MOQ & Lead Time Guide for Custom Robot Shells
One of the most common questions we get from robotics companies: "What's the minimum I can order, and how fast can I get it?" This guide breaks down everything you need to plan your production timeline and budget for custom PDCPD robot covers and shells.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
PDCPD RIM molding has a fundamentally different cost structure than injection molding. Because tooling pressure is under 1 MPa, we can use aluminum molds for low-volume runs — making MOQs as low as 50 pieces economically viable.
| Mold Type | MOQ Range | Tooling Cost | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Prototype) | 50–500 pcs | $3,000–$8,000 | 15–20 days |
| Aluminum (Low-Vol) | 500–2,000 pcs | $5,000–$12,000 | 18–25 days |
| Steel (Production) | 2,000–10,000 pcs | $20,000–$50,000 | 30–45 days |
| Steel (High-Vol) | 10,000+ pcs | $40,000–$80,000 | 35–50 days |
Full Timeline Breakdown
Here's the complete timeline from "we have an idea" to "parts in our warehouse":
Phase 1: Design & DFM (Days 1–7)
- Day 1–2: NDA execution, STEP file exchange
- Day 3–5: DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review
- Day 5–7: Mold-flow simulation, design iteration
Phase 2: Tooling (Days 8–28)
- Day 8–18: CNC machining of aluminum mold
- Day 19–22: Mold fitting, polishing, coating
- Day 23–25: First-article trial shot
- Day 26–28: Dimensional inspection, customer approval
Phase 3: Production & Delivery (Days 29–42)
- Day 29–38: Batch production (50–500 pcs)
- Day 39–40: Post-processing (trim, paint, QC)
- Day 41–42: Packaging, FOB Shanghai/Ningbo
Cost Structure Example: 200-Piece Robot Shell Run
| Cost Item | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Mold (amortized over 200 pcs) | $30/pc | $6,000 |
| Material (PDCPD resin) | $18/pc | $3,600 |
| Labor (molding + trimming) | $12/pc | $2,400 |
| Paint/coating | $8/pc | $1,600 |
| Packaging & domestic freight | $5/pc | $1,000 |
| Total | $73/pc | $14,600 |
Tips to Reduce Lead Time
- Provide clean CAD files — STEP or IGES format, no STL meshes. Saves 2–3 days of reverse-engineering.
- Accept stock colors — black, white, gray. Custom pigments add 3–5 days.
- Skip the CNC prototype if you're confident in the design. Go straight to aluminum mold.
- Order mold + first batch together — we can overlap production setup with mold finishing.
- Use our standard wall thickness (2.5 mm default) unless you have specific structural requirements.
When to Choose Steel vs Aluminum Tooling
The break-even point between aluminum and steel molds is approximately 2,500–3,000 pieces. Below that, aluminum is cheaper even accounting for shorter lifespan. Above that, steel's per-part tooling amortization wins.
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