OEM/ODM Custom Process: From Concept to Delivery
Step-by-step guide on how to start your custom carbon fiber project with carbonfactory.
Most first-time clients ask the same question on their first call: "What does the process actually look like, and how long is it going to take?" This guide is the same intake walkthrough we give every new account — file requirements, decision gates, lead times you can actually plan around, and the points in the timeline where most schedules slip.
OEM vs. ODM: Pick the Right Engagement Model
The terms get used interchangeably, but they describe two very different commercial relationships. Pick the wrong one and you either pay for engineering you do not need or skip engineering you do [1].
| Dimension | OEM (you design) | ODM (we design) | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design ownership | You | Manufacturer (white-label) or shared | You have a unique IP / brand |
| Lead time to first sample | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks | OEM if you have full CAD; ODM if not |
| Tooling cost | You pay (one-time) | Often included or amortized | OEM for unique geometry; ODM for catalog parts |
| Per-unit cost | Lower at scale | Higher (engineering bundled) | OEM for >500 unit volumes |
| MOQ | 50–500 (geometry-driven) | 50–200 (often lower) | ODM for small launches |
| IP protection | Strong with NDA + tooling clause | Weaker (shared base design) | OEM for protectable products |
Realistic Timeline From Inquiry to Delivery
A custom carbon fiber program is rarely "two weeks." Below is a true-to-life schedule for a moderately complex molded part, 200-unit first run.
- Day 0–3 — Inquiry & feasibilityYou send drawings or a brief; we review feasibility, flag DfM concerns, and propose materials.
- Day 3–7 — Quote & MOQDetailed quotation including tooling, sampling, and per-unit price at three volume tiers. NDA signed in parallel if requested.
- Day 7–10 — Deposit & kickoff30–50% deposit triggers tooling design and material procurement. Slot booked on the production calendar.
- Day 10–25 — Tooling & first sampleCNC mold cut, polished, and trial-pressed. First sample (T0) delivered for buyer inspection.
- Day 25–35 — Sample iterationT1/T2 corrections (if needed), final dimensional report, ply layup record, and visual sign-off.
- Day 35–55 — Mass productionBatch run with in-process QC: layup verification, cure cycle log, dimensional sampling.
- Day 55–60 — Final QC & shippingFull inspection, packaging, balance payment, dispatch via air/sea/express.
Files & Information We Need to Quote Accurately
- 3D CAD model — STEP (AP203/214) or Parasolid preferred.
- 2D drawing — PDF with dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, weave direction.
- Quantity — first-run quantity and projected annual volume.
- Application context — what the part does, environment, expected loads.
- Cosmetic spec — weave (3K twill / 12K twill / forged / UD), finish (matte / gloss / satin).
- Hardware list — any inserts, threaded bushings, magnets, NFC chips, etc.
- Target landed cost — give us a budget; we will tell you which trade-offs hit it.
- Compliance / certification needs — RoHS, REACH, ISO, FDA, ITAR, etc.
Tooling: One-Time Costs and How to Amortize Them
Tooling is the largest line item that surprises buyers. Our typical mold pricing for prepreg compression molding [2]:
| Mold type | Cost | Tool life | Break-even vs. CNC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum compression mold (single-cavity) | $1,500–$3,500 | ~3,000 cycles | ~80–120 parts |
| Steel compression mold (single-cavity) | $4,000–$9,000 | ~30,000 cycles | ~250–400 parts |
| Multi-cavity steel mold | $8,000–$25,000 | ~50,000 cycles | ~600–1,200 parts |
| Autoclave Invar tool | $15,000–$60,000 | ~10,000 cycles | Aerospace only |
The Sampling Loop
Almost every program runs at least one sample iteration. The loop below is the same one our QC team runs internally — adopt it on your side and you will catch problems before mass production locks them in [3].
- T0 — First articleMade on production tooling, full ply layup record. Use this to validate fit, weight, and cosmetics.
- Buyer inspection window (3 days)Compare to drawing. Mark any deviation in writing.
- T1 — CorrectionsTooling polished or re-cut as needed. Layup adjusted. New sample shipped.
- PPAP-style sign-offBuyer signs final dimensional report, weight, cosmetics. This document becomes the acceptance baseline for the entire production run.
Quality Control: What "QC" Should Actually Mean
Generic "100% inspection" claims are rarely meaningful. Insist that your supplier define QC checkpoints by name and provide records [4].
- Incoming material check: prepreg lot, expiry, areal-weight verification.
- Layup record per part: ply count, orientation, stack sequence.
- Cure cycle log: temperature/pressure trace, archived per batch.
- Dimensional inspection: critical dims with calipers/CMM, full FAIR on the first article.
- Visual: surface, fiber alignment, voids, white spots.
- Tap test or ultrasonic for structural parts: catches delamination invisible on surface.
- Random destructive testing (e.g., coupon tensile) on every Nth batch.
Shipping, Incoterms, and Customs
For most clients we quote three shipping options upfront: express (DHL/FedEx, 5–7 days), air freight (10–14 days), and sea freight (25–45 days). Incoterms decide who pays what — pick deliberately [5].
| Incoterm | Who pays freight | Who clears customs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Buyer | Buyer | Buyers with their own forwarder |
| FOB (port) | Buyer (from port) | Buyer at destination | Sea freight, experienced importers |
| CIF | Seller (to port) | Buyer at destination | Predictable port delivery |
| DAP | Seller (to door) | Buyer (duties) | Hands-off door delivery, tax handled by buyer |
| DDP | Seller (to door) | Seller (duties incl.) | First-time importers; highest seller cost |
Common Pitfalls That Slip Schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions our intake team fields most often.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
For CNC-cut flat parts, MOQ is effectively 1. For molded parts, MOQ is set by the cost of amortizing the mold — typically 50–200 pieces for a simple geometry, 200–500 for a complex one. We also keep some catalog tooling that lets clients order as few as 20 units of pre-tooled shapes.
Will you sign an NDA before I send drawings?
Yes. We have a mutual NDA template ready to go and are happy to use yours instead. We also recommend including a tooling-ownership clause so the mold cannot be used for any other client during or after your contract.
How is intellectual property protected during sampling?
We segregate active client tooling, watermark photos before any external use, and never publish customer geometry in marketing without written consent. For high-sensitivity programs we also sign individual NDAs with shop-floor staff handling your tooling.
Do you offer DfM (Design for Manufacturing) review?
Yes — DfM review is included in the quoting process. Our engineering team will flag wall-thickness issues, suggest fiber orientation, propose tooling-friendly modifications, and estimate cost savings from each change.
What payment terms do you offer?
Standard terms are 30–50% deposit on PO, balance before shipment. For repeat customers and orders above $50k we offer Net 30 against L/C or via established trade-finance partners. Smaller orders can be paid by wire, PayPal Business, or credit card.
Can you handle compliance certifications (RoHS, REACH, FDA)?
Yes for RoHS and REACH on standard prepregs — declarations are part of every commercial invoice. FDA / medical-device certifications require additional process documentation and are quoted separately. ITAR-controlled work is handled only through our US partner facility.
Sources & Further Reading
- ISO 9001 — Quality management systems requirements
- AS9100 — Quality Management System for Aviation, Space, and Defense
- IATF 16949 — Automotive QMS
- ICC — Incoterms® 2020 rules
- WIPO — Protecting Intellectual Property in International Manufacturing
- AIAG — PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) overview
- CompositesWorld — Manufacturing process selection
- Hexcel — Prepreg processing guide
- Toray — Composite manufacturing solutions
- EU REACH regulation overview
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
- CMH-17 — Composite Materials Handbook
