What is the production lead time for new connector die cast tooling?
What Is the Production Lead Time for New Connector Die Cast Tooling?
Overview of Die Cast Tooling for Connector Applications
Die cast tooling for electrical connectors must accommodate fine geometries, high part precision, and sealing features for EMI shielding or environmental protection. The tooling must also be capable of supporting medium to high-volume production while maintaining tight dimensional tolerances. Lead time for tooling development depends on connector complexity, cavity configuration, and required post-processing.
Typical Lead Time for Connector Tooling
At Neway, the standard production lead time for new connector die cast tooling is:
Simple single-cavity tools: 18–22 working days
Multi-cavity or complex insert molds: 25–35 working days
High-precision sealing or EMI enclosures: 30–40 working days (including mold flow analysis and thermal simulation)
This timeline includes:
Design review and DFM optimization: 2–3 days
3D mold design and approval: 2–4 days
Mold base and cavity steel machining: 10–15 days
Fitting, assembly, and debugging: 5–10 days
T1 sample submission and correction loop: 3–5 days
Factors Affecting Tooling Lead Time
Connector size and wall thickness
Undercuts or side-core mechanisms
Surface finish or plating readiness
Tolerance requirements for sealing or terminal interfaces
Prototyping and Bridge Tooling Options
To accelerate product validation, Neway offers:
Rapid prototyping with CNC-machined samples in 5–7 days
Bridge tooling for small batches within 15–20 days
Single-cavity soft molds for pre-production testing of sealing, plating, or EMI performance
Neway’s Connector Tooling and Production Support
Neway provides complete tooling and production services for connector parts including:
Precision tool and die making with in-house EDM and CNC
High-repeatability zinc die casting for EMI housings and terminal blocks
Integrated post-processing such as plating and CNC machining
Assembly and dimensional validation per connector specifications
