Many customers start a project with only a product idea and reference materials—no 3D drawings, no modeling budget, and no clear place to find modeling resources. For this common scenario, YueHouDZ provides one-stop support from requirement clarification and structural confirmation to prototyping and mass production delivery. Below is the practical workflow and the information checklist we typically need.
I. What Silicone Product Do You Want to Make?
To evaluate faster and quote more accurately, we usually confirm and record the following:
- Product type: protective case, keypad/button, toy, silicone pad, silicone gasket/seal ring, etc.
- Application scenario: where will it be used, and what performance do you expect (anti-slip / sealing/heat resistance / tactile feel, etc.)?
- Temperature requirement: required high-temperature resistance (°C) and low-temperature resistance (°C).
- Material requirement: food-grade silicone or general-purpose silicone?
- Compliance & certifications: which standards/certifications are required (e.g., FDA, LFGB, RoHS, REACH, etc.)?
- Quantity forecast: first order quantity and estimated annual demand.
- Dimensions: key dimensions (preferably with critical tolerances).
- Secondary processing: whether you need soft-touch coating, logo silkscreen/printing, painting/coating, etc.
- Packaging: color box or OPP bag; individual pack or bulk; label/instructions/manual required or not.
YueHouDZ will organize and record these inputs as the basis for the quotation. For example, food-grade vs. general-purpose silicone has different costs; different quantities result in different unit prices. Also, once we know your initial quantity and annual demand, it’s easier to recommend a suitable mold plan (e.g., mold size and cavity number) to balance cost and efficiency.
II. Sign an NDA & Share Reference Materials
After we understand your general application, if you’re not ready to provide full reference images/details, we can first confirm whether you need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
After the NDA is signed, you can send reference images, hand sketches, links, or sample photos. We will use these materials to perform a structural evaluation.
III. Do You Provide 3D Modeling Services?
Yes. YueHouDZ can provide free modeling and drawing support.
Typical workflow: after understanding your application + references, we build a 3D model based on the dimensions you provide, and then deliver:
- 3D visual preview video (to help you confirm appearance and structure quickly)
- 2D dimensioned drawing for key dimensions (for dimensional confirmation)
During design, we may communicate several common engineering details, such as chamfers, wall thickness, demolding direction, reinforcing ribs, and assembly clearance. The goal is to make the part easier to manufacture, reduce risk, and minimize rework later.
IV. After Structure Confirmation: Mold Concept & Quotation
Once you confirm the final model, we move to the next stage: designing a mold plan based on product size and requirements.
If your estimated annual demand is high, we may recommend more cavities to improve efficiency. For example, a 1 mold / 4 cavities design means each compression-molding curing cycle can produce 4 parts. If the quantity is small and the budget is limited, we can reduce cavity count to lower the initial project cost.
The quotation typically includes:
- Prototype cost
- Mold/tooling cost
- Unit price
- Shipping cost (air freight / sea freight)
In general, for large or heavy products, we recommend sea freight to reduce cost significantly, although the transit time is longer.
V. After Quotation Confirmation: Make Samples First
After you confirm the quotation, YueHouDZ typically collects the prototype fee first and sends you a Proforma Invoice (PI) for the sampling stage.
If the sample is large and you do not need high-temperature or harsh testing, we usually do not recommend making samples directly by traditional compression molding (heat-cured solid silicone), because it is costly. Instead, we recommend 3D prototyping + vacuum forming (film forming) to confirm the structure first, which can often save about 50% of the prototype cost.
After samples are finished, we will ship them to you by air for evaluation. Whether to proceed to mass production depends entirely on your assessment of the samples.
VI. After Sample Approval: Mass Production & Delivery
Once you approve the sample, the project can enter mass production:
- Production mold manufacturing: usually about 25 working days. After the mold is completed, we will send photos or videos for your confirmation.
- Production lead time: based on the molding cycle time (how long one curing cycle takes) to estimate daily capacity, then calculate total production time according to your order quantity.
- Packing & shipment: after production, we pack according to the agreed requirements and confirm the shipping method. We will verify details with you via photos/videos. Once the tracking number is available, we will inform you immediately.
Summary
That’s the overall workflow. Throughout the process, you do not need extensive silicone engineering knowledge.
If anything is unclear, YueHouDZ will patiently explain the basics, highlight key precautions, and propose more suitable options—so your project can move forward smoothly.
