How fast can prototypes be delivered for custom gear projects?
How Fast Can Prototypes Be Delivered for Custom Gear Projects?
Typical Lead Time for Gear Prototyping
At Neway Die Casting, prototypes for custom brass gear projects can be delivered in as little as 10 to 15 working days, depending on gear complexity, alloy selection, and surface finish requirements. The timeline includes rapid tooling (or soft tooling), casting, CNC post-machining, and quality inspection—enabling fast design validation before mass production.
Prototyping Lead Time Breakdown
Process Stage | Time Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
Design Review & DFM | 1–2 days | Analysis of gear geometry, tooth profiles, tolerances |
Soft Tool Fabrication | 3–5 days | Temporary aluminum or steel tooling for die casting |
Brass Casting | 2–3 days | |
CNC Machining | 2–4 days | Bore finishing, tooth profiling, runout correction |
Surface Finishing (optional) | 2–3 days | Polishing or nickel plating for wear resistance |
Final Inspection & Shipping | 1–2 days | Dimensional verification, packaging, and dispatch |
Total Lead Time: 10–15 working days for most gear prototypes
Factors Affecting Delivery Speed
Gear Complexity: Spur and worm gears can be completed faster than helical or bevel gears requiring specialized profiling.
Material Choice: Brass alloys with good castability like C85800 accelerate cycle time.
Finish Requirements: Polished or plated gears may require additional days depending on layer thickness and drying cycles.
Common Use Cases for Gear Prototyping
Small mechanical transmissions (HVAC, robotics)
Low-noise actuator gears (consumer electronics)
Worm and spur gears in IoT devices
Rapid validation of pitch, backlash, and bore alignment
Inspection and Testing for Prototypes
All gear prototypes are verified against:
AGMA 8–10 / ISO 1328 gear profile standards
±0.02 mm pitch diameter tolerances
±0.01 mm bore alignment
Surface roughness (Ra) ≤ 1.6 µm on flanks
Customer-Oriented Gear Prototyping Services
Neway Die Casting offers fast, high-precision prototyping services for custom gear development:
Rapid Prototyping Services: Accelerated tooling and first-run gear production
Brass Die Casting: Durable gear alloys with excellent machinability
Post-Machining Services: High-accuracy bore and tooth finishing for performance validation
