed parts?

Lead time varies depending on part complexity, quantity, and your location. For most regions, 3D printed prototypes can be completed within 3–5 days, with delivery times adjusted based on shipping distance.

What finishing options are available for 3D printed parts?

We offer a full range of post-processing options, including sanding to remove layer lines, painting (matte, gloss, or custom colors), texturing, labeling, metalizing, and electroplating.

Should I 3D print threads or use threaded inserts?

Threaded inserts are generally preferred for stronger, more durable threads, especially for functional or load-bearing parts, while printed threads are suitable for low-stress or prototype applications.

What’s the difference between rapid prototyping and 3D printing?

3D printing is a manufacturing process, while rapid prototyping is the application or outcome of quickly producing prototype parts.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process that builds parts layer by layer directly from a CAD file, unlike traditional methods such as CNC machining, which remove material from a solid block.

Rapid prototyping, on the other hand, refers to the fast fabrication of prototype parts for design validation and testing, using processes such as 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding, or urethane casting.

How large can 3D printed parts be?

Technically, 3D printed parts can be made in almost any size by producing them in multiple sections and assembling them after printing. With advanced design software, we can create precise interlocking or puzzle-style joints that ensure strong and accurate assembly after printing.

3D printing tolerances typically range from ±0.10 mm to ±0.30 mm, depending on the process, material, and part design. Minimum wall thickness starts from around 0.6 mm for resin printing and 0.8 mm for most industrial processes.

For detailed tolerances, clearances, and design recommendations, see our 3D Printing Design Guidelines.

Payment

What payment methods does 3ERP support?

We accept bank transfers, PayPal, and major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. For alternative payment methods, please contact our sales team to confirm availability based on your project and payment requirements.

When do I need to make a payment?

Payment is typically required before manufacturing begins. For standard orders such as prototypes, 3D printing, and CNC machining, full payment is required upfront, while larger projects such as injection molding and tooling may support milestone payments. Established customers with approved credit may apply for NET payment terms.

Do you support net payment terms?

Yes, net payment terms may be available for established or repeat customers with approved credit. Please discuss your payment requirements with our sales team during the quotation process.

Can I get a proforma invoice before payment?

Yes. We can issue a proforma invoice after order confirmation to support your payment process and internal approval procedures.

Is it possible to pay in different currencies?

Yes, we support several major currencies depending on your payment method and banking requirements. Please contact us to confirm the available currency options for your order.

Shipping

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We provide worldwide shipping for custom-manufactured parts and work with reliable global carriers to deliver orders to customers around the world.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We offer flexible shipping options based on your location, order size, and delivery requirements, including express services from carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Sea and air freight options are also available for larger or bulk shipments.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping times depend on the destination, shipping method, and order requirements. For most standard international express shipments, deliveries to North America and Europe typically take 2–4 days after shipment.

Our sales engineers will follow up on your shipment status and keep you updated throughout the delivery process. We will also remind you to complete customs clearance promptly to help avoid unnecessary delays.

Can I use my own courier account or preferred shipping provider?

Yes. If you have a preferred courier account or logistics partner, we can arrange shipment using your designated carrier.

Do you provide export documentation for international shipments?

Yes. All international shipments include necessary export documents, such as commercial invoices and packing lists, to help ensure smooth customs clearance.

About 3ERP

Is 3ERP legit?

Yes. 3ERP is a legally registered manufacturing company in mainland China with over 15 years of experience in precision manufacturing. Here’s why clients trust us:
  • Certified Quality System: ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System
  • Advanced Manufacturing Capability: Over 50 production machines and experienced engineering teams
  • Global Client Base: 2,000+ clients worldwide
  • Strict Quality Control: Full inspection from raw materials to finished parts
We are committed to delivering reliable, high-quality manufacturing services worldwide.

How long has 3ERP been in business?

3ERP was founded in 2010 in Zhongshan, China, and has over a decade of experience in rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. In 2013, we established our first dedicated manufacturing facility, enabling full in-house production control across CNC machining, injection molding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication.

What are 3ERP’s mission and core values?

Our mission is to turn ideas into real, manufacturable products quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively. Our “3Es” core values guide everything we do:
  • Excellent: Precision manufacturing with strict quality standards
  • Efficient: Fast turnaround without compromising accuracy
  • Economic: Cost-effective solutions for product development
We support clients from concept to final production with a focus on quality and speed.

What do customers say about 3ERP?

3ERP is trusted by companies across industries such as automotive, robotics, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. We have worked with clients including Google, Tesla, ABB, BMW, Lamborghini, Bombardier, and FLIR Systems, as well as many startups and engineering teams. Customers choose 3ERP for:
  • Reliable part quality
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Responsive communication
Quotes are typically delivered within 24 hours, and dedicated project managers support each project from quotation through delivery to ensure smooth execution. You can also view verified customer feedback on Trustpilot.

What is the advantage of working with 3ERP?

Clients choose 3ERP for:
  • High Precision: Parts manufactured to tight tolerances
  • Fast Turnaround: Quotes within 24 hours and efficient production
  • Strong Communication: Dedicated project managers for each order
  • Competitive Pricing: Cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality
  • Engineering Expertise: Support for complex and advanced designs
  • Reliable Delivery: Consistent performance from prototype to production
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